12 Magnificent Hidden Gems To Discover In Louisiana This Year
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Jackie Ann
Author
If your New Year’s resolution is to see more of the Pelican State, consider exploring our many Louisiana hidden gems. We’ve compiled some of our favorite hidden gems all around the state that will give you a whole new appreciation for just how beautiful this state of ours is. So, if you’ve searched for “hidden gems near me,” make it your mission to explore these 12 hidden gems in Louisiana soon!
1. January: Black Bayou NWR
Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 480 Richland Pl, Monroe, LA 71203, USA
The Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge boasts more than 5,300 acres to explore and is a great spot to do a little birdwatching. The Visitor Center features several informational exhibits, and the boardwalk trails really give you a front-row seat to enjoy this natural area. In January, you’ll run into fewer crowds, and if you get your timing right, you may even be blessed with seeing the refuge in a light dusting of snow!
2. February: Driskill Mountain
Driskill Mountain, Louisiana 71275, USA
Ok, so it's no Denali... but it is a mountain in Louisiana! Clocking in at 535 feet, it's the tallest natural summit in the state, and the hike to reach the top is only about a mile long. This hike is lovely year-round, but we picked February so you can see through the trees better, giving you a clearer view of Mount Jordan (pictured above) when you get to the top. Driskill Mountain is on private property, but the owners have been very kind and allow the public to use the trails, so just remember to leave no trace!
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3. March: Poverty Point World Heritage Site
Poverty Point World Heritage Site, 6859 LA-577, Pioneer, LA 71266, USA
You may have heard about Poverty Point before, but few people actually make the adventure to visit it, especially locals. The site was once home to a massive community who created these giant earthworks in a cylindrical pattern along Bayou Macon. This was over 3,000 years ago! The Poverty Point culture left no written word about their day-to-day lives, so historians have had to use the artifacts that have been uncovered to try to solve the puzzle. There are many mysteries about Poverty Point, and you can learn all about them during your visit, where you can check out the artifacts in the Visitor Center as well as walk the boardwalk trail to the mounds. March is a great time of the year to do this, as the trail offers very little shade and Louisiana summers can be pretty brutal. Bring a hat!
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4. April: Chimp Haven
Chimp Haven, Inc., 13600 Chimpanzee Pl, Keithville, LA 71047, USA
Chimp Haven is the largest chimpanzee sanctuary in the world, and it's here in Louisiana! More than 300 chimps call Chimp Haven home, where they can live out their golden years in true first-class form. Chimp Haven is not open to the public for the majority of the year, but they do host Discovery Days where they allow the public to come through the gates and learn all about them. The next Discovery Day is scheduled for Saturday, April 13, 2024. Check out the Chimp Haven website to learn more.
5. May: Wild Azalea Trail
Wild Azalea Trailhead, 352-398 Castor Plunge Rd, Woodworth, LA 71485, USA
The Kisatchie National Forest contains hundreds of primitive trails that are perfect for the outdoor explorer, but the Wild Azalea Trail is the longest, and certainly one of the best hidden gems in Louisiana for hikers. In fact, this 24-mile trail is the longest primitive trail in Louisiana. May is a great time of the year to hike it, since that's when the trail's namesake flowers will be in full bloom. Of course, 24 miles in one day is pretty challenging... but you can pitch a tent and camp along the trail! Be sure to bring enough water, the trail's little creek that runs through it can be hit or miss depending on rainfall.
6. June: Bonnie and Clyde Roadside Marker
Bonnie & Clyde Monument, Gibsland, LA 71028, USA
The Bonnie and Clyde Roadside Marker might just be one of the most hidden gems in Louisiana. Blink and you'll miss it! You can see it off to the right in the photo above. Bonnie and Clyde met their maker right here when they were ambushed by police in 1934. Not too far down the road, in Gibland, you can check out the Bonnie and Clyde Museum which is full of exhibits and artifacts about this infamous duo.
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7. July: Sunset Swamp Tour
Cajun Encounters Tour Company, 55345 US-90, Slidell, LA 70461, USA
Swamp tours are far from a hidden gem, but have you ever thought about taking one at night? Traversing the swamps under the moonlight (and a few high-powered flashlights) will give you a whole new perspective of Louisiana's wetlands. Cajun Encounters offers a wonderful sunset swamp tour that the whole family will enjoy.
