The Fairytale Road Trip That'll Lead You To Some Of Louisiana's Most Magical Places
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Jackie Ann
Author
There are plenty of awesome attractions in Louisiana and many of them are close enough that you can make a day trip out of it. This hidden gems road trip in Louisiana will take you about six hours from point to point, but you’ll want to stop off and enjoy the sights along the way. Check out this fairytale places in Louisiana detailed map with driving directions to each location.
You may be surprised as to what we consider to be "magical." Magical can mean a lot of different things, and we've mixed up popular attractions with a few hidden gems that we think showcase some of the most magical places in Louisiana. Yes, there will be a castle, but we'll get to that in a minute!
5505 Rip Van Winkle Rd, New Iberia, LA 70560, USA
We begin our journey at one of Louisiana's most magical places, Rip Van Winkle Gardens, a scenic little oasis in New Iberia. History lovers will enjoy taking a tour of the plantation, and nature lovers will be on cloud nine strolling through the 15 acres of semi-tropical gardens. There's also a cafe on site, which is a great place to fuel up before your journey. Get more information on visiting Rip Van Winkle Gardens.
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Jungle Gardens, Louisiana 329 &, Main Rd, Avery Island, LA 70513, USA
Our next stop takes us to another garden, but we promise it's worth the back-to-back garden stops. Located on Tabasco's Avery Island, the Jungle Gardens are quite a sight to see. The gardens cover about 170 acres that stretch along Bayou Petite Anse, with each step more beautiful than the next. If you have the time, take a tour of the Tabasco plant! You'll learn all about the process of making this iconic bottle. And don't forget to stop into the gift shop for some spicy treats to snack on as we continue onward to other fairytale places in Louisiana. Read up more on Jungle Gardens.
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Lake Martin, Louisiana, Louisiana 70517, USA
Next up on this hidden gems road trip in Louisiana: Lake Martin. Wildlife lovers, this one's for you. The lake is home to one of the largest rookeries in the state, so keep your eyes peeled for herons, egrets, anhingas, and other beauties. Since you've already strolled a combined 200+ acres of gardens in the previous two stops, you may not feel like getting out of the car. No problem! There are plenty of ways to experience the lake. There's a nature trail that will take you around the lake, but you can also just stay in your car and drive down Rookery Road and see the lake from there. For a truly magical experience, rent a canoe or a kayak from Champagne's Cajun Swamp Tours. Take a look at more reasons to get in a boat on Lake Martin.
Lafayette, LA, USA
Our next magical spot takes us on a journey to the past at Lafayette's historic Vermilionville. This living history museum showcases what life was like for early Acadians. You'll wander through several buildings, both authentic and a few replicas, that date back to the 1800s. At this magical place in Louisiana, you'll learn all about what life was like for these early settlers and come away with a better understanding of the Cajun culture. Learn more about Vermilionville.
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Borden's Ice Cream Shoppe, 1103 Jefferson St, Lafayette, LA 70501, USA
By this point, you may be wanting a little pick-me-up, and what better way to indulge than a scoop or two of delicious ice cream? You've probably heard of the Borden's brand before, but you may be surprised to learn that this one in Lafeyette is the only retail Borden's ice cream shop in the country. Get yourself a milkshake for the road and get ready to journey eastward to more of Louisiana's most magical places. Find out what you can expect when you visit Borden's Ice Cream Shoppe.
Prehistoric Park, 1135 North Barn Road Breaux Bridge, Henderson, LA 70517, USA
Even if you don't have kids with you, a visit to Prehistoric Park will delight you. The 12-acre park is filled with life-sized replicas of your favorite prehistoric predators, and boy are they lifelike! Get more details on Prehistoric Park.
Barn Hill Preserve, 11342 LA-955, Ethel, LA 70730, USA
Trading fiberglass for fur, our next stop of Louisiana's most magical places is an animal lover's paradise. Barn Hill is an animal sanctuary in Ethel that's home to over 50 different species, including Eurasian lynx, reticulated giraffes, and two-toed sloths. They often have awesome events like sipping wine with sloths and otter swims, too. Read more about what's in store for you at Barn Hill Preserve.
