Take This Hidden Gems Road Trip When You Want To See Some Little-Known Places In Louisiana
By Jackie Ann|Updated on November 15, 2022(Originally published November 10, 2022)
×
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.
There are so many hidden gems in Louisiana that are worthy of seeing, it would be impossible to list them all. This road trip will take you to some of our favorite hidden gems in Louisiana, specifically the northern part of the state. Ready to hit the road? Gas up the car and pack some snacks!
We've kept the road trip to just around four hours, so you could technically complete the trip in one day, but we've added a spot in the middle so that you have the option to spend the night and break the road trip into two days.
1. Chimp Haven
Chimp Haven, Inc., 13600 Chimpanzee Pl, Keithville, LA 71047, USA
Tucked away in northern Louisiana on 200 acres of forested lands lies Chimp Haven, the largest chimpanzee sanctuary in the world and one of the most unique places in Louisiana. This primate paradise is home to more than 300 chimpanzees that have been retired from research. While Chimp Haven is not ordinarily open to the public, you can schedule a private tour or wait for one of their Discovery Days, when they open the doors and allow you to observe the chimps in their habitats.
Advertisement
2. Bonnie & Clyde Ambush Museum
Bonnie & Clyde Ambush Museum, 2419 Main St, Gibsland, LA 71028, USA
Bonnie & Clyde met their fate on May 23, 1934, on a dirt road in rural Louisiana, and you can visit a museum in Gibsland to learn all about the infamous lives of this criminal couple.
Our next stop brings us to Louisiana’s tallest mountain, Driskill Mountain. There’s a short one-mile trail that will take you to the top where you’ll have the bragging rights to say you’ve been to the tallest natural summit in the state… 535 feet in the sky! While it's no Denali, it does make for a unique hike that can be knocked out in a couple of hours. Keep in mind that this trail (and the mountain) is on private property, but the owners are gracious enough to let the general public use the hiking trail. Make sure you leave no trace! For outdoor enthusiasts, move this special hike to the top of your Louisiana bucket list.
4. Jimmie Davis State Park
Jimmie Davis State Park, 1209 State Park Rd, Chatham, LA 71226, USA
Located on the shores of the beautiful Caney Lake, Jimmie Davis State Park is a picture-perfect park that often gets overlooked. Visitors can enjoy fishing the freshwater lake, swimming during the warmer months, and hiking the trails. This park also offers cabins available to rent, if you’d like to stop for the night before continuing on to the next hidden gem.
5. Biedenharn Museum & Garden
Biedenharn Museum & Garden, 2006 Riverside Dr, Monroe, LA 71201, USA
Once the private home of Joseph A. Biedenharn, this one-of-a-kind museum is part home museum, part Coca-Cola museum, and also part Bible museum. That's a lot of bang for your buck, and we haven't even gotten to the gardens yet. It's certainly one of the most unique places in Louisiana, filled with fascinating history covering very different topics. You’ll learn all about Mr. Biedenharn, who is credited with the first bottling of Coca-Cola in 1894. After you tour the inside, the outdoor gardens will simply blow you away.
6. Poverty Point World Heritage Site
Poverty Point World Heritage Site, 6859 LA-577, Pioneer, LA 71266, USA
Last on our stop of hidden gems is Poverty Point, a World Heritage Site tucked away in northeastern Louisiana. Built by American Indians over 3,400 years ago, Poverty Point was once a powerful trading hub with a strong community before being abandoned. An engineering marvel, historians and archaeologists are still trying to piece together the day-to-day lives of these ancient people, since they left no written word behind. You can tour the earthly mounds and check out the exhibits featuring some of their discoveries, including clay pots, spear points, and more.
Will you be taking this road trip? What stops would you add along the way? Let us know in the comments below! After you’ve explored some of Louisiana’s awesome hidden gems, check out these seven natural wonders in Louisiana.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
More to Explore
Hidden Gems in Louisiana
Jackie Ann|November 15, 2022
What are some other hidden gems in Louisiana?
There are plenty of hidden gems in Louisiana just waiting to be explored. For nature enthusiasts, check out some of these lesser-known state parks in Louisiana:
Each of these towns offers beautiful scenery, delicious restaurants, and fascinating history. Check out this article for even more small towns in Louisiana.
