Posted in Louisiana June 27, 2015 by

You Don’t Want To Miss These 13 Hidden Gems In Louisiana

With millions of tourists visiting every year, it can feel like everywhere is flooded with people. But there are still some secrets hiding in pockets of our great state. Here are some of the most exciting new and old gems that are just waiting for a visit!

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
1) Audubon Insectarium, New Orleans, LA
Praline3001 / flickr
This is the largest freestanding bug museum in the United States.
2) Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge, Farmerville, LA
finchlake2000 /flickr
This 42,594 acre wildlife refuge was established in 1978.
3) Creole Nature Trail, Cameron Parish, LA
Sabine Louisiana Travel / flickr
This official All-American road offers cultural, natural, and ecological wonders for all visitors.
4) Antique Alley, Monroe, LA
Louisiana Office of Tourism
This shopping district is part of the Cotton Port Historic District which was recognized in March of 1859.
5) Once In A Millennium Moon, Shreveport, LA
TravelJunction / flickr
This is the largest publically funded mural in the nation!
6) Barataria Preserve, Marrero, LA
Kenneth Garcia / flickr
The 23,000 acres of this preserve includes a huge variety of birds, alligators, bayous, swamps, and much more.
7) Grosse Savanne Waterfowl and Wildlife Lodge, Lake Charles, LA
Grosse Savane Lodge / facebook
This decadent lodge in the Southwest corner of Louisiana offers some of the most amazing sunsets in the area.
8) Movie Sets, Slidell, LA
Movie Sets Venue
This party and event venue is filled to the brim with props and sets form movies filmed in the area.
9) Whitney Plantation, Wallace, LA
This 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, LA
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.
11) Rip Van Winkle Gardens, New Iberia, LA
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.
12) Holly Beach, Cameron, LA
Louisiana Travel
This beach south of Lake Charles is on the western edge of what’s known as the Cajun Riviera.
13) Lake Bistineau State Park, Doyline, LA
Michael McCarthy / flickr
A favorite camping and fishing area outside of Shreveport, LA.

What are some of your hidden gems in the state of Louisiana? Let us know in the comments below!