Summer is over, and the fall festival season has kicked off in Louisiana. The season in Louisiana brings a variety of eclectic food, music and cultural festivals. Sip on a pumpkin spiced latte and enjoy the unique culture and sounds of the south this fall.   Fall Festivals – The Fall Festival line up ensures there's something for everyone. For literary lovers, the Louisiana Book Festival is a world class literary celebration and the largest book festival in the state. The festival is bookworm’s dream to meet celebrated writers, and enjoy thought-provoking presentations. There are varied activities plus food and live music all day long. If music is your thing, head to the Festival Acadiens et Creoles that takes place in October to discover Lafayette's unique cultural heritage. It's a free three-day festival of nonstop music, dancing, food as well as crafts. It’s a genuine Cajun and Creole experience like no other. Art enthusiasts will love the Red River Revel Arts Festival in Shreveport, which is north Louisiana's largest arts festival.   Road Trips - Fall is the perfect time for a road trip through Louisiana, with 19 Scenic Trails and Byways to choose from. Each route weaves through the state, allowing travelers to learn about the distinct cultures in each area. Each path presents a little taste of everything for visitors to soak up. Take in the scenery through Louisiana's bayous, gardens, and wildlife refuges. Learn about enriching history and stories at local eateries, dance halls, and the "Cajun Music Capital of the World," a stop on Zydeco Cajun Prairie Byway.   Film fans can check out the Cane River National Heritage Trail and stop by the Steel Magnolia House Bed and Breakfast in Natchitoches, where Steel Magnolias was filmed. It is now part of the Louisiana Film Trail, or take the Northup Trail and learn the fascinating true story behind Twelve Years a Slave. https://www.explorelouisiana.com/  

 

A Sportsman's Paradise

The ultimate playground

Sure, that’s a lot to live up to. But with thousands of hiking and biking trails, beautiful State Parks, and one of the largest game preserves in the United States, Louisiana is the ultimate playground for all outdoorsmen. Our vast expanse of coastal wetlands and countless birding trails make our state a habitat for many rare and endangered species and a natural paradise for bird watchers as well. Come step into the wild outdoors of Louisiana.  

Tease Your Taste Buds and

Feel the Rhythm

Dive into our visual stories and learn more about Louisiana's culinary culture with tourism experts representing Louisiana, New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Lafayette.  

  Enjoy natural Louisiana scenery from a different vantage point - on the water!   Louisiana is about 52,000 square miles and about 15 percent is water—inland lakes and swamps, coastal marshlands, scenic small rivers, canals and bayous (slow-moving streams). The best way to experience Louisiana’s waterways and the animals and plants that call them home is by canoe, kayak or paddleboard. Paddling Louisiana’s waters, you’ll pass under mysterious canopies, see elegant birdlife and even brush past the occasional alligator along quiet labyrinthine bayous, rivers and sloughs that cover the state in a liquid network. Here are some ideal places to paddle your way throughout the state.   In south Louisiana, the Cajun Coast Paddling Trails are seven routes through 170,000 acres of designated wildlife management areas in St. Mary Parish. It is a must-do for paddlers who also enjoy birding. In Lafayette, check out the Bayou Vermilion Paddle Trail in the Bayou Vermilion District, where recreation areas, boat and canoe launches, and areas of historical interest are highlighted. In Lake Charles, Lake Area Adventures offers kayak rentals - including tandem kayaks and fishing kayaks, in addition to tours through some of the most scenic views of the Lake Charles area. Tours are available for every skill level. Mittie, north of Lake Charles, is the town to look for — it bills itself as the canoe capital of Louisiana. Whiskey Chitto Creek is another popular spot, and there are plenty of rental options. Tickfaw State Park near Springfield offers paddlers the opportunity to explore cypress and tupelo swamps, bottomland hardwoods and mixed pine and hardwood forests all on display for paddlers on the Tickfaw River. Fairview-Riverside State Park in Madisonville, right on the Tchefuncte River, is a great spot for great paddling, boating and fishing. Just two miles away by road and a few minutes by water is the Madisonville public boat launch. Many visitors use the launch for access to the calm waters of the Tchefuncte River or the exhilarating expanse of Lake Pontchartrain. In the Southeast corner of the state, Grand Isle State Park offers the opportunity to canoeing or kayak in the Gulf waters. For a purely urban paddling experience, check out Bayou St. John, where you can paddle through the calm water of a scenic waterway and enjoy the scenery right inside the city of New Orleans. The short route takes you through a historic residential area along both banks of the bayou with interesting neighborhood views.   