8. August: Zip Line Over Alligators
Gators and Friends, 11441 US-80, Greenwood, LA 71033, USA
Got the need for speed? Gators & Friends is one of the most unique attractions in Louisiana. In addition to being a live alligator park and a petting zoo, Gators & Friends is also an adventure park with go-karts and a very unique zip line. The seven-part zip line will take you all over the park, with the final leg soaring directly over the live alligator pond, home to more than 150 alligators.
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9. September: Zip Line Through The Swamps
Zip NOLA, 301 Peavine Rd, Laplace, LA 70068, USA
If you enjoyed soaring over a live alligator pond, how about the real deal? Zip NOLA offers a zip line course that will have you flying over the Louisiana marsh. Keep your eyes peeled and you may catch a glimpse of a deer, swamp rabbit, wild hog, or yes, even an alligator.
10. October: Chauvin Sculpture Garden
Chauvin Sculpture Garden & Art, 5337 Bayouside Dr, Chauvin, LA 70344, USA
Down in Terrebonne Parish, the Chauvin Sculpture Garden will immediately catch your eye. The vibrant statues are the work of Kenny Hill, an artist who used to live here. He sculpted hundreds of these statues all around the property before the city evicted him. Today, the sculpture garden is maintained by Nicholls State University, and it's open daily.
11. November: Lake Claiborne State Park
Lake Claiborne State Park, 225 State Park Rd, Homer, LA 71040, USA
November brings cooler weather that's perfect for camping. While most of the country is seeing the last bits of fall foliage, Louisiana is just getting started, and northern Louisiana state parks are perfect for leaf peeping. Lake Claiborne State Park is a popular warm-weather park, with many folks flocking to the white sandy beach along the lake, but fall brings an entirely new perspective to this beautiful place.
12. December: The Cabins of Horseshoe Ranch
The Cabins of Horseshoe Hills Ranch, 240 Bayou Pierre Cutoff Rd, Natchitoches, LA 71457, USA
The holiday season can be a bit chaotic, so why not treat yourself to a little rest and relaxation at The Cabins of Horseshoe Ranch? Located in Natchitoches on a secluded 40-acre forested site, you can kick back and relax in one of the rustic cabins and reflect on the year. And while you're in Natchitoches in December, be sure to check out the Natchitoches Christmas Festival, one of the biggest and brightest holiday displays in Louisiana.
Take a look at this YouTube video by Apricot Wanderers with more of the best hidden gems in Louisiana that you must visit this year.
How many of these Louisiana hidden gems have you explored? Let us know in the comments! Also, if you’re searching for more adventure in our state, here are some more things to do in Louisiana that belong on your bucket list this year.
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More to Explore
Hidden Gems Near Me In Louisiana
What are some more of the best hidden gems in Louisiana?
Aside from the places in our article, here are some more of the best hidden gems in Louisiana that you must visit:
- Louisiana Castle, Franklinton
- Briarwood Nature Preserve, Saline
- Liberty Lagoon, Baton Rouge
- Rip Van Winkle Gardens, New Iberia
- Grosse Savanne Waterfowl and Wildlife Lodge, Lake Charles
- Audubon Insectarium, New Orleans
- Fairview Riverside State Park, Madisonville
- The Rock Chapel, Mansfield
- Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge
- Creole Nature Trail, Cameron Parish
Be sure to read our previous article telling you more about these hidden gems in Louisiana.
Are there natural wonders in Louisiana?
The short answer is yes! We have lots of natural wonders in Louisiana and these are the ones that we recommend:
- Driskill Mountain, Bienville Parish
- Barataria Preserve, Marrero
- Holly Beach, Cameron
- Lake Bistineau State Park, Doyline
- Honey Island Swamp, Slidell
- Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge, New Orleans
- Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge, Lottie
- Lake Martin, Lafayette
- Sam Houston Jones State Park, Lake Charles
- Grand Cote National Wildlife Refuge, Marksville
Want more? Here’s a road trip adventure that takes you to these natural wonders in Louisiana.
What are the best small towns in Louisiana?
If you’re searching for the best small towns in Louisiana, then we’ve got you covered. Here are some of the best towns in our state that are worth visiting.
- Ponchatoula, Tangipahoa Parish
- DeRidder, Beauregard Parish
- Lutcher, St. James Parish
- Breaux Bridge, St. Martin Parish
- St. Francisville, West Feliciana Parish
- St. Martinville, St. Martin Parish
- Labadieville, Assumption Parish
- Eunice, Acadia/St. Landry Parish
- Grand Isle, Jefferson Parish
- Madisonville, St. Tammany Parish
Check out our previous article to learn more about the best small towns in Louisiana.