11 Underrated Louisiana Towns That Deserve A Second Look

This sleepy little river town nestled on the Tchefuncte River is perfect for those looking to get outdoors. Several river view restaurants, antique stores, and speciality shops all add up for a lovely afternoon. Talk a stroll downtown and check out the historical homes and beautiful canopy of oak trees that line the streets.

Speaking of oak tree lined streets, consider St. Francisville for your next adventure. Beautiful outdoor parks, historic homes, and numerous historic plantations are waiting for you in this underrated town. In addition to the lovely Main Street filled with unique shops and restaurants, St. Francisville is best known as the home of the Myrtles Plantation, one of the most haunted plantations in the country. You can take a tour and even stay the night, if you dare.

Leesville is a perfectly charming little town over in Vernon Parish. Anderson Farms has an amazing pumpkin patch that’s perfect for a fall outing.

This northeastern Louisiana town is located in Concordia Parish, and played a big role in the promotion of blues music through Haney’s Big House Lounge, and you can learn all about it at the Delta Music Museum in the historic district in downtown Ferriday. Afterwards, head over to Frogmore Plantation, a working cotton plantation where you can learn the history of this antebellum plantation and the restored building that date back to the early 1800s.

This lovely little fishing town is a fisherman’s dream. Known for its world-class fishing (and tarpon rodeo), Grand Isle is also a wonderful place for bird watching. Come check out Louisiana’s only inhabited barrier island for an experience you won’t forget.

Visitors looking to enjoy a naturally scenic town will love Winnfield. The Kisatchie National Forest is right at your doorstep, offering tons of trails, fishing opportunities, and camp sites. Not only can you explore the great outdoors in this lovely town, but it’s got some great shopping opportunities, and a fascinating historical district. Fun fact: Winnfield is home to three governors: Huey P. Long, Earl K. Long, and O.K. Allen. You can learn more about the rich political history of Winfield at the Old L&A Depot when you visit!

Known as America’s Antique City, Ponchatoula has over 40 antique and collectable shops all within an eight block radius. You can also check out the Joyce Wildlife Management Area Swamp Walk for an amazing outdoor adventure. Also, Ponchatoula is known for its strawberries so be sure to pick some up while you’re there.

A friendly town with wonderful neighborhoods, and a downtown district that has been designated a National Register of Historic Places District. The center of downtown is Magdalen Square, a beautiful grassy area with towering oak trees, a fountain, and a gazebo--the perfect place to sit back with a good book! Abbeville is also known for the Giant Omelette Festival, where you can watch world renown chefs create a massive 5,000 egg omelette over a 12 foot skillet!

Known as the crawfish capital of the world, Breaux Bridge is a friendly little town in Cajun Country with a bustling downtown historic district, fill of shopping and dining. Lake Martin is nearby, which is a beautiful wildlife preserve and one of the largest bird rookeries in the country.

Over in the piney woods of northwest Louisiana, Minden is a full of small-town charm that makes this underrated town a great place to visit. Minden’s historic downtown district is incredibly charming, you’ll love the paved bricks that were laid a century ago. Visitors can enjoy the many antique stores, art galleries, specialty shops, and food venues that make Minden so special.

This underrated little town is an absolutely wonderful place for spending the day. You can walk along the Tammany Trace, take a tour of the Abita Brewery, and enjoy delicious cuisine from the local restaurants around. Don’t forget to stop into the Abita Mystery Museum for an experience you won’t soon forget.