This Rural Road Trip Will Lead You To Some Of The Best Countryside Hidden Gems In Louisiana

Calling all road warriors! We've got another road trip in Louisiana for you, this time leading to some of the lesser-known attractions in Louisiana. We'll be driving through the countryside, starting up in the northern part of the state and heading south for a bit. The entire road trip from point to point is less than two hours, but you'll want to allow ample time to stop and enjoy the sites. We've even included a place to stay so you don't have to worry about driving back home at the end of the day. What a perfect weekend road trip!

Feel free to use this interactive map to guide your way. You can even add your own stops to make it one-of-a-kind.

1. Bonnie & Clyde Ambush Museum

Our first stop brings us to the Bonnie & Clyde Ambush Museum in Gibsland. Here, you can learn all about the life and death of two of the most infamous outlaws in American history. You’ll see everything from newspaper clippings to authentic memorabilia, including rare photographs, a few of Clyde’s guns, and even some artifacts that were found in the car after they were shot dead in 1934. Our next stop on the trip will bring us to the shoot-out site, but more on that in a minute.

The museum itself also holds a fascinating space in the Bonnie and Clyde story—it was once Ma Canfield’s Cafe, the cafe where Bonnie and Clyde stopped to get what would end up being their last meal. What was their last meal you might ask? For Clyde, a fried bologna sandwich. Bonnie got a BLT. She was still holding half the sandwich after the famous shootout.

Follow the Bonnie and Clyde Museum on Facebook for more information.

2. Bonnie & Clyde Death Spot

You can't go to the museum and not visit the place where the shootout occurred. It's located less than 10 miles away from the museum, just head south on LA-154. It's not very well marked, and if you blink you'll miss it, but it's there. Although you most likely won't be spending as much time here as you did at the museum, there is a space to pull over and see the historical markers and take some photos.

3. Gator Country LA Alligator Park

Our next stop on this road trip in Louisiana brings us to Natchitoches, where Gator Country LA Alligator Park is located. Gator Country is the largest alligator park in Louisiana, and it’s home to over 250 American Alligators, as well as other fun swamp critters like raccoons, caimans, tortoises, and more. Catch a feeding show, explore the Rocky Raccoon Resort and Reptile House, and maybe even hold a baby alligator or feed a tortoise during your visit. This is one unique attraction in Louisiana the entire family will enjoy.

4. The Cabins of Horseshoe Hills Ranch

After a full day of soaking up some history and checking out the wildlife, you'll love the peace and quiet from a night or two at The Cabins at Horseshoe Hills Ranch. There are six rustic cabins with beautiful waterfront views of Bayou Pierre available to rent within these scenic 40 acres of woods. Visit the Cabins at Horseshoe Hills Ranch website to check for rates and availability before your road trip so you can make sure they have availability!

5. Grayson’s Barbecue

There's no better way to end the day than with some good food, and Grayson's is the perfect place to end this unique little road trip. Grayson's Barbecue is a hidden gem for sure, but locals know that this is the best place to score tasty BBQ, and it has been a popular neighborhood joint since 1959. Follow Grayson's Barbecue on Facebook so you never miss out on any specialty creations coming from the kitchen.

Pro tip: Get the potato salad with your BBQ. It's melt-in-your-mouth delicious!

Have you ever visited any of these unique roadside attractions in Louisiana? Let us know in the comments! If this road trip in Louisiana inspired you, then you might enjoy this road trip to some of the most haunted places in Louisiana. Don't forget to stock up on all the best road trip snacks. We all know they're the best part of the trip!