Within the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area lies the Bayou Teche National Water Trail. The Bayou Teche, a 135-mile-long waterway, was added to the National Water Trail System in 2015 as the 17th water trail in the country and the first in Louisiana. Also in the Atchafalaya area, Lake Fausse Pointe State Park offers canoe rentals. Lake Fausse Point State Park in the Atchafalaya Basin near St. Martinville has marked paddle paths through the cypress stands on the lake as wells as nice overnight cabins. Venture down one of the sites along the Atchafalaya Water Heritage Trail, including Bayou Plaquemine in Iberville Parish. Paddle along the bayou that early Louisiana explorer Iberville wrote about in his journal around the late 1660s.  In places around the area, like the Henderson Swamp in the Atchafalaya Basin, you’ll spot gorgeous birdlife like egrets, herons and roseate spoonbills.   Up in central Louisiana, the possibilities are endless for paddlers on the Tensas River Paddle Trail and adjacent bayous, backwaters and tributaries. While paddling from the Fool River Boat Launch to the Ben Lilly Boat Launch is 15.2 miles, beginning paddlers or someone with only an hour or two to paddle can launch at Fool River Boat Ramp, paddle as far as you want on Fool River Lake, and then turn around. Depending on seasonal water levels, Toro Bayou in Sabine Parish offers easy to moderately difficult whitewater paddling. The fishing is excellent, so pack the rod and reel. North and South Toledo Bend State Parks, located on either side of the Toledo Bend Reservoir, offer scenic, waterfront views from many vantage points. While the reservoir is nationally recognized as a destination for bass fishing tournaments, visitors can also enjoy other water sports and outdoor recreational activities. The Saline Bayou National River Corridor is located west of Louisiana Highway 1233, just north of Saline Lake. The bayou is ideal for quiet canoeing, floating and fishing, and the wooded area offers various launching points, including Cloud Crossing Recreation Complex.   And in north Louisiana, Lake Bistineau State Park, situated on the western shore of Lake Bistineau, offers beautiful vistas and outstanding recreational facilities. An 11-mile canoe trail offers lovely views of the hardwood forest, and stands of cypress and tupelo trees. The park has two boat launches and a beach. Canoe and kayak rentals are available. Bayou Bartholomew’s 365-mile path from the middle of Arkansas through Louisiana is said to be the longest bayou in North America. For an abbreviated experience, try an eight-mile path through Morehouse Parish that tours a 1,000-year-old cypress swamp. Keep your eyes peeled for “The Castle”, an impressive hollowed-out cypress tree.  Poverty Point Reservoir State Park features a 2,700-acre, manmade lake perfect for a variety of water activities. As on many large bodies of water, wind can make for difficult paddling, but if you stick close to the shoreline you can explore the coves and inlets as you enjoy the scenery. Consider using a sea kayak here, or schedule your paddling early or late in the day when the conditions may be more favorable. A day of serene canoeing or kayaking is guaranteed at Lake Claiborne State Park. Bring your own or enjoy the convenience of renting one on the premises. You'll even find primitive canoe campsites in this park.   Learn more at LouisianaPaddle.com.

    Sure, there are the famous Gulf Coast beaches throughout the Southeast. But here in Louisiana, we have some gorgeous sandy spots of our own – they’re just a little less well-known. While the Spring Breakers amass in Panama City and Galveston, such unexpected oceanside treasures in Grand Isle and Cameron Parish offer more nuanced surprises. Check out some of south Louisiana’s best beaches, and see another side of the Pelican State.  

  You don't have to leave behind your comforts of home to rejuvenate in nature. If you’ve been to one of the nearly two dozen Louisiana State Parks, then you know the kind of relaxation and inspiration that only the Bayou State can offer. And if you haven’t been yet, prepare yourself for an unforgettable adventure. Discover a world where you can kayak and paddleboard through bayous under the canopy of cypress trees, cast a line into the crystal-clear waters of one of the South’s largest lakes, and spend some quality beach time in the Gulf waters at Grand Isle. Our state parks are great for day trips, but you must consider taking advantage of the many overnight options on offer as well. There are countless ways to enjoy Louisiana State Parks, and there are quite a few ways to stay, too. Overnight guests can camp au naturel in backcountry tent sites, pull up an RV to a cozy wooded spot with full hookups, or sleep in a rustic cabin on the lake. Louisiana has the perfect options for you to enjoy our Sportsman’s Paradise!   If you are driving in your own accommodations, you can take your pick of almost any state park. Favorite parks among RVers are Fairview-Riverside State Park on Louisiana’s Northshore, a quiet retreat 45 minutes from New Orleans, and Lake Claiborne State Park up north between Shreveport and Monroe with all its fun water activities, including fishing its well-stocked freshwater lake. Chicot State Park situates you in the middle of the state so you can hub-and-spoke out to any of your favorite cities. Additionally, the Louisiana State Arboretum next door offers walking trails, nature programs and children’s activities. Tent camping, like real estate, is all location, location, location. South Toledo Bend State Park on Louisiana’s western border has five tent camping spots on a bluff overlooking the Toledo Bend Reservoir, a picturesque body of water nationally renowned for its bass fishing.   