We are blessed to be in a state that has lots of unique people, places, and things. Some tourist destinations are more popular than others, but I like to call the less visited ones 'local treasures'.

Only in Louisiana has found some really cool places that might not be your first choice for adventure, but are still pretty incredible just the same. Go exploring in your own backyard is always my motto!

  • Poverty Point - 6859 LA-577, Pioneer - a National Monument, World Heritage Site, and one of North America’s most important archeological sites.
  • Sabine National Wildlife Refuge - 3000 Holly Beach Hwy, Hackberry - a mecca for the Louisiana outdoorsmen, with hunting, fishing, and hiking. Part of the US Fish and Wildlife Service
  • Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center - 10503 N. Oak Hills Parkway, Baton Rouge - over 100 acres of natural beauty right in the middle of our state capitol. It's also a beautiful destination for conservation education
  • Prehistoric Park - 1135 North Barn Road in Henderson - 12 acres, and Louisiana's own park dedicated to the mighty dinosaur. Perfect for adults, and young paleontologists alike
  • Gators & Friends - 1441 Highway 80, Greenwood - Not just an alligator park, but an exotic petting zoo as well. You can even take a zip line across the alligator pond!
  • Landry Vineyards - 5699 New Natchitoches Rd, West Monroe - beautiful and serene grounds where you can take a tour of the winery and buy some of the vino made right on the grounds
  • Chauvin Sculpture Garden - 5337 Bayouside Dr, Chauvin - one of Louisiana's quirkiest attractions. Formerly the residence of outsider artist Kenny Hill, it now belongs to Nicholls State University. Enjoy hundreds of folk art sculptures and admission is free!
  • The American Rose Center - 8877 Jefferson Paige Rd, Shreveport - 118 acres of fragrant roses, and the largest park in the US dedicated to these beautiful blooms. The gardens are a true treasure, with over 20,000 rose bushes on site
  • Vermilionville - 300 Fisher Rd, Lafayette - A living history museum dedicated to the Cajun and Creole heritage and lifestyle. The many educational programs and really fun events make this a unique destination in south Louisiana

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