11 Ultimate Landmarks In Louisiana Everyone Should See Before They Die

Louisiana is full of incredible landmarks that people travel from all over the world to see, and we are lucky enough to have these awesome spots right in our own backyard. We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite ultimate landmarks that every Louisianian should see before they die. Be sure to click through to read more about each landmark and start planning your own Pelican State adventure.

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This one should come as no surprise. Sure, Bourbon Street is the main event, but there's plenty to see and do in between the 11 blocks that encompass the French Quarter. Endless restaurants, antique shops, and stores await you around every turn. And the architecture? One in a million.

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Poverty Point might just be one of the biggest hidden gems in Louisiana, and it's worthy of a road trip from any corner of the state. Over 3,000 years old, Poverty Point gives visitors a glimpse at what life was like for some of Louisiana's earliest residents.

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Louisiana is home to countless plantations, but few can compare to the Whitney Plantation. Visitors get to learn the history of the plantation through the eyes of the slaves that were forced to work there, and you'll learn all about their stories and hardships.

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Nature lovers, Lake Martin is right up your alley. Located in Breaux Bridge, Lake Martin is a picturesque spot with a nature trail that you can walk around, but for those that are more adventurous, you can rent a kayak and paddle around the lake. Keep an eye out for alligators!

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Louisiana is home to 21 state parks, and Chicot State Park is one of the most beautiful. At 6,400 acres, it's certainly the biggest. The cabins are right over the water and are just ideal for someone looking for a change of scenery for a day or two.

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While you're at Chicot State Park, go ahead and stop by the Louisiana State Arboretum. Located within the state park, the Louisiana State Arboretum is the oldest state-supported arboretum in the country and allows visitors a unique glimpse into the swamps and marshes surrounding the area.

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Yep, we do indeed have a mountain. Clocking in at a humble 535 feet, Driskill Mountain may not be much of a mountain, but it's all we've got. There's a one-mile-long trail that will take you straight to the summit, the highest natural peak in the state!

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While we're on the subject of treetop views, a visit to the Longleaf Vista Recreation Area is a must. Located within the Kisatchie National Forest, you can drive right up to the recreation center and you'll be met with jaw-droppingly beautiful treetop views, a rarety down here in Louisiana.

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Louisiana's only national forest, the Kisatchie National Forest covers over 600,000 acres, sprawling across seven parishes across central and northern Louisiana. Countless hiking trails weave all throughout the forest, making it an outdoor explorer's dream.

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St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is the oldest cemetery in New Orleans, and it's worth a visit. You'll need a tour guide to enter, and during your tour, you'll learn all about the history of some of the people that call St. Louis No. 1 their final resting place.

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The nation's largest river swamp, the Atchafalaya River Basin brings people from all over the world, and for good reason. The views are mesmerizing, the wildlife is abundant, and the swamp tours will take you on quite the ride through the swamps.

How many of these landmarks have you visited? Let us know in the comments!