Table of Contents
If you’ve never been to Louisiana, you’re missing out on a world of incredible beauty and adventure. From the shady depths of its remote bayous to the rolling hills of its sprawling parks, this Southern state is home to some truly stunning national parks that are not only captivatingly beautiful, but also rich in unique flora and fauna. In this blog post, we’ll be exploring some of the best attractions throughout the Pelican State. From camping grounds dotted among trees, to vibrant wildlife areas filled with alligators lurking beneath the murky swamps; these national parks will put you right at the heart of nature itself!
The Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and Preserve actually consists of a number of sites in the greater New Orleans area. All of these sites relate to the exploits of Jean Lafitte, a famous early 19th century pirate and mercenary who made a name for himself in the swamps of Southern Louisiana.
For nature lovers, the must-see park is known as the Barataria Preserve. This incredible Louisiana National Park (which does not charge admission fees), is located just a short drive south of New Orleans. The Barataria Preserve occupies more than 26,000 acres of Louisiana wetlands, featuring both dirt and boardwalk trails that take visitors on an immersive journey through the swamp. Visitors can also expect to encounter a spectacular array of Louisiana wildlife, including alligators, birds, cypress trees, and wildflowers. Breathtaking natural landscapes vary from hardwood forests to peaceful bayous to open wetland vistas. Extensive information about local ecology and history is offered both at the visitor center and on helpful signs along the trails. Visitors can even take a self-guided cell phone tour!
Travelers searching for an education on cultural history that still offers plenty of natural beauty will enjoy the Cane River Creole National Historic Park. This park is located on two separate sites, which include the Oakland and Magnolia Plantations. Both are located right outside of Natchitoches, a small tourist-friendly city in Northern Louisiana.
Oakland and Magnolia Plantations are insightful windows into the past, offering a glimpse on 18th and 19th century life in all its intricacies. Discover how planter families and their enslaved workers lived during this era—from day-to-day labor to unwavering resilience throughout historic events like The Civil War & Civil Rights Movement. These incredible stories are presented alongside stunningly landscaped grounds that feature live oaks, gardens, and other Louisiana scenery. Both plantations offer a choice of either self-guided tours or tours led by informative park rangers.
Poverty Point National Monument and UNESCO World Heritage Site is a one-of-a-kind destination for anyone interested in indigenous history in Louisiana and the greater Southeast. Poverty Point is an earthwork in Northeastern Louisiana that consists of massive ridges and mounds. The best available scientific estimates pinpoint the site’s construction and peak activity level took place between 1700 and 1100 BC.
A visit to Poverty Point National Monument in Louisiana is a journey into an ancient past. Archaeologists are still uncovering the mysteries of how this immense earthwork was built and what activities took place there — all within breathtaking landscape along the Mississippi River Valley, giving visitors glimpses of timeless beauty. Visitors will be amazed as they explore the site for themselves, taking in the earthwork’s immense scale and observing the artifacts that have been discovered in the modern age.
Here in Louisiana, we thrive on experiencing nature up close. Get back to basics and feel the awe-inspiring beauty of our state by exploring its national parks! But wait – there’s more! For an extra immersive journey into Southern Louisiana’s gorgeous ecosystem, don’t miss out on a guided New Orleans swamp tour with Cajun Encounters. Step onto our flat-bottomed boats and you’ll be met with stunning wildlife along your way, all while having loads of fun discovering what this area has to offer. Trust us when we say that booking yourself a memorable Louisiana swamp tours is something you won’t regret doing during your visit.
Cajun Encounters Tour Company
Swamp Tours New Orleans – City Bus Sightseeing Tours – Plantation Tours New Orleans