Louisiana is a haven for equestrian enthusiasts featuring miles of serene trails crisscrossing the state. Imagine riding through cypress swamps located just a short drive from New Orleans, or sauntering up a well-worn path deep in the pine forests of the northern part of the Bayou State. Here, you’re never more than a few hours’ drive from breathtaking views you can see from your saddle. Bogue Chitto, on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain has 14 miles of designated horse trails that wind through a variety of terrains, from the shoreline of the sandy Bogue Chitto River to the tupelo-cypress forests that surround it. Bring your horse and ride the trails, or stop by Rocky Bottom Tubing and Canoeing (located inside the park) to embark on a lazy afternoon of fun on the water. Get birds-eye views of the landscape at Chemin-A-Haut State Park, a popular yet secluded north Louisiana park with hilltop trails surrounding Bayou Bartholomew. Bring your horse and explore eight miles of horse trails, and take time to hang out with the kids at one of the park’s playgrounds or swimming complex. Lake Bistineau State Park is located just 30 miles from Shreveport, making it the ultimate day trip for horseback riders visiting northwest Louisiana. The park features a variety of landscapes, from hardwood forests to stands of cypress and tupelo trees, to the namesake lake itself. Six miles of equestrian trails wind through the park, and after a long day, visitors and their horses can bed down at specially designated horse-friendly campsites. Other highlights of Lake Bistineau State Park include an 11-mile-long canoe trail and a disc golf course.   Not quite into the camping scene? Just looking to dip your tow in and test it out? Now, there’s one more option to add to that list of accommodation options: glamping. That’s the shorthand term for luxury camping, where creature comforts are put front-and-center, and your camp host — in this case, Louisiana State Parks — takes care of campsite logistics. Louisiana State Parks has partnered with Tentrr, a company that specializes in creating private camping experiences by connecting nature lovers with private and public landowners. When you arrive at your site (pre-booked through Tentrr.com or ReserveLaStateParks.com), you’ll find a safari-style canvas tent already set up, with a queen-size bed, tent heater, camp table and benches, Adirondack chairs, fire pit, grill and sun shower. Tentrr and Louisiana State Parks have taken the guesswork and hassle out of camping, helping guests make the most of their Louisiana outdoor adventure. Louisiana State Parks that have Tentrr reservations available include Bogue Chitto State Park in Franklinton, Chicot State Park in Ville Platte, Fontainebleau State Park in Mandeville, Jimmie Davis State Park in Chatham, Lake Claiborne State Park in Homer, Lake D'Arbonne State Park in Farmerville, Lake Fausse Pointe State Park in St. Martinville, South Toledo Bend State Park in Anacoco, and Grand Isle State Park. While your hosts want you to have a comfortable stay, they also want you to stay safe. In fact, most campsites within Tentrr’s extensive international network are surrounded by 10 acres, offering more privacy for its guests, naturally. Sites are thoroughly cleaned before and after each stay, and offer a self-check-in feature as well.   At Poverty Point Reservoir State Park, cast a line, watch for exotic waterfowl and keep an eye out for elusive black bears at this northeast Louisiana outpost. Poverty Point Reservoir is a 2,700-acre man-made lake set against a backdrop of the wide, flat Mississippi Delta bottomlands. It’s a haven for anglers, birdwatchers, families, weekend adventurers and I-20 travelers looking to explore rural north Louisiana. There’s much in store for those groups and more. Largemouth bass, sac-à-lait (crappie), catfish and bluegill are plentiful in these waters, and on weekends, you’ll find boaters casting lines from dawn ’til dusk. Birders also flock to Poverty Point Reservoir State Park. Because this section of Louisiana is part of the Mississippi Flyway (one of the main migratory routes through the continental U.S.), both native and exotic bird species can be spotted within the park. One of the best vantage points for birdwatchers is on the half-mile-long trail bordering Bayou Macon. On the trail, you may be fortunate enough to spot one of the park’s shyest friends: the Louisiana black bear, which in early 2016 was removed from the federal endangered species list. Tread lightly, and be sure to safely store all food and refuse. Bear-proof containers are available for park visitors. Overnight visitors are in for a treat, thanks to the man-made peninsulas stretching into Poverty Point Reservoir that contain waterfront cabins. Choose from one of eight deluxe cabins or four lodges. At the park’s south end, more than 50 RV campsites are available. Attractions outside the park tend to focus on outdoor activities. Black Bear Golf Course in Delhi is part of Louisiana’s celebrated Audubon Golf Trail, and nearby Poverty Point World Heritage Site features over 3,000-year-old Native American mounds and artifacts.   Learn more at ExploreLouisiana.com or LAStateParks.com.

