There’s a charming little town in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana that has a fascinating history. It’s a pretty little town called Abita Springs in Louisiana. While its current claim to fame is being the home base for the iconic Abita beverages, it used to be a place to go to experience the healing waters in Louisiana that were thought to be contained within the nearby springs. Let’s take a closer look at Abita Springs, home of the Louisiana healing waters.

Long before Europeans settled here, Native Americans flourished in this area.
Infrogmation of New Orleans/Flickr
The area was inhabited by many different tribes, and research suggests these tribes may have lived here as far back as 2,220 years ago. Choctaw was the prevalent tribe before European settlers forced them into Oklahoma.
Abita Springs was first settled in 1820, but it wasn’t incorporated until 1903.
Management/Trip Advisor
The town continued to flourish with new immigrants and in 1887, a local doctor determined that the springs contained minerals that could be medically beneficial. Other doctors agreed, adding that the pure air was also healing, and it didn’t take long for word to spread.
Beginning in 1880, resorts and hotels began popping up.
Wikimedia Commons
Folks from New Orleans would take the train over to Abita Springs as a vacation destination. It wasn’t far, but it was certainly a change of scenery from the diseases in the city. At the time, Yellow Fever was making its way through the area, yet it wasn’t very common in Abita Springs, which helped the town prosper, with more folks coming to experience the healing powers of the town.
As automobiles became the preferred method of transportation, Abita Springs lost its appeal.
Abita Springs Trailhead Museum/Google
It's a fate that was very common in railroad towns in those days. Luckily, Abita Springs didn’t shrivel up, it continued chugging along, and today it is home to about 2,600 people. The train that once ran through town is now part of the Tammany Trace, a 31-mile rail trail that weaves through St. Tammany Parish.

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Today, Abita Springs is a picturesque little town that's perfect for a day trip.
Gio Garcia/Google
Especially if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and slow things down a bit, just like they did 100 years ago. Except this time, you'll have to drive over instead of taking the train.
From farmers' markets to festivals, there's always something to look forward to.
Erik Johansen/Google
Check the town's website to see the calendar of upcoming events.
Be sure to swing through the Abita Brew Pub, where you can eat a delicious burger and sample some of those famous beers.
Abita Brew Pub/Google
This is actually the original location where Abita brewed beers! They moved to a larger facility to handle the increasing demand but kept the original building, and today it's a lovely little restaurant and pub.
And of course, every town has a quirky side... Abita Springs' quirky side is second to none.
Adnan Khalil/Google
The Abita Mystery House is one of a kind, and you have to see it to believe it. This unique museum houses thousands and thousands of found objects, ranging from tiny figurines to massive flying saucers you can step inside.

Get a look inside the Mystery House in Abita Springs:

Abita Springs in Louisiana is just one of many charming small towns in Louisiana that have a unique history and are perfect for a day trip. What’s your favorite small town in Louisiana? Let us know in the comments!

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More to Explore

Louisiana’s Best Small Towns

Will Suphan | November 22, 2023

What are the most historic towns in Louisiana?

The most historic towns in Louisiana include:

  • St. Francisville. This town was established in 1809 and has some very well-preserved plantations as well as the Audubon State Historic Site. 
  • Opelousas. This town is known as the spice capital of the world and is home to Chachere products, Targil Seasonings, and Savoie meats. 
  • Natchitoches. This is the oldest permanent settlement of the 1803 Louisiana Purchase and was established in 1714. 
  • Arcadia. This town is famous for being the place where the infamous Bonnie and Clyde were gunned down in 1934. 

Find out more about the most historic towns in Louisiana. 

What are the most charming small towns in Louisiana?

The most charming small towns in Louisiana include:

  • Breaux Bridge. This lovely town is known as the “Crawfish Capital of the World” and is the perfect place to scarf down a whole heap of them.
  • Saint Martinville. This historic small town is a wonderful place to get some authentic Cajun culture and explore Bayou Teche.
  • Ponchatoula. This town is great for antiquing and you should come here in April for the Strawberry Festival. 
  • Avery Island. The home of Tobasco sauce as well as the 160-acre Jungle Gardens and a bird refuge known as Bird City.

Learn more about the most charming small towns in Louisiana. 

What are the most delightful small towns in Louisiana?

The most delightful small towns in Louisiana include:

  • Labadieville. This tiny town is a rural gem and is home to the historic St. Philomena Catholic Church.
  • Lutcher. This lovely town is even better during the holidays when the annual Festival of the Bonfires takes place.
  • Eunice. Come here for the Cajun Music Hall of Fame and Museum as well as its charming Main Street shops and restaurants. 
  • Donaldsonville. This town is on the National Historic Register and you can see some local history at the Palo Alto Plantation. 

Discover more about the most delightful small towns in Louisiana. 

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Abita Springs, LA 70420, USA