7 Unimaginably Beautiful Places In Louisiana That You Must See Before You Die

Lake Martin is one of the largest nesting colonies for water birds in the state. Anhinga, blue heron, egrets, white ibis, spoonbills and many more all species of birds all call the area home. The lake is also home to a large population of alligators, turtles, snakes, lizards, nutria, and the usual suspects you’d see in a Louisiana lake. You can drive along Rookery Road to get a glimpse of the lake, or you can walk along the boardwalk at the south end of the lake. Located at 1209 Rookery Road, Breaux Bridge, LA 70517.

The Barataria Preserve offers a glimpse into Louisiana’s wetlands like you’ve never seen before. The preserve has more than 23,000 acres of bayous, swamps, and marshes all waiting for you to explore. The boardwalk and dirt trails allow you access to parts of the swamps that you just wouldn’t be able to get to any other way, and the views are simply phenomenal. Located at 6588 Barataria Blvd, Marrero, LA 70073.

The people who lived at Poverty Point more than 3,000 years ago left no written records of their lives, but archeologists are constantly finding clues to piece together the history of this place. What we do know is that the site was a ceremonial center and trading hub, home to thousands of people. Take a tour to learn more about this fascinating piece of history. Located at 6859 LA-577, Pioneer, LA 71266

The Kisatchie National Forest is one of the largest pieces of natural landscapes in Louisiana, making up more than 604,000 acres of land spanning seven different parishes. There are tons of trails that will lead you through the forested piney hills and through landscapes with views so beautiful you’ll think you’ve left Louisiana.

This 1.4 million-acre swamp between Lafayette and Louisiana is quintessential Louisiana landscape at its finest. Take a swamp boat tour through the Atchafalaya to view the majestic bottomland hardwood forests and cypress-tupelo swamps filled with gators, bald eagles, snakes, waterfowl, and hundreds of other species.

This 1,300-acre outdoor oasis has been a staple of New Orleans since 1854. Visitors will enjoy strolling under the ancient oak tree canopies, smelling the flowers in the Botanical Garden, admiring the art in the Besthoff Sculpture Garden, and so much more. There are tennis courts, an 18-hold golf course, and an antique wooden carousel in the amusement park that the whole family will enjoy. Located at 1 Palm Drive, New Orleans, LA 70124.

This 170-acre botanical garden and bird sanctuary is a must-see for nature lovers. There’s a 3-mile garden trail where visitors can view the alligators, the massive egret rookery, the live oak gardens, and much more. Located at Hwy 329, Avery Island, LA 70513.