With millions of tourists visiting every year, it can feel like just about everywhere in Louisiana is teeming with people. But there are still some secrets hiding in the pockets of our great state. Here are some of the most exciting new and old hidden gems in Louisiana that are just waiting for a visit. See how many of the following little-known destinations you’ve visited.

1. Audubon Insectarium, New Orleans
Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, 423 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Praline3001 / flickr
This is the largest freestanding bug museum in the United States. Please note that the Audubon Insectarium may be temporarily closed. Be sure to visit the official Audubon Insectarium website for updates.
2. Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge
Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge Boat ramp, 199 Black Bayou Boat Dock Rd, Monroe, LA 71203, USA
finchlake2000 /flickr
This 42,594 acre wildlife refuge was established in 1978. Today, this beautiful destination is a popular place for both fishing and boating. Learn more about what makes this area one of the top hidden gems in Louisiana.
3. Creole Nature Trail, Cameron Parish
Wetland Walkway, LA-27, Cameron, LA 70631, USA
Sabine Louisiana Travel / flickr
This official All-American road offers cultural, natural, and ecological wonders for all visitors. This 180-mile scenic drive in Louisiana is one of the state's best adventures.
4. Antique Alley, Monroe
West Monroe, LA, USA
Louisiana Office of Tourism
This shopping district is part of the Cotton Port Historic District which was recognized in March of 1859. You could easily spend an entire afternoon perusing all that this Antique Alley in Louisiana has to offer!
5. Once In A Millennium Moon, Shreveport
Shreveport, LA, USA
TravelJunction / flickr
This is the largest publicly funded mural in the nation and it's truly a sight to behold. Learn more about what makes this mural such a fascinating Louisiana attraction.
6. Barataria Preserve, Marrero
Barataria Preserve, 6588 Barataria Blvd, Marrero, LA 70072, USA
Kenneth Garcia / flickr
The 23,000 acres of this preserve includes a huge variety of birds, alligators, bayous, swamps, and much more. Plus, there's a network of boardwalk trails that makes exploring this preserve an enchanted adventure. Learn more about planning your trip to Barataria Preserve in Louisiana.

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7. Grosse Savanne Waterfowl and Wildlife Lodge, Lake Charles
Grosse Savanne, 1730 Big Pasture Rd, Lake Charles, LA 70607, USA
Grosse Savane Lodge / facebook
This decadent lodge in the Southwest corner of Louisiana offers some of the most amazing sunsets in the area. Grosse Savanne Waterfowl & Wildlife Lodge is considered to be one of the very best vacations to take in Louisiana.
8. MovieSets, Slidell
Moviesets, 400 Garrett Rd, Slidell, LA 70458, USA
Movie Sets Venue
MovieSets is a party and event venue that's filled to the brim with props and sets form movies filmed in the area. It's one of the most wonderful and whimsical attractions in Louisiana. Learn more about planning a trip to MovieSets.
9. Whitney Plantation, Wallace
Whitney Plantation Road, Whitney Plantation Rd, Wallace, LA 70049, USA
Whitney Plantation / Facebook
Whitney Plantation is the only plantation in Louisiana whose museum focuses on the slavery and the lives of enslaved people.
10. Poverty Point World Heritage Site, Pioneer
Poverty Point World Heritage Site, 6859 LA-577, Pioneer, LA 71266, USA
Painting by Martin Pate, 2007
This World Heritage site was built by Native Americans over 3,400 years ago and was the largest earthwork in the Western Hemisphere at the time. Some consider it North America’s first city. Learn more about this fascinating and historic heritage site in Louisiana.
11. Rip Van Winkle Gardens, New Iberia
Rip Van Winkle Road, Rip Van Winkle Rd, Louisiana, USA
Rip Van Winkle Gardens
Legend has it that Jean Lafitte buried his treasures underneath the live oak trees that make up these grounds. It's now a popular wedding and event venue, as well as museum. This natural oasis in Louisiana is one that needs to be seen to be believed!
12. Holly Beach, Cameron
Holly Beach, LA, USA
Louisiana Travel
This beach south of Lake Charles is on the western edge of what’s known as the Cajun Riviera. While you're there, you can enjoy walking in the soft sand and even spotting some gorgeous seashells along the way. Learn more about why Holly Beach is such a beautiful Louisiana destination.
13. Lake Bistineau State Park, Doyline
Lake Bistineau State Park, 103 State Park Rd, Doyline, LA 71023, USA
Michael McCarthy / flickr
Lake Bistineau State Park is a favorite camping and fishing area outside of Shreveport, Louisiana. It's also home to one of the very best kayaking lakes in Louisiana. When it comes to hidden gems in Louisiana, Lake Bistineau State Park may just take the cake.

What are some of your favorite hidden gems in Louisiana? Did any of these places miss the list? If so, be sure to let us know in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you!

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hidden gems in Louisiana

Beth C. | September 07, 2021

What are the best state parks in Louisiana?

Now that you've learned about some of the top hidden gems in Louisiana, it's time to explore some of the best natural spaces in the state: Louisiana's incredible state parks. These places are perfect if you're looking to delve into the natural landscape while also enjoying a variety of recreational activities. Though each state park is worth a visit, the following is a list of some of the most popular state parks (as well as national forests and national parks)in Louisiana: Lake Fausse Point State Park, Kisatchie National Forest, Lake Bistineau State Park, Hodges Gardens State Park, Atchafalaya Delta State Wildlife Management Area, Grand Isle State Park, Jean Lafitte National Park, Chicot State Park, and Fontainebleau State Park. How many of these beautiful natural spaces in Louisiana have you experienced?

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