  St. Tammany Parish, also known as The Northshore, is a quaint yet booming area just a short distance from New Orleans.   Get an up-close look at the Northshore’s natural grandeur with a walk or bike down the Tammany Trace. The 31-mile Tammany Trace is a rails-to-trails conversion was once a corridor for the Illinois Central Railroad, and many of the markers along the path were actual train stations. Along this stretch you’ll see quiet bayous teeming with wildlife (look out for alligators and amazing amounts of birds), remodeled railroad trestles, pedestrian bridges and the charming towns of Mandeville and Abita Springs. If you don't have a bicycle, don't worry. Brooks Bike Co-Op and Museum has rentals in Historic Mandeville, directly next to the lakefront. Park your car, rent a bike for the desired time and go explore. You can venture on your own, or arrange for a guided tour based on your interests!   Just three miles from Mandeville is Fontainebleau State Park, a convenient and scenic getaway with some truly spectacular kayaking. Fontainebleau is a park with a past. It was once the site of a large sugar mill built under the direction of Creole planter and senator Bernard de Marigny in 1829. Marigny’s plantation fell into disrepair long ago, but today you can tour the brick structures that remain. You’ll also learn more about the illustrious man himself inside the park’s visitor center, where handmade tools and furniture are on display. Outside the visitor center you’ll find a pier stretching over enormous Lake Pontchartrain, a prime spot for sunset-watching. A man-made beach offers sunbathers a chance to catch some rays, and for younger visitors, a water playground is open seasonally. An old rail line at the north end of the park has been converted into part of the Tammany Trace, a 27-mile path that visitors can walk, bike or horseback ride through. By the way, this and the other trails in Fontainebleau State Park offer fabulous chances to see some of the more than 400 species of birds and other wildlife that live or migrate through the park. Relax in comfort after a day of hiking, biking and birding at one of the primitive campsites, cabins or RV sites. You may also indulge yourself with a stay at one of the park’s waterfront cabins overlooking Lake Pontchartrain.   Over in Madisonville, Fairview-Riverside State Park occupies some of the prettiest real estate you’ll find on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain. This is thanks in part to its dozens of crystal-clear streams, of which the Tchefuncte River is arguably the most photogenic. The Tchefuncte runs through the park, offering scenic vistas that entice pro and amateur photographers alike. The waterway has the kind of wildlife typical to the Northshore wetlands. You may see alligators and migratory birds while ambling down the boardwalk overlooking the swamp. Fairview-Riverside State Park has more in store for outdoorsmen and day trippers alike. Fishermen frequently catch bass, bluegill, redfish, speckled trout and other species in the park, from shoreline or boat. Crabbing in the river is another popular pastime, and casual hikers will enjoy the trails overlooking the Tchefuncte. One of the park’s main attractions isn’t a natural feature at all, but a historical home reminiscent of Louisiana Travel’s heyday. Otis House was built in the 1880s for a sawmill owner, later purchased and renovated by house namesake Frank Otis, and, upon Mr. Otis’ death, it was bequeathed to the State of Louisiana with the request that it become part of a state park. Today, Otis House is open for tours, Tuesdays through Saturdays. Fairview-Riverside State Park offers 101 RV campsites, with water and electrical hookups. Whether you stay the night or not, make time to visit nearby attractions such as the Insta-Gator Ranch and Hatchery in Covington, the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum and Research Center in Madisonville, or the Dew Drop Jazz & Social Hall in Mandeville.   Cane Bayou slithers through St. Tammany Parish between the towns of Mandeville and Lacombe, and offers one of the wildest rides you’ll find in southeast Louisiana. This is pristine Louisiana wilderness, where massive cypress trees emerge from the swamp, and roseate spoonbills and eagles make their nests. There are multiple launch sites and numerous outfitters, such as Bayou Adventure, so getting on the water is easy. Head to Slidell for even more adventure, climb aboard a flat bottom boat and traverse through flooded forests and around giant cypress trees as you go deep into the Honey Island Swamp ecosystem. On your two-hour tour, your knowledgeable captain will tell you all about the flora and fauna of Louisiana, throw in a little culture and history, and introduce you to resident alligators of the Honey Island Swamp. Keep your eyes peeled for the legendary Honey Island Swamp monster!   A full day of paddling and biking requires a little bit of rest and relaxation. What better solution than a leisurely pontoon tour on the Tchefuncte River? Area expert Captain Mike with Louisiana Tours and Adventures can accommodate. And with easy access to the Rigolets, Lake Borgne, Lake Catherine, Lake Pontchartrain, Biloxi Marsh, as well as rigs, reefs, and bridges, there are more than a dozen experienced charter captains launching out of Slidell. Each captain shares his secret spots, favorite baits and tricks.   