Louisiana Office of Tourism
Explore the nation’s largest swamp ecosystem
Traverse the Atchafalaya Basin of southern Louisiana via McGee’s Swamp Tours, which offers trips by boat or canoe. Glide across the water on an airboat to catch glimpses of the fascinating wildlife that call these waterways home, including American alligators, great egrets and bald eagles. Plan to end your day with a stunning sunset tour.
Wander an imaginative world crafted by local artists
Bring the whole family to JAMNOLA, which stands for Joy, Art and Music – New Orleans. This cultural funhouse consists of 17 eccentric exhibits, displaying works from over 30 regional creative partners. The building is entirely Americans with Disabilities Act compliant, allowing all visitors access to snap Instagram-worthy images of the colorful spaces.
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The past comes alive in Lafayette
Book a walking tour of Vermilionville, a living history museum and folklife park just outside downtown, to see notable homes and manicured gardens along the banks of Bayou Vermilion. Costumed artisans, cooking classes and live music help depict what life was like during the 18th and 19th centuries for Acadian, Creole and Native American peoples.
A can’t-miss museum for history buffs
Learn about the USA’s contribution to the Allied victory during World War II at the Smithsonian-affiliated National WWII Museum in New Orlean’s central business district. The campus consists of multiple pavilions showing a vast collection of artifacts, first-person oral history and cinematic experiences, plus air, land and water vehicles used during the war.
Snap a photo with iconic bayou creatures
Get a chance to hold a baby alligator at family-favorite Gator Chateau. Find this touristy spot halfway between Lake Charles and Lafayette in the charming town of Jennings in South Louisiana. Visitors can handle the newborns or view larger gators in the lazy river. The attraction is free and has a playground, walking paths and picnic tables.
Creating the world-famous Tabasco sauce since 1868
See the process of making this beloved spicy condiment at the Tabasco Brand Factory and Museum on Avery Island, south of Lafayette. Shop for everything Tabasco related at the country store or try authentic Cajun and Southern food at the restaurant. The island is also home to Jungle Gardens, a stunning botanical garden and bird sanctuary.
Learn about life during the U.S. Civil War
Reflect on over two hundred years of history at Melrose on the Cane, a once active estate that is now a landmark in the Cane River National Heritage Area. Guided or self-guided tours of the historic grounds provide insight into the lives of the enslaved people forced to work the fields. Admire the works of famed muralist Clementine Hunter throughout the African House.
A free open-air park with impressive works of art
Head to coastal Louisiana for an enigmatic art experience you won’t forget. Roam around the Chauvin Sculpture Garden and Art Studio, home to over 100 concrete sculptures with some reaching up to 15 meters tall. Nearby Nicholls State University owns the park and has traveling collections to view at the garden’s on-site studio.
