Top Things to do in Louisiana
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6 Educational sites in Louisiana That You Shouldn't Miss
Louisiana tourism is centered on New Orleans and the North Shore region in the southeastern corner of the state near the Florida border. West of New Orleans is the Great River Road, with the I-10 running to the Mississippi River port capital city of Baton Rogue. West of New Orleans along the Gulf of Mexico, the I-10 cuts through Lafayette and Lake Charles on its way past Abbeville to Texas. Central Louisiana is Lake Country, and home to cities like Alexandria and Natchitoches. In northern Louisiana, the I-20 runs west from Monroe to Bossier City, Shreveport, and East Texas. Unless Louisiana is very familiar and frequent territory, New Orleans will be the top choice for a Louisiana vacation. Though Mardi Gras, music, and the winning ways of the New Orleans Saints football team get the spotlight, there is much more to explore in New Orleans. Within New Orleans choose among Bourbon Street, Royal Street, the Upper and Lower French Quarters, the Warehouse and Central Business District, the Garden District and Uptown, and Mid-City. With street car lines linking the French Quarter to the Garden District, Convention Center, and everywhere else, it is easy for the whole family to get around. If long walks are your exercise, explore the scenic city on foot. An easy two-hour drive from New Orleans brings you to Baton Rogue, Natchitoches and Lake Country. Explore old Beauregard Town in downtown Baton Rogue, the historic homes of the Baton Rogue Garden District, and tour one or several working plantations. Walk the 33-block Historic Landmark District and tour the historic homes and churches of Natchitoches. Relive Spanish Empire history in Louisiana at Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site. Heading west from New Orleans is Cajun Country and Lafayette with its mix of French, French Canadian (Acadian), Spanish, and Caribbean cultures. Besides Cajun and Creole cookery, explore the Civil War heritage at the Lafayette Museum. Stop by Abbeville to view the courthouse designed by Hayes Town, St. Mary Magdalen Church, and have a seafood meal. With 75 annual festivals Lake Charles is Louisiana's Festival City, and home to the Creole Nature Trail Scenic Byway. Shreveport and Bossier City in northwest Louisiana are casino and entertainment centers. Shreveport is renowned for hosting the Louisiana State Fair in the fall. Plus floral centers, art galleries, and museums. Monroe in the northeast also has notable gardens.
Restaurants in Louisiana
1. Nicholls State University
2. Louisiana State University
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 252 reviews
Louisiana's top university since 1860 has a beautiful, tree-covered campus and lots of attractions to visit, like the Union Art Gallery, Museum of Art, Greek Theatre and Museum of Natural Science.
Reviewed By drmommca - Asheville, United States
On our way to visit "Mike", we drove through the LSU campus, which is truly one of the most beautiful campuses in the state! Azaleas were blooming and the signs of winter were gone. Building upkeep is excellent!
3. Acadian Cultural Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 215 reviews
Reviewed By ebu63
Everyone who lives or is a visitor to Acadiana, must come and see the history of the Cajuns; Over 200 years masterfully set at this museum, along with a short film to highlight their journey! The staff is not only friendly but extremely knowledgeable about the history! And it is FREE! Best I have experienced in all my travels! A must on your agenda of things to do!!
4. National Fish Hatchery & Aquarium
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By Zien28 - Houston, United States
This is a great place to stop if you are visiting Natchitoches in the summer with kids. It is one room, free, and air conditioned. It is a great way to entertain the kids while learning about local fish and the role of the hatchery.
5. The New Canal Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 34 reviews
The historic New Canal Lighthouse at West End on Lakeshore Drive was severely damaged by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005. The Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation's reconstruction of the lighthouse is complete. The beacon was re-lit in September 2012. The light shines nightly for all to see. Come experience how the history of a light, a lake and a coast has blended together. Visit Louisiana's only working lighthouse containing a museum that is open to the public. The New Canal Lighthouse Museum is located on the first floor of the rebuilt lighthouse raised up 19 feet above the level of Lake Pontchartrain. This protects the building against storm surges from the lake that may come with hurricanes and tropical storms. The museum can be accessed by two sets of stairs or by an elevator "lift" to accommodate those with special needs. The balcony allows the visitor to get a panoramic view of the New Orleans south shore lakefront. Inside, the museum consists of three display areas, one depicting the history of the light and the region, one presenting LPBF's SAVE OUR LAKE successful campaign, and one presenting the challenges addressed with LPBF's SAVE OUR COAST campaign. The lighthouse tour is led by trained docents who take visitors through the halls to tell how the history story turned into an environmental one, and how everyone can help sustain our region. The second floor of the lighthouse contains office space and houses LPBF's education, outreach and development departments. The cupola of the lighthouse is not open to the public but the light within it is maintained and shines nightly. The New Canal Lighthouse provides more than just a museum offering tours. It has an inviting gift shop, offers educational programs, hosts events and offers a facility to rent. It also has a fountain plaza, breezeway, promenade and outdoor deck.
Reviewed By 98car
We absolutely loved our visit at the New Canal Lighthouse. Ethan was a wonderful tour guided and very informative. It was a pleasure to see the tour guide so passionate about his work and it made the tour so enjoyable. We are from the city and this tour gave us new information about the city. If you are in the area, please come and visit the lighthouse. I highly recommend it.
6. Amistad Research Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