What’s better than having an outdoor excursion and dining experience merge? Situated across the Bogue Falaya River from downtown Covington, The Chimes offers some of the most spectacular views of any waterfront dining destinations you’ll find. The Cajun and Creole traditions are strong here, with menu items that include everything from boudin to alligator. Combine your trip to The Chimes with a leisurely paddle down the Bogue Falaya — local outfitter Canoe & Trail Adventures launches from The Chimes’ boardwalk. Experience elegance at the Tchefuncte River waterfront, courtesy of its namesake dining destination. Tchefuncte’s Restaurant, located in Madisonville, offers top-tier dining with a focus on local ingredients. Dine on roasted snapper, blackened tile fish and other Gulf of Mexico delicacies while overlooking one of the region’s most scenic waterways. In Mandeville, The Barley Oak serves up local craft, specialty and seasonal beers overlooking Lake Pontchartrain. Pair your pint with snacks like Cajun or German sausage platters, or fill up on the likes of a bratwurst dog, smoked brisket sandwich or juicy burger. Right down the road, you’ll find Rip's on the Lake, which specializes in mouthwatering seafood dishes. Rip’s has been a local favorite for decades, and is the perfect place to dine al fresco and savor that Lake Pontchartrain breeze. Or, let loose at T-Rivers Bar and Grill – a popular family-friendly spot on the Tchefuncte serving up pizzas, po’boys, fried seafood, raw oysters and more along with jammin’ live music. And over in Slidell, Palmettos on the Bayou (Bayou Bonfouca, to be exact) is the place to be. This charming venue offers classic Creole cuisine with fresh Louisiana ingredients. Enjoy dinner indoors surrounded by swamp murals, or take it outside on the climate-controlled deck for its famous weekend Brunch with live music. Nearby, Phil’s Marina Café in Slidell offers a wide menu of seafood dishes and Italian fare with prime views of Lake Pontchartrain.   The Northshore is also a hot spot for local markets. The Mandeville Trailhead Community Market is an outlet for over 75 crafters, jewelers, artists, farmers, and food processors to sell their wares directly to the public. The Covington Farmers Market has an abundance of fruits and vegetables, grass-fed beef and free-range chickens, fresh seafood, dairy, honey, herbs, baked goods and prepared foods such as fresh pasta, juices, homemade soups and more. Or grab fresh locally grown produce, local wild caught seafood, baked goods, art and crafts, and locally made personal care products at the Abita Springs Art & Farmers Market.   The Northshore is the perfect outdoor haven right outside the hustle and bustle of the Big Easy. Learn more at ExploreLouisiana.com.

  Louisiana’s River Parishes encompasses an area of Louisiana stretching from the outskirts of New Orleans following the Mississippi River Road extending to the outskirts of the Baton Rouge area. Visitors have so many things to do at their fingertips - explore historic plantation estates, delve into the mysteries of the swamps, eat your fill of andouille sausage, discover the history of perique (a rare blending tobacco cultivated in the area) or even catch catfish at Lac des Allemands – the French translation for “Lake of the Germans.” After all, The Town of Des Allemands is known as the Catfish Capital of the Universe. Needless to say, you’ll find activities for everyone in the River Parishes area. Follow this rough itinerary for how to spend your time in the River Parishes.   For breakfast, Coffee & Norco is a 24-hour cafe and bakery serving up all the favorites - from a wide variety of donuts and specialty pastries to breakfast sandwiches, omelets, French toast and shrimp & grits. Grab a coffee brewed to perfection or a melt-in-your-mouth donut to start your day at Café Perique in Gramercy. Don't have a sweet tooth? Try their classic southern breakfast items - including biscuits, grits, eggs and more. Or Chung's Heavenly Cafe offers a variety of breakfast options like breakfast croissants, omelets, sausage kolaches, or beignets.   Experience the Louisiana swamps in style with tour companies such as Swamp Adventures, Cajun Pride Swamp Tours, Ragin Cajun Airboat Tours and Wild Louisiana Tours. With years of experience, the crews are an ideal choice to share the area's culture and heritage with visitors. Take an intimate, yet thrilling ride in premium airboats, soak up the stories and see what critters you can spot.   Or, get out on the water and book a trip with Captain Casey of Precision Fishing Charters. Primarily launching out of Cocodrie from March through September - PFC fishes the bays, outer bays, lakes, near coastal islands as well as the many oil/gas platforms that are the perfect habitat for hungry speckled trout during these months. From October through February, they launch out of Bayou Dularge, a little farther North where the trout move to the inside fresher waters. You’ll also have the chance to catch red drum, black drum, sheepshead, flounder, shark and bull reds. PFC caters to all skill levels and is a great choice for family fun.   With ZipNOLA - zip over the Maurepas Swamp with 5 separate ziplines totaling a half mile. View wildlife including: alligators, turtles, waterfowl, whitetail deer, wild boar, racoons and more from the treetops. From atop their 60-foot start tower, adventure-seekers will be able to see the historic village of Frenier, Lake Pontchartrain, as well as the skyline of New Orleans.   