Top 6 Ranches in Louisiana, United States

April 18, 2023 Diedre Savory

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.
Things to do in Louisiana

1. Little River Bluffs

11030 Garden Ln, Folsom, LA 70437-3600
Excellent
92%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 38 reviews

Little River Bluffs

Little River Bluffs is a wonderful Nature Preserve and Retreat in a secluded mature Pine and Hardwood forrest on the Little Tchefuncte River.

Horrible unkepted place, dirty

Reviewed By CynthiaRoy37

To sum it all up…. UNKEPT grounds, we could not use any of activity sites… DIRTY PLACE .. false information on their website… This place was boring someone else’s pool where we had to call in and get permission to use it when we wanted to swim

2. The Cabins of Horseshoe Hills Ranch

240 Bayou Pierre Cutoff Rd, Natchitoches, LA 71457-7543
Excellent
82%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
4%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 28 reviews

The Cabins of Horseshoe Hills Ranch

Formerly Blind Faith Ranch Cabins, The Cabins of Horseshoe Hills Ranch offers a quiet get-away from the business of life. Located on beautiful Bayou Pierre with 40 acres to explore spend a few days getting relaxed in nature. Being only 10-15 minutes from downtown historic Natchitoches enables you to enjoy the shopping and dining available there. We offer free laundry facilities, a private boat launch, hiking trails, a 10 stall barn, and a whole lot of quiet. Coming Soon: - Boat, canoe, and kayak rentals - Large pavilion for large gatherings The Zachary Family welcomes you to come stay with us.

Relaxing and peaceful

Reviewed By cathygP9372BJ

It was the perfect place to feel far away from the stress of the world. The cabin had a back deck with a swing and benches with a view of the water. I really liked that the cabin included a loft bedroom - I’ve always thought those were neat. We enjoyed sitting on the floating dock and going to see the donkeys and horses. Cabin had TV, WiFi, and an electric fireplace.

3. Wildwood Resort

129 Wildwood Rd, Zwolle, LA 71486-3648
Excellent
55%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
3%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 31 reviews

Wildwood Resort

Discover a hidden gem of natural beauty at Wildwood Resort, which features 40 acres overlooking Toledo Bend waterfront with 31 beautiful and inviting Cabins & Lodges and a variety of amenities including: 6 ponds – 3 of which are stocked for Catch N’ Release fishing, 3 swimming pools, Gift & Tackle Shop, private boat launch, wildlife viewing, basketball court, playground, conference center, wedding venues, fishing guide tours by appointment, and a cleaning station on one of the best Piers on Toledo Bend Lake! We also offer 16 RV Sites with full hook-ups and security lighting. Whether you are taking advantage of the spectacular fishing and boating on Toledo Bend Lake, hosting a special event, planning a family reunion or holding a business/corporate meeting or retreat, or simply enjoying the tranquility of the outdoors, Wildwood Resort wants to ensure that your stay at the resort is a memorable experience.

Husband's Birthday get away?

Reviewed By Adventurer624385

We visited Wildwood in October 2020. This resort was breathtaking! It was serene and peaceful. The staff, stellar!! They were patient and went above and beyond to help make this special for Him. Our cottage was beautiful. It was very clean and neat. We bought our essentials, but didn't really have to. This much needed get away was on point for us. I am a little particular but definitely no need to be when visiting Wildwood Resort in Zwolle?. We can't wait to go back, as this is our go to when we just want a close get away, rest and relaxation.

4. Pontchartrain Winds

434 Girod St, Mandeville, LA 70448-5815
Excellent
87%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
7%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 15 reviews

Pontchartrain Winds

We have two free standing cottages with full kitchens. Its a living/kitchen with a chaise lounge couch. Bedroom has a queen bed and a antique working Victrola so bring your 78's.The bath is a 5 foot claw foot tub that is also set up for showering. There is a gas grill as well as a large deck between the two cottages.

Wonderful place for a weekend getaway.

Reviewed By Karen G

This is our go-to for a weekend trip. Accommodations are inviting,comfortable, and clean. The cottages are close to the bike trail and within walking distance to the Lake. The owner is personable and helpful. We have stayed here several times and have never been disappointed.

5. Garland's Estate

1129 Rue St. Phillip.St., New Orleans, LA 70116
Excellent
75%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 8 reviews

Garland's Estate

Closed due to damage from Hurricane Katrina.

very helpful staff

Reviewed By karen m

We stayed over Christmas and had an excellent stay. The cleanliness, finish, beds etc were great. Vincent and other staff were so friendly and welcoming and helped us to plan our stay. Great stuff! Very welcoming. Thank you!

6. River Guesthouse

1611 Patterson Dr, New Orleans, LA 70114-1327
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 1 reviews

River Guesthouse

Weekly Rental Only..Saturday to Saturday. Two room suite with private entrance and patio in 150 year old Cyprus house located on the Mississippi river in New Orleans. Fully furnished kitchen (except stove) is supplied with coffee, tea, breads and other condiments. Sit on your back patio surrounded by year round garden and "watch the mighty ships go by as the Seagulls and Pelicans fly" on the mighty Mississippi river.

French Quarter a short ferry ride across the river from River Guesthouse

Reviewed By MsSandyS

I stayed at the historic River Guesthouse April 28 through May 6, 2012 and am delighted that I did. What a find! It was my first visit to Old Algiers Point, where the River Guesthouse is situated right on the Mississippi River, a picturesque and convenient ferry ride across the river from New Orleans’ French Quarter! It’s a charming walk or ride through Old Algiers’ French colonial cottage-lined streets or you can ride right along the levee to the River Guesthouse. When you arrive, look for a sparkling white double-shotgun house with tidy grounds and a sweet front porch. There’s plenty of free parking right in front of the house. The guesthouse entrance is at the rear, flanked by a flourishing vegetable and flower garden where cardinals visit. The owner will likely greet you, as she did me, with the hospitality the South is known to extend. Visitors arrive as strangers and leave as friends. Inside the entryway is a roomy kitchen with a generous sink, countertop, and refrigerator. There is a microwave for warming food, a washer and dryer and a table for two. I arrived to find fresh-cut flowers, a supply of coffee and tea, French bread, fruits, dates, jam, juices, and milk. The owner and I even shared a glass of wine as a welcome on my first evening at the Guesthouse, which is solidly built of old-growth cypress. The bedroom is outfitted with a comfortable double bed, quality linens, flat-screen TV, dresser, ceiling fan, air conditioner, and clothes rack. The ceilings are super-tall and the walls are lined with the owner’s own paintings, adding to the soulful feeling of this clean, comfortable, unpretentious space carved from one side of the historic double shotgun home. The owner is serious about security, so if you’re a woman traveling alone, you are protected by a security system. Each morning I put on my running shoes, walked up the grassy levee, and ran along the Mississippi taking in the New Orleans skyline and saying hello to friendly locals out for a stroll. I’d end up at Tout de Suite, a fabulous breakfast and lunch café, where it’s easy to make new friends and enjoy a healthy meal and often live music. During evening walks on the levee, just a few blocks from the Guesthouse, you can hear more live music wafting from Old Point Bar. I even met folks on the ferry coming from New Orleans to check out the shows at this bar. Vine and Dine restaurant, near the ferry landing, is the place to go for a fabulous dinner, nice glass of wine, and good conversation with local folks. The River Guesthouse offers a terrific home base for your New Orleans explorations. The owner even got the scoop on the best transportation options to Jazzfest, which enhanced my experience. I definitely plan to return to the River Guesthouse.

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