Louisiana is full of incredible landmarks that people travel from all over the world to see, and we are lucky enough to have these awesome spots right in our own backyard. We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite ultimate landmarks that every Louisianian should see before they die. Be sure to click through to read more about each landmark and start planning your own Pelican State adventure.
- The French Quarter
Peter Unger/Getty Images This one should come as no surprise. Sure, Bourbon Street is the main event, but there’s plenty to see and do in between the 11 blocks that encompass the French Quarter. Endless restaurants, antique shops, and stores await you around every turn. And the architecture? One in a million.
- Poverty Point
Caleb Clark/Google Poverty Point might just be one of the biggest hidden gems in Louisiana, and it’s worthy of a road trip from any corner of the state. Over 3,000 years old, Poverty Point gives visitors a glimpse at what life was like for some of Louisiana’s earliest residents.
- Whitney Plantation
Sergey M./Google Louisiana is home to countless plantations, but few can compare to the Whitney Plantation. Visitors get to learn the history of the plantation through the eyes of the slaves that were forced to work there, and you’ll learn all about their stories and hardships.
- Lake Martin
Wanderluster/Getty Images Nature lovers, Lake Martin is right up your alley. Located in Breaux Bridge, Lake Martin is a picturesque spot with a nature trail that you can walk around, but for those that are more adventurous, you can rent a kayak and paddle around the lake. Keep an eye out for alligators!
- Chicot State Park
Ashley H./Google Louisiana is home to 21 state parks, and Chicot State Park is one of the most beautiful. At 6,400 acres, it’s certainly the biggest. The cabins are right over the water and are just ideal for someone looking for a change of scenery for a day or two.
- Louisiana State Arboretum
Meghan Quibodeaux/Google While you’re at Chicot State Park, go ahead and stop by the Louisiana State Arboretum. Located within the state park, the Louisiana State Arboretum is the oldest state-supported arboretum in the country and allows visitors a unique glimpse into the swamps and marshes surrounding the area.
- Driskill Mountain
Josh Portie/All Trails Yep, we do indeed have a mountain. Clocking in at a humble 535 feet, Driskill Mountain may not be much of a mountain, but it’s all we’ve got. There’s a one-mile-long trail that will take you straight to the summit, the highest natural peak in the state!
- Longleaf Vista Recreation Center
Jay P./Google While we’re on the subject of treetop views, a visit to the Longleaf Vista Recreation Area is a must. Located within the Kisatchie National Forest, you can drive right up to the recreation center and you’ll be met with jaw-droppingly beautiful treetop views, a rarety down here in Louisiana.
- Kisatchie National Forest
U.S. Forest Service - Kisatchie National Forest/Facebook Louisiana’s only national forest, the Kisatchie National Forest covers over 600,000 acres, sprawling across seven parishes across central and northern Louisiana. Countless hiking trails weave all throughout the forest, making it an outdoor explorer’s dream.
- St. Louis Cemetery No. 1
Gary Burke/Google St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is the oldest cemetery in New Orleans, and it’s worth a visit. You’ll need a tour guide to enter, and during your tour, you’ll learn all about the history of some of the people that call St. Louis No. 1 their final resting place.
- Atchafalaya River Basin
imageBROKER/Sonja Jordan/Getty Images The nation’s largest river swamp, the Atchafalaya River Basin brings people from all over the world, and for good reason. The views are mesmerizing, the wildlife is abundant, and the swamp tours will take you on quite the ride through the swamps.
How many of these landmarks have you visited? Let us know in the comments!
Peter Unger/Getty Images
This one should come as no surprise. Sure, Bourbon Street is the main event, but there’s plenty to see and do in between the 11 blocks that encompass the French Quarter. Endless restaurants, antique shops, and stores await you around every turn. And the architecture? One in a million.
Caleb Clark/Google
Poverty Point might just be one of the biggest hidden gems in Louisiana, and it’s worthy of a road trip from any corner of the state. Over 3,000 years old, Poverty Point gives visitors a glimpse at what life was like for some of Louisiana’s earliest residents.
Sergey M./Google
Louisiana is home to countless plantations, but few can compare to the Whitney Plantation. Visitors get to learn the history of the plantation through the eyes of the slaves that were forced to work there, and you’ll learn all about their stories and hardships.
Wanderluster/Getty Images
Nature lovers, Lake Martin is right up your alley. Located in Breaux Bridge, Lake Martin is a picturesque spot with a nature trail that you can walk around, but for those that are more adventurous, you can rent a kayak and paddle around the lake. Keep an eye out for alligators!
Ashley H./Google
Louisiana is home to 21 state parks, and Chicot State Park is one of the most beautiful. At 6,400 acres, it’s certainly the biggest. The cabins are right over the water and are just ideal for someone looking for a change of scenery for a day or two.
Meghan Quibodeaux/Google
While you’re at Chicot State Park, go ahead and stop by the Louisiana State Arboretum. Located within the state park, the Louisiana State Arboretum is the oldest state-supported arboretum in the country and allows visitors a unique glimpse into the swamps and marshes surrounding the area.
Josh Portie/All Trails
Yep, we do indeed have a mountain. Clocking in at a humble 535 feet, Driskill Mountain may not be much of a mountain, but it’s all we’ve got. There’s a one-mile-long trail that will take you straight to the summit, the highest natural peak in the state!
Jay P./Google
While we’re on the subject of treetop views, a visit to the Longleaf Vista Recreation Area is a must. Located within the Kisatchie National Forest, you can drive right up to the recreation center and you’ll be met with jaw-droppingly beautiful treetop views, a rarety down here in Louisiana.
U.S. Forest Service - Kisatchie National Forest/Facebook
Louisiana’s only national forest, the Kisatchie National Forest covers over 600,000 acres, sprawling across seven parishes across central and northern Louisiana. Countless hiking trails weave all throughout the forest, making it an outdoor explorer’s dream.
Gary Burke/Google
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is the oldest cemetery in New Orleans, and it’s worth a visit. You’ll need a tour guide to enter, and during your tour, you’ll learn all about the history of some of the people that call St. Louis No. 1 their final resting place.
imageBROKER/Sonja Jordan/Getty Images
The nation’s largest river swamp, the Atchafalaya River Basin brings people from all over the world, and for good reason. The views are mesmerizing, the wildlife is abundant, and the swamp tours will take you on quite the ride through the swamps.
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Address: French Quarter, New Orleans, LA, USAAddress: Poverty Point, Louisiana 70037, USAAddress: Atchafalaya Basin, Louisiana 70517, USAAddress: Kisatchie National Forest, Louisiana 71433, USAAddress: Longleaf Vista Recreation Area, Provencal, LA 71468, USAAddress: Driskill Mountain, Louisiana 71275, USAAddress: St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, 425 Basin St, New Orleans, LA 70112, USAAddress: Whitney Plantation, 5099 LA-18, Edgard, LA 70049, USAAddress: Lake Martin, Louisiana, Louisiana 70517, USAAddress: Chicot State Park, 3469 Chicot Park Rd, Ville Platte, LA 70586, USAAddress: Louisiana State Arboretum State Preservation Area, 1300 Sudie Lawton Lane, Ville Platte, LA 70586, USA