For lunch, check out B&C Seafood for an authentic taste of Cajun home cooking. For those looking for Louisiana classics, order up a bowl of seafood gumbo, while adventurous eaters can try out frog legs or smoked rabbit gumbo. Creole House in Paulina is a casual eatery serving up the classics. Try a juicy burger, fresh seafood platter, or a finger-licking po'boy. The specialty of Spuddy's Cajun Foods is their house-smoked meats, including the regional favorite - andouille sausage. For a real treat, schedule the Spuddy's Cajun Cooking Experience, where you can go back into the kitchen and learn to make traditional Cajun food yourself.   The Bonnet Carré Spillway Trail, also known as the Nomambo Mountain Bike Trail, is a prime biking attraction in the area. Found on the outskirts of Louisiana’s largest city, the Bonnet Carré Spillway Trail is an easy five-mile trail that is great for families looking to see Louisiana’s outdoors without venturing far from the Crescent City. Expect to find bridges and berms, and a few twists and turns.   Explore over 200 years of history at Oak Alley Plantation in Vacherie. From its sprawling oaks and open spaces to its hidden nooks and crannies, Oak Alley’s landscape tells the story of a plantation in its evolution. Wide pastures stand where a pecan grove once thrived, and a 1920’s formal garden quietly preserves the remains of an 1830’s kitchen hidden under its turf. See the Big House, the Slavery Exhibit, the Sugarcane Theatre, and the Blacksmith's Shop - a tribute to the enduring legacy of Louisiana craftsmen, sharing the history of forging metalwork on plantations.   Established in 1787 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Destrehan Plantation remains the oldest documented plantation home in the Lower Mississippi Valley. Special exhibits including an original document signed by Thomas Jefferson and an exhibit on the 1811 Slave Revolt.   The top-rated plantation tour at Laura Plantation transports you into the complex and intimate relationships of four generations of one Louisiana Créole family, both free and enslaved. Laura's permanent exhibit examines, in biographical detail, the lives of Africans on the plantation, from enslavement into the 20th century.   Finish the day at Frenier Landing Restaurant - located on the west shore of Lake Pontchartrain in LaPlace. The alligator sausage with creole mustard or fried crawfish tails are great appetizers, and notable entrées include Eggplant Napoleon or the whole stuffed flounder. Make sure and leave room for their bread pudding or a slice of rum cake for dessert! The Seafood Pot is a down-home seafood spot in New Sarpy located on Louisiana’s famous River Road. Start your meal with a bowl of gumbo or stuffed artichokes, followed by the house special – crabmeat au gratin with crab cakes over pasta. Finish your meal with a slice of homemade cheesecake. At Nobile's Restaurant & Bar, you can enjoy fine River Road cuisine in a restored 1895 Victorian building. This spot has a ton of history, paired with delicious menu options. Dig in to gumbo, seafood, po'boys, steaks and more specialties.   Learn more at ExploreLouisiana.com.  

  Louisiana’s prairies, marshes and shores teem with wildlife, and a drive along the 180-mile Creole Nature Trail All-American Road gives visitors a chance to experience nature’s bounty up close. In fact, signs along the route mark common spots for alligator crossings. This remote terrain, often referred to as “Louisiana’s Outback,” is readily accessible and includes four wildlife refuges as well as 26 miles of natural Gulf of Mexico beaches. Other features include untouched wetlands, small fishing communities offering fresh seafood, and ancient cheniers – sandy ridges studded with oak trees, rising above the low-lying coasts. The Creole Nature Trail All-American Road is a journey through a wild and rugged terrain unique to Louisiana, America and the world. Once the domain of nomadic Indians, the legendary pirate Jean Lafitte, Civil War soldiers and a host of colorful characters who came to find their fortunes in a fertile land, rich in untapped natural resources and boundless opportunity. Along this distinctive natural corridor through Louisiana's Outback, one of America's "Last Great Wildernesses," you have the opportunity to experience world-famous wildlife habitats and estuaries. The untamed wilderness you encounter along the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road will create lifelong memories.   Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point is the visitor center, where interactive displays depict the area’s wealth of alligators, migrating songbirds, and more wildlife found in bayous and marshes. Smell mouthwatering aromas of Cajun and Creole cooking, and “play along” with a Cajun and Zydeco band. Then, let the friendly staff help you plan your trip along the trail.   The Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge, complete with animated figures with information and stories, will spark the imaginations of the young and the young at heart. Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge was established to preserve and protect wintering waterfowl and their habitat. Located at the intersection of two major flyways, the refuge has an important role in management for migratory birds and is a great place for nature photography. Depending on the time of year, the Cameron Prairie Visitor Center as well as Pintail Wildlife Drive are excellent locations to spot alligators as well as a host of birds and waterfowl, including roseate spoonbills. The Wildlife Refuge also offers fishing opportunities at both the Gibbstown Unit as well as the East Cove Unit. Birders will also love the Peveto Woods Sanctuary – a 41-acre island that sees more than two million birds each year. The Wetland Walkway, located on the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge allows visitors to walk out onto the marsh and see alligators, birds and animals all in their natural habitats. And past the town of Grand Chenier lies the Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge – where a drive along the refuge’s four-mile Price Lake Road gives visitors a close-up view of this coastal marshland and its inhabitants.   Biking is another popular pastime on the Creole Nature Trail. Cruise down rural Highway 27 that runs between the villages of Creole and Bell City, through Cameron Prairie National Wildlife, and take a side trip down Pintail Wildlife Drive. Prien Lake Park offers 29 acres of outdoor serenity on the water. Take advantage of canoe and boat launches, a kids playground and Spray Ground water park, numerous picnic areas and more. Or, simply take a walk along the water at sunset for amazing views. Gulf beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, like Holly Beach, offer opportunities for swimming, picnicking and hunting for shells for the most avid collectors. Dig your hands into thousands of mini shells or find unbroken, pearly shells all along the coast. You'll also enjoy hunting, fishing and crabbing in Louisiana’s Outback – the fish are always jumping. Get a fishing guide and load up with your picnic lunch and ice chest, primed for the catch of the day. You’ll find lots of hot spots – and you can fish year-round!   Lake Charles offers a fusion of city life and the outdoors. It is a prime spot for casinos, southern cooking and shopping at the Lake Charles Boardwalk. A highlight is the Charpentier Historic District, with Victorian-era homes both designed and built by carpenters. The Charpentier Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is full of turn-of-the-century homes designed and built by local carpenters. Spend enough time walking beneath giant old live oaks, checking out the distinctive Lake Charles-style architecture, and you may find yourself looking at real estate listings and daydreaming about staying in town for much longer than your visit. You can also explore the area with Lake Charles Carriages, a full-service carriage company that offers relaxing tours through Lake Charles. Dine on a delicious meal with amazing outdoor views at Chart House, or enjoy your meal paired with live music at Luna Bar & Grill. Practice your wing at the Golden Nugget or L’Auberge’s pristine golf courses. Cast a line in the Calcasieu Estuary with an expert guide provided by Grosse Savanne Lodge, and be sure to experience various ecotypes including both fresh and salt water marshes, cypress swamps, native coastal prairies, pine forest plantations, and agricultural lands with their Grosse Savanne Eco-Tours.   There are a plethora of ways to explore the outdoors in the Lake Charles and southwest Louisiana area. Learn more at ExploreLouisiana.com.

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  Braided with thousands of acres of productive waterways, Louisiana is legendary fishing territory. The state's bayous, rivers, lakes, reservoirs and estuaries are a paradise for freshwater fishermen. And for saltwater action, don't miss a charter adventure in the Gulf of Mexico. The Louisiana coast—from the easternmost marina in Venice all the way to Lake Charles in the west—is your jumping-off point for some of the world's best deep-sea fishing. Plus, each year, south Louisiana fishing grounds lure thousands of pros who participate in dozens of major fishing events. Between tournaments, vacationers can enjoy that same great fishing year-round. Cast a line and reel in some of the best catches you can find here in Louisiana.   Located on the Sabine River straddling the Texas line, the 185,000-acre Toledo Bend Reservoir boasts a 1,200-mile shoreline filled with endless opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. The main attraction at the largest man-made body of water in the South is undoubtedly the fishing. The bass are biting and they’re larger than life. Based on trends seen in past years, now’s the time to find your own big catch in the waters of west-central Louisiana. When the water starts to warm up in late spring, only the biggest bass are left swimming and spawning starts. After a few weeks, the newly hatched fry begin to take over and the big fish move down to deeper water. The smaller bass travel in schools and feed on increasingly larger food as spring turns to summer. As summer progresses, there’ll be more fish in the water, but it’ll be harder to break your personal record for the biggest catch. Toledo Bend hosts fishing events all summer long. With $440,000 given out in prizes over the course of three days, the Big Bass Splash tournament, hosted by Sealy Outdoors, lets amateur anglers win like professionals. The action takes place in early spring and other events throughout the year. Plus, North and South Toledo Bend state parks offer fabulous fishing and boating, surrounded by forested camping, hiking, biking and recreation areas.   