Louisiana appeals to travelers year-round with its vibrant culture and rich history and stunning natural beauty. From lush bayous and huge marshes to rolling hills and peaceful coastlines, the state’s diverse landscapes demonstrate nature and Southern charm in harmony. Louisiana’s natural beauty and ecological diversity are on display in the wetlands and countryside. So, join my hands to explore 5 lesser-known locations in Louisiana for your next adventure.
Creekwood Gardens
About thirty minutes from Ruston, Louisiana, in the little hamlet of Simsboro, Creekwood Gardens is a floral wonderland inviting guests to its rich, green grounds since 2000. There are lovely walking paths and well kept gardens on this privately owned but publicly accessible land.
Adorable cabins are scattered across the grounds and accessible for temporary stays. All rolled in one is Creekwood Gardens, a bed and breakfast RV site, wedding and event facility.
Avery Island
Famous hot sauce from this 2,200-acre island is available worldwide. Indeed, Tabasco originated on very island. Rising on one of the biggest salt domes on Earth, the island has been owned and run by five McIlhenny generations going back to 1868. Self-guided visits let you see the Tabasco facility, which includes the museum, pepper greenhouse, barrel warehouse, and more.
Apart from its famous hot sauce, Avery Island is renowned for its incredible range of plants and animals. Nestled among the equally lovely Jungle Gardens, the island boasts the wildfowl refuge Bird City.
Mandeville Lakefront
Although this gem isn’t very concealed, if you’re just passing by you could find it easy to ignore. Never fails to make me happy the Mandeville Lakefront, which stretches 1.5 miles in historic Old Mandeville from the Northshore of Lake Pontchartrain. This lakefront reminds me and many others of lounging by the water with friends and observing the sunset create breathtakingly gorgeous hues on the heavens.
Popular for bikers, joggers, even roller skaters, a paved walkway surrounded by huge oak trees stretches along the edge of the sea. Sandy beach, a playground, and a lovely old gazebo abound at the east end of Lakeshore Drive at Jackson Avenue. Mandeville Lakefront is the place I gladly show anyone new to Louisiana, with breathtaking mansions and restaurants lining the other end of the street.
Kisatchie National Forest
The lone national forest in the state, Kisatchie National Forest lies approximately southwest of Alexandria. A vacation here seems like getting front-row access to Louisiana’s most natural beauties amongst the varied fauna, undulating hills, and rocky terrain.
Comprising seven parishes, this 600,000-acre forest provides more than 100 miles of hiking paths and 40 established recreation areas. Kisatchie is the appropriate destination if you’re like me and want for a waterfall view on every trail. The fast flow of Kisatchie Falls produces several little ponds ideal for foot dipping.
Barataria Preserve
One of six sites comprising the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, this site is a 30-minute drive from New Orleans. Comprising 26,000 acres, Barataria Preserve lets you get close to and personal with Louisiana swamps, bayous, marshes, and woodlands.
See alligators, over 200 species of birds, and a stunning array of wildflowers and plants by wandering around the boardwalks and dirt paths. Except on Mardi Gras, of course, the visitor center is open Wednesday through Sunday; parking lots provide everyday access to the trails.