Bandon Marsh National Refuge
Bandon Marsh National Refuge is home to one of the United State's largest tidal salt marshes. Nearby Coquille River brings pelican, sandpiper, heron, falcon and Pacific golden plover to the refuge. Covering more than 889 acres, the national refuge's deck is open so visitors can explore the area from sunrise to sunset. The refuge is home to the annual Oregon Shorebird Festival, an event that attracts photographers and explorers from around the state. A 4,500-year-old Indian campsite, mudflats, marsh plants and tidal channels fill the area. From Coquille Point, visitors can watch wildlife in their natural environment. Educational programs are offered that explain Bandon's American Indian and wildlife histories.
Brandon Marsh National Refuge
83673 N. Bank Lane
Bandon, OR 97411
541-347-1470
fws.gov/oregoncoast/bandonmarsh
West Coast Game Park
Since 1968, the West Coast Game Park has been educating and entertaining visitors. Self-proclaimed as the United States' largest wild animal petting park, West Coast Game Park allows visitors to observe and film featured animals. Children and adults are permitted to pet animals including baby leopard cubs that were born at the park in late 2009. Tiger, lion, snow leopards, bear, cougar, camel and elk are a few of the animals at the game park. Visitors can purchase posters, toys and stuffed animals from the gift shop. Children under 2 years of age are admitted free. Senior citizens are given a discount. Call beforehand to confirm the park's hours of operation.
West Coast Game Park
46914 U.S. Highway 101 S.
Bandon, OR 97411
541-347-3106
gameparksafari.com
Bandon Dune Golf Resort
Bandon Dune Golf Resort is situated along the Oregon coast. Seawater laps off the resort edge while golfers finish the 18-hole course. Golf instructions and a practice course are available. Half hour and hour-long classes are taught by PGA professionals and include video, group and playing sessions. Men, women and children's T-shirts, caps and shirts are available in the gift shop. Posters, DVDs and gift cards can also be purchased at the gift shop. Overnight accommodations are available at the resort in four-bedroom cottages or at a resort-owned hotel. The resort's Gallery Restaurant, Tufted Puffin Lodge and Bunker Bar serve hot meals, wine and beer. Guests can also play a game of pool at the Bunker Bar. Hiking and beaches are moments away.
Bandon Dune Golf Resort
57744 Round Lake Drive
Bandon, OR 97411
541-347-4380
bandondunesgolf.com
Article Written By Rhonda Campbell
Rhonda Campbell is an entrepreneur, radio host and author. She has more than 17 years of business, human resources and project management experience and decades of book, newspaper, magazine, radio and business writing experience. Her works have appeared in leading periodicals like "Madame Noire," "Halogen TV," "The Network Journal," "Essence," "Your Church Magazine," "The Trenton Times," "Pittsburgh Quarterly" and "New Citizens Press."
