Looking for a unique and fun way to spend the day? This park is filled with prehistoric replicas that will make you feel like you’re back in the Jurassic era.
Over in Henderson, there’s an amazing little park that you should check out when you have the chance.
Now that the dog days of summer are behind us, we can look forward to better temperatures, fewer bugs, and more outdoor adventures! One of my favorite state parks in Louisiana is Chicot State Park. Clocking in at 6,400 acres, it’s the largest state park in Louisiana’s park system. Between the epic hiking trails and aquatic activities you can have here, you could easily spend an entire weekend at Chicot State Park.
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What visitors might not know is that the nearby Louisiana State Arboretum is right next door, and it’s also a part of Chicot State Park. It’s a wonderful natural area to explore, and admission is completely free.
Even though the Louisiana State Arboretum and Chicot State Park have separate entrances, the arboretum is a part of the state park. The Arboretum has a much cooler claim though—it’s the oldest state-supported Arboretum in the United States!
It was established in 1961, though initial efforts began in the 1950s. Louisiana’s favorite Superwoman, Caroline Dormon, was an instrumental player in getting the Arboretum established. She's one of my favorite Louisiana history figures and I bring her up as often as I can. Not only is she one of the main reasons we have the Arboretum, but also the Kisatchie National Forest. You can visit her childhood home, Briarwood, which is about two hours north of the Arboretum. She was the first woman to be hired to the United States Forest Service. Let's just say Louisiana would look much different without her.
The 600-acre Arboretum boasts over 150 species of native Louisiana plants. The trails at the Louisiana State Arboretum will lead you underneath a canopy of a mature Beech-Magonila forest, with plenty of informational signs along the way. An AllTrails + account will be helpful here!
The trails are easy enough for just about anyone to complete, and they're very kid-friendly. The Arboretum is actually a wonderful place to introduce your kids to the beauty of Louisiana's natural scenery. The informational placards ensure you'll be able to answer all of their questions.
Wildlife is abundant here, and it’s not uncommon to see foxes, raccoons, and turkeys. You might even have a white-tailed deer dart across the trail!
While admission to Louisiana State Parks is generally $3 per person, admission to the Louisiana State Arboretum’s trail system is completely free. The gate opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m.
Check out the official Louisiana State Park website to learn more about our state parks. If you've ever visited the Louisiana State Arboretum, share your experience with us in the comments.
Small towns are generally classified as having fewer than 10,000 residents. Sometime in the last decade, Covington crossed into the 10,000+ category, although I still consider my hometown a small town. Even though when I drive over there, I’m instantly reminded that it’s more like a small-town infrastructure with a big-city population.
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Whenever I visit Covington, I always find time to swing by Bogue Falaya Wayside Park. I grew up down the street from this small-town park in Louisiana, so this particular patch of earth holds a very special place in my heart.
Bogue Falaya Park is located in downtown Covington, Louisiana.
The 13-acre park first opened to the public in 1903 and is registered on the National Registry of Historic Places. It’s a bit of a local landmark around the Northshore.
The park hugs the Bogue Falaya River for most of the park’s east side. There is a free canoe launch for anyone wanting to explore the river. There is also a lovely seating area with swings to enjoy the views or do a little fishing from the riverbanks.
Jackie Ann/Only In Your State
You cannot swim in the Bogue Falaya, although it looks tempting! Many years ago you could—and this old lifeguard stand is one that I remember climbing on as a kid. I took this photo a few years ago, pleasantly surprised this relic from the past was still standing.
Jackie Ann/Only In Your State
There is a pavilion available to rent for events, plus plenty of picnic tables peppered around the park.
There’s plenty of shade at the park, too. Grab some grub beforehand and enjoy a picnic lunch! There are public restrooms and plenty of parking.
Bogue Falaya Park has come a long way since I played here as a kid. The city has done a wonderful job adding to the park and ensuring future generations can make memories here. Most notably, the playgrounds have seen a huge upgrade. The playground is ADA-compatible, so kids of all ages and abilities will have a blast here.
Bogue Falaya Wayside Park is open from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. every day. Admission to the park is free.
Learn more about Bogue Falaya Wayside Park on the official website for Covington. If you’ve ever visited this small-town park in Louisiana, share your memories with us in the comments!
