The entrance road off of FM 3013 is a good place to start by slowing down to look and listen. Many times sparrows, Sedge Wrens, Upland Sandpipers, and other species in season can be seen and heard well right there. Driving towards the Visitor's Center, where there are restrooms and a parking area, continue on to the Auto Loop (4.2 mi). Stop from time to time to observe. Many birds can be seen on the road or in the grass just beside the road when observed from the car. Historical records of sightings will not give an accurate idea of what to expect when visiting now since the refuge has been greatly changed in recent years to protect the Prairie Chickens, so it is recommended to study eBird for target birds or for an idea of what birds might be found there in various seasons. Most of all, don't be in a rush. 

Attwater Prairie Chicken NWR is the top hotspot in Colorado County. The only access to the refuge is FM 3013 and much of the refuge isn't open to the public. There is a new Visitor's Center under construction that most likely will have staff prepared to answer questions, but for now the site is fairly remote and not heavily birded considering how many species have been seen here. A guided van tour once a month requires pre-registration. There is a site map on their website, but it includes areas not open to the public.

Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge was established to protect the critically endangered Attwater’s Prairie-Chicken, a ground-dwelling grouse of the coastal prairie ecosystem. Located approximately 60 miles west of Houston, Texas, this refuge is home to one of the largest remnants of native coastal prairie remaining in southeast Texas. Drive the auto tour or enjoy a nature walk on one of the trails to experience the beauty and tranquility of the tall-grass prairie.

Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1972 to provide habitat for one of the last populations of the critically endangered Attwater’s Prairie-Chicken, a ground-dwelling grouse of the coastal prairie ecosystem. This habitat once spanned over 6 million acres from Corpus Christi to southwest Louisiana, but now less than 1% of this fragmented coastal prairie remains. With so little of its home left, the Attwater’s Prairie-Chicken has become one of the most endangered birds in North America. The 10,541-acre refuge offers one of the last hopes for survival of this charismatic bird.

Horseshoe Lake Trail (0.85 miles): Horseshoe Lake Trail just before the auto loop begins is the only remaining body of water on the refuge, so that's a good place to look for water birds. It's a short easy walk from the small parking area there, across a metal bridge over a creek, and up a small hill to view the lake. There are several trails leading off of the main trail to the lake.

 Sycamore Trail (1.2 miles)