Enjoy A Long Walk At This Underrated Local Park In Louisiana
By Jackie Ann|Published December 18, 2023
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Jackie Ann
Author
Louisiana native and LSU Alum (Geaux Tigers!), Jackie has lived in Louisiana for over three decades and currently lives in New Orleans. She's been writing for OnlyInYourState since 2016 and can often be found with a coffee at her side, dreaming of her next adventure.
We all know the importance of being outdoors and moving your body, but sometimes it can feel like a chore. You don’t have to drive out to the Kisatchie National Forest to get your steps in, although there are some really lovely hiking trails in the Kisatchie. Many of Louisiana’s local parks offer beautiful nature paths that are just perfect for an afternoon adventure, and Lafreniere Park in Metairie is one of my favorites. Let’s check it out:
Sitting pretty in Jefferson Parish, Lafreniere Park is the largest park in Metairie, Louisiana, and features 155 acres to explore.
The history of Lafreniere Park is fascinating. Initially a plantation, the property was seized around 1769 when the owner of the plantation, Nicolas Chauvin de Lafreniere, Jr., was executed for organizing a revolt against Spanish rule. It then became the Jefferson Downs Racetrack, which Hurricane Betsy destroyed in 1965. The land sat vacant for a while until it was turned into a community park in 1982.
Today, the 155-acre park is a popular spot for Metairie residents to enjoy.
Multiple soccer fields, a splash pad, a playground, a carousel, and two fitness stations are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to attractions at Lafreniere Park.
Especially birds. There’s no doubt in my mind you’ll come across ducks, geese, and swans on your walk...they’re everywhere. With that being said, dogs are welcome to join you on your walk but you’ll want to keep them on a leash. With so much wildlife in the park, it’s better to be safe than sorry! There is a five-acre dog park on the northeast side of the park for your fur baby to enjoy. There are separate areas for large and small dogs.
You'll have plenty of opportunities to get a better view of the lagoons, too.
You might even see some turtles catching some rays!
Visit the official website for Lafreniere Park to learn more and don’t forget to follow Lafreniere Park on Facebook so you never miss out on any upcoming events.
Read on to discover more of our favorite parks in Louisiana. Snag an AllTrails+ account if you’re considering any remote hikes so you can unlock premium features.
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