For many fishermen, Venice isn’t the best place for Louisiana fishing; it’s the only place - consistently recognized by saltwater fishing experts among the top deep-sea fishing hot spots in the world. The town has achieved such a mythical status as a destination for outdoorsmen, that you have to wonder—is it really that good? No question it is. Year after year, magazines like Field & Stream and Outdoor Life put Venice on their best-of lists, thanks to the fish that are caught year-round in the freshwater, saltwater and brackish channels just outside of town. You’ll find dozens of charter boat companies, like Voodoo Fishing Charters and Deep South Charters, through the Venice Marina.   Home to the oldest fishing tournament in the U.S., Grand Isle sits at the top of many anglers’ must-fish list. The International Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo is three days of saltwater fishing fever, and is a testimony to how big the Gulf’s sea monsters can get—the current record for largest tarpon caught at the rodeo is 208 pounds! Other big game fish lurking beneath the surface include wahoo, blackfin tuna and the Cadillac of trophy fish—blue marlin. Head down to Grand Isle and catch one yourself with the help of Bridge Side Marina and the handy local charter companies. And because Grand Isle is a barrier island, fishermen in search of a shallow-water experience can paddle in nearby Caminada Bay.  Bonus: Every April, Grand Isle hosts Ride the Bull, the world’s largest extreme kayak fishing tournament. Don't miss this one!   Port Fourchon, similar to Venice and Grand Isle, has direct access to the open waters in the Gulf of Mexico. Fishing offshore from Port Fourchon will take you into the deep waters where many of the nation’s oil rigs sit. And there’s a whole art and science to fishing near these structures. Get ready to reel in marlin, tuna and wahoo, amberjack, cobia, grouper, and snapper. Head to the Port Fourchon Marina to get all the gear and have a bite to eat before you head out fishing. Outfitters such as Cajun Made Charters will ensure you have an incredible day of fishing.   Jean Lafitte, a village named after Louisiana’s most infamous pirate, has plenty of attractions that set the town apart. The inland saltwater fishing is phenomenal, with redfish and speckled trout making up much of fishermen’s catches. Also, its location makes the village an easy drive from New Orleans. Imagine spending the morning enjoying café au lait and beignets, and by noon, easing into a canoe and cruising past Spanish moss-draped cypress trees. The Lafitte Public Fishing Pier is a great spot for those looking to cast a line as quickly as possible. For visitors interested in charter fishing, Jean Lafitte Fishing Charters are the experts. And for those who are just looking for a casual day kayaking, Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve can be found on the north end of town.   To get an idea of why Cocodrie is so popular among fishermen, just look at a map. Cocodrie sits close to miles of marshland and beaches that spotted sea trout and red drum love. South of town sits a string of barrier islands that serve as havens for flounder and snapper coming in from the Gulf of Mexico. The local charter boat captains know this maze of waterways better than any GPS. Tradewinds Marina offers overnight accommodations, a bait shop, charter services and a restaurant and bar for relaxing after a day on the water.   In Cameron, the long sandy stretches of Louisiana’s southwest coast are perfect for surf fishing. No need for a boat—just show up, cast a line, and see what you can snag. Make sure you’re up for the challenge, though—bull redfish caught on shore frequently weigh more than 30 pounds. One of the more popular spots among anglers is the Cameron Jetties Pier. Others include Holly, Cameron and Constance beaches. Crabbing is another big draw to the Cameron area, especially during the summer months. Head inland a couple of miles and you’ll find calmer waters in Lake Calcasieu. Explore the Creole Nature Trail, a 180-mile-long series of roads that connect visitors with hiking and wildlife viewing destinations. Here you’ll also find inland saltwater fishing opportunities galore. Hook up with Bayou Charter Service to set up your southwest Louisiana fishing trip of a lifetime.   Plaquemines Parish tracks the final miles of the mighty Mississippi River into the Gulf. The parish is home to some 80 fresh and saltwater lakes surrounded by hundreds of miles of coastline. Looking to hook a prized Bull Red? Try your luck from towns such as Empire, Buras or Pointe a la Hache (the end point of the Great River Road National Scenic Byway).   If you'd rather not travel to the Gulf to cast a line, don't miss such south Louisiana playgrounds as Bayou Segnette, Chicot, Lake Fausse Pointe and Palmetto Island state parks. These and other areas also offer excellent non-fishing recreation, along with overnight options ranging from tent camping to well-furnished cabins. Farther north, discover the allure of the Red and the Ouachita rivers, which cut through the green hills near Shreveport and Monroe and are revered for their big bass and catfish. Water sports of all kinds are popular in recreation areas from Lake Claiborne and Lake D'Arbonne to Chemin-a-Haut and Lake Bruin state parks. Pick your spot just about anywhere in the state, and soon you'll understand why locals say that the fish are always biting in Louisiana.