A corn crib, water trough, cattle pens and a stock pond hint at earlier days when horses kicked up dust, cows grazed and families planted gardens and cotton. Today, the ranch offers a place to experience both the culture and nature of the refuge on foot. Towering live oaks rise above frostweed that flowers in fall, just in time for the monarchs to find the nectar they need for their flight to Mexico.

Watch for birds along the flowing waters of Doeskin Branch. Walk through waist-high native grasses in the meadows. Climb up a ridge through the forest home of golden-cheeked warbler. Emerge on a windswept plateau overlooking the refuge.

Shin Oak Observation Deck

Viewers are welcome to stay and watch and listen for black-capped vireos from the comfort of an elevated, shaded gazebo set in the oak shinnery. The deck opens in late April, after the birds have set up nesting territories. Yellow-breasted chats, painted buntings and other colorful songbirds add to the visual and sensory feast.

Allow a leisurely full day to explore all sites. The refuge office is closed on weekends and federal holidays. The other three public use areas are open during daylight hours most every day of the year.