This waterway was formed 5000 years ago when the Mississippi River changed its course. The lake is surrounded by an old growth bald cypress forest which remains flooded year-round.
It was established as a Wildlife Refuge in 1961 providing habitat for migrating and wintering waterfowl. It is the former site of one of the most prestigious hunting clubs in the country (Wapanocca Outing Club) which sold the land to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.