It’s the perfect time of year to gas up the car and set out on an adventure. From casual day trips to weekend getaways, we’ve got some of the best little-known attractions in Louisiana where you can sneak away to for an unexpectedly awesome adventure.
- Landry Vineyards
Landry Vineyards/Facebook You don’t need to head out to Napa Valley to go on a wine tour! Established in 1999, Landry Vineyards offers tours of their vineyards and a tasting room where you can sample their delicious wines. The property is absolutely breathtaking, and they frequently host outdoor concerts on the lawn, so bring a blanket and enjoy a lovely evening of wine and music. Address: 5699 New Natchitoches Rd. #838, West Monroe, LA 71292
- Driskill Mountain
Wikimedia Yes, Louisiana does have a mountain! Two, actually. At 535 feet, Driskill Mountain the tallest natural summit in the state. Even though it’s a mere hill compared to the mountain ranges in other states, it’s worth your while to take a hike up to the top. The trail is under two miles, so you can easily knock it out in an afternoon.
The mountain is located near Bienville, and you can park at the Mt. Zion Church located at 12053 Highway 507, Simsboro, LA 71215.
- Wild Country Safari Park
Wild Country Safari Park/Facebook For an epic day that the entire family will enjoy, head over to Wild Country Safari Park. You’ll get up close and personal with exotic animals like zebras and water buffalo as well as adorable farm animals like goats and rabbits. Address: 8 Hobby Newton Rd., Delhi, LA 71237
- Chauvin Sculpture Garden
Chauvin Sculpture Garden/Facebook Nestled on Bayou Petit Caillou, the Chauvin Sculpture Garden is the work of artist Kenny Hill, who once lived on the property. His work is free for all to view, and maintained by Nicholls State University. Address: 5337 Bayouside Dr., Chauvin, LA 70344
- Gator Chateau
Management/Trip Advisor For a one-of-a-kind experience, head over to Gator Chateau in Jennings. Conveniently located right off I-10, visitors have the opportunity to hold baby alligators and learn about these fascinating creatures. Address: 100 Rue de l’ Acadie, Jennings, LA 70546
- Briarwood
Briarwood/Facebook The former home of renowned botanist Caroline Dormon is open to the public for part of the year, and it’s worth your while to go check it out. You can stroll through the grounds, check out the beautiful wildflowers, do some bird watching, and then gaze out into the reflective pool. Address: 216 Caroline Dorman Rd., Saline, LA 71070
- Gators & Friends
Gators & Friends/Facebook Located just outside of Shreveport, Gators & Friends is an exotic petting zoo and adventure park that the whole family will enjoy. Challenge your friends to a race over at the 1,600-foot racetrack and if you’re feeling truly adventurous, experience the thrill of a lifetime on the epic seven-course zip line, that will have you soaring through the park - including over a live alligator pond! Address: 11441 Hwy. 80, Greenwood, LA 71033
- Holly Beach
StwBuck/Trip Advisor Located in Cameron, Holly Beach is the perfect adventure for both weekend warriors and casual daytrippers. Spend your day searching for seashells, and your night beneath the stars, listening to the sounds of the waves crash onto the shore. Sounds delightful, right?
- Vermilionville
KreyolQueen/Trip Advisor Although opened in 1990, Vermilionville is like taking a much larger leap back in time. This 23-acre living history museum will introduce you to the daily lives of those who lived in the area from 1765-1890. Vermilionville features 19 different attractions, including seven original homes that have been painstakingly restored to their glory days. Address: 300 Fisher Rd., Lafayette, LA 70508
Have you been to any of these attractions? Are there others you would add to this list? Let us know in the comments below!
Landry Vineyards/Facebook
You don’t need to head out to Napa Valley to go on a wine tour! Established in 1999, Landry Vineyards offers tours of their vineyards and a tasting room where you can sample their delicious wines. The property is absolutely breathtaking, and they frequently host outdoor concerts on the lawn, so bring a blanket and enjoy a lovely evening of wine and music. Address: 5699 New Natchitoches Rd. #838, West Monroe, LA 71292
Wikimedia
Yes, Louisiana does have a mountain! Two, actually. At 535 feet, Driskill Mountain the tallest natural summit in the state. Even though it’s a mere hill compared to the mountain ranges in other states, it’s worth your while to take a hike up to the top. The trail is under two miles, so you can easily knock it out in an afternoon.
The mountain is located near Bienville, and you can park at the Mt. Zion Church located at 12053 Highway 507, Simsboro, LA 71215.
Wild Country Safari Park/Facebook
For an epic day that the entire family will enjoy, head over to Wild Country Safari Park. You’ll get up close and personal with exotic animals like zebras and water buffalo as well as adorable farm animals like goats and rabbits. Address: 8 Hobby Newton Rd., Delhi, LA 71237
Chauvin Sculpture Garden/Facebook
Nestled on Bayou Petit Caillou, the Chauvin Sculpture Garden is the work of artist Kenny Hill, who once lived on the property. His work is free for all to view, and maintained by Nicholls State University. Address: 5337 Bayouside Dr., Chauvin, LA 70344
Management/Trip Advisor
For a one-of-a-kind experience, head over to Gator Chateau in Jennings. Conveniently located right off I-10, visitors have the opportunity to hold baby alligators and learn about these fascinating creatures. Address: 100 Rue de l’ Acadie, Jennings, LA 70546
Briarwood/Facebook
The former home of renowned botanist Caroline Dormon is open to the public for part of the year, and it’s worth your while to go check it out. You can stroll through the grounds, check out the beautiful wildflowers, do some bird watching, and then gaze out into the reflective pool. Address: 216 Caroline Dorman Rd., Saline, LA 71070
Gators & Friends/Facebook
Located just outside of Shreveport, Gators & Friends is an exotic petting zoo and adventure park that the whole family will enjoy. Challenge your friends to a race over at the 1,600-foot racetrack and if you’re feeling truly adventurous, experience the thrill of a lifetime on the epic seven-course zip line, that will have you soaring through the park - including over a live alligator pond! Address: 11441 Hwy. 80, Greenwood, LA 71033
StwBuck/Trip Advisor
Located in Cameron, Holly Beach is the perfect adventure for both weekend warriors and casual daytrippers. Spend your day searching for seashells, and your night beneath the stars, listening to the sounds of the waves crash onto the shore. Sounds delightful, right?
KreyolQueen/Trip Advisor
Although opened in 1990, Vermilionville is like taking a much larger leap back in time. This 23-acre living history museum will introduce you to the daily lives of those who lived in the area from 1765-1890. Vermilionville features 19 different attractions, including seven original homes that have been painstakingly restored to their glory days. Address: 300 Fisher Rd., Lafayette, LA 70508
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
