Louisiana
Nature|Parks & Gardens

Rip Van Winkle Gardens Is A Scenic Outdoor Spot In Louisiana That’s A Nature Lover’s Dream Come True

Rip Van Winkle Gardens in New Iberia offers a serene experience with Victorian-era architecture, sub-tropical gardens, and birdwatching opportunities.

Published Jan 5, 2022

Written by 

Matthew Caracciolo

Though the fictional character Rip Van Winkle hails from the Catskills, he inspired a gorgeous estate in southern Louisiana. Rip Van Winkle Gardens in New Iberia is a peaceful place to spend time outside among flowers, birds, and a gorgeous Victorian-era house overlooking little Lake Peigneur.

The home was built in 1870 by stage and silent film actor Joseph Jefferson, who portrayed Rip Van Winkle in films. Inside, you’ll find era-appropriate furniture and artwork as well as family heirlooms.

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Mumclt/TripAdvisor

This Victorian-era mansion is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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Fifteen acres of sub-tropical gardens outside the mansion sit below massive, shady oak trees draped with Spanish moss.

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Mumclt/TripAdvisor

The gardens are a popular photography location for private events and weddings.

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Carl Zoll/Google

See the garden's website for more details on photography fees.

Sculptures and statues representing different cultures reflect Jefferson’s eclectic tastes.

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You can also grab a bite to eat here at Café Jefferson. The dining room features massive windows to enjoy the surrounding oak trees and gardens.

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Dawn Owens/Google

The menu includes salads, sandwiches, and Cajun and Creole entrees.

Keep an eye out for the gardens’ resident peacocks! They have free reign over the property.

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Bobby Kelley Jr./Google

Aside from peacocks, this place is also a terrific spot for birdwatching.

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Brandy Comeaux/Google

Rips Rookery on the grounds attracts 260 species of birds including colorful herons, spoonbills, and egrets, some of which migrate here to nest.

The mansion and gardens are open for tours every hour on the hour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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You can also tour at your own pace.

Aside from touring the garden and mansion, eating at the café, and browsing the gift shop, you can also stay the night on the estate. Guests can book the Cook’s Cottage or Servant’s Quarters for a bed and breakfast experience. You can learn more about rates, admission, hours of operation, and other important visitor information on the estate’s website.

Have you visited Rip Van Winkle Gardens or stayed as a guest in one of the two accommodation options? What was your experience like? Let us know in the comments!

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Nature

The Completely Free Arboretum Hiding in a Louisiana State Park Is a Must-Visit

The Louisiana State Arboretum is the perfect family-friendly weekend adventure.

Published Sep 16, 2024

Written by 

Jackie Sutherlin

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.

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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.

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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.

While you're in the area, check out some of our favorite things to do in Ville Platte, Louisiana. It's a nature lover's paradise!

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Nature

The Breathtaking Small-Town Park in Louisiana That We Can’t Stop Thinking About

Come explore this lovely small-town park in Covington, Louisiana

Published Sep 6, 2024

Written by 

Jackie Sutherlin

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. 

I hope you’ll enjoy it just as much as I do.

Paved walking path meandering through tall pine trees in a park setting.
Elizabeth Herink/All Trails

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. 

Bogue Falaya River in Covington, Louisiana on a beautiful day.
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. 

An old, abandoned lifeguard chair on the banks of the Bogue Falaya River in Covington, Louisiana
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!

Read on to discover some of our favorite things to do in Covington, Louisiana. Get yourself an AllTrails+ account to tackle any hiking trail with peace of mind.

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