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Cou-yon's Cajun Bar-B-Q, 470 N Alexander Ave, Port Allen, LA 70767, USA
Okay, by this time, you've got to be hungry, and boy do we have the spot for you! Road trips were meant for BBQ, and Cou-yon's Cajun Bar-B-Q is the perfect spot. They're known for their overstuffed spuds, so get yourself one and chow down before you head back out to see more fairytale places in Louisiana. Get all the details about Cou-yon’s Cajun Bar-B-Q.
The Louisiana Castle, 47168 LA-10, Franklinton, LA 70438, USA
You didn't think we would have a fairytale road trip without including a castle, did you? The Louisiana Castle is a stunning hidden gem in Franklinton that's a popular venue for weddings and events. While you can't stay the night, you can drive by and snag a photo. While the castle may look like it's over a hundred years old, it was actually built in 1989 and has quite the enchanting fairytale love story behind it.
Berry Creek Cabins, 12101 George Jenkins Rd E, Bogalusa, LA 70427, USA
We've come to the end of our journey, and you may be yearning for a bed to crash on by this time. Berry Creek Cabins are great for a relaxing night or two spent surrounded by lush greenery and the peace and quiet you need to reset before doing this hidden gems road trip in Louisiana in reverse the next day! Learn more about a stay at Berry Creek Cabins.
What do you think are the most magical places in Louisiana? Let us know in the comments below!
Now that you’ve got places to visit in Louisiana, how about where to eat? Check out these amazing Louisiana restaurants.
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More to Explore
Beautiful Louisiana
What are the most well-known parks in Louisiana?
Speaking of magical places in Louisiana, there are also many well-known parks in Louisiana. Here are just a few of the best:
- Fontainebleau State Park: Located in Mandeville, this 2,800-acre state park boasts four miles of hiking as well as opportunities to recreate on Lake Pontchartrain, bike, and even explore some ruins and historical markers.
- Lake Fausse Pointe State Park: This 6,000-acre park is actually located in both St. Martin and Iberia. Here, you have several different options for camping, including canoe campsites, and you can fish or boat along the seven-mile canoe trail. There are also three hiking trails.
- Palmetto State Park: Located in Abbeville, this 270-acre park is on the Vermilion River and you can boat and fish here. There are also camping options and hiking and biking trails.
What are the most beautiful lakes in Louisiana?
With 57 of them across the state, there are several beautiful lakes in Louisiana to enjoy. Here is just a sampling:
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- Lake Claiborne: Located in Clairborne Parish, this man-made lake is 6,400 acres. It’s known for its swimming, boating, and fishing. There is also plenty of recreation along its shores such as hiking and biking.
- Lake Bruin: Located in Tensas Parish, this lake is 3,000 acres. You can boat, fish, and swim in its clear water. At the adjacent Lake Bruin State Park, you can fish from the pier, put your boat in the water, and even camp for the night.
- Prien Lake: Located in Calcasieu Parish, this lake is 997 acres. It’s a great fishing spot, filled with croakers, redfish, and flounder. You can launch your boat from Prien Lake Park as well as swim in the lake from LaFleur Park.
Are there any castles in Louisiana?
Aside from Louisiana Castle discussed above, there are a few other castles in Louisiana. Check these fairytales places in Louisiana:
- Beauregard’s Castle: Located in Fort Proctor, this castle was formerly a fort that was in place to protect New Orleans from naval attacks. Today, you’ll find that it is sinking into Lake Borgne. You can see it from Shell Beach or take out a kayak or boat.
- Fisherman’s Castle: Located in New Orleans, this castle was built specifically for the 1988 World’s Fair. Although small in size, it has been mighty enough to remain standing after hurricanes like Issac and Katrina.