Ten Affordable Louisiana Attractions for Travelers
Louisiana is home to many beautiful and great attractions thanks to its rich culture and history.
The many museums are fascinating and enlightening. The parks are gorgeous and filled with beautiful landscapes and scenery only found in Louisiana. Factory tours show their operations and hard work. The rich culture of the Acadian people is lively and colorful. Food and music are definitely important pillars in our community. Luckily for us, the Cajun people are mostly a welcoming group who truly enjoy sharing their history, food, music, and culture.
Here are a few unique and affordable attractions I recommend for all Louisiana travelers.
Attractions Near Lafayette
- Zoosiana: Zoo of Acadiana – This attraction is great for those who love an outdoor outing, animals, and truly for all ages! You can feed the giraffes and parakeets. There is a very
educational and entertaining animal show where they display some animals doing their natural abilities. The Jungle Room has many amphibians, snakes, lizards, fish, turtles, even artifacts. The zookeepers are often available for questions and quick chats at the exhibits.
http://www.zooofacadiana.org/Default.asp
- Conrad Rice Mill – Enjoy a nice cup of coffee while taking a guided walk tour of the Conrad Rice Mill and watching the slideshow presentation. You’ll learn that it’s the oldest rice mill in America, which was founded in 1912. It’s a leading tourist attraction in the Bayou Teche area. At the company store, you are able to sample some of their products, find great souvenirs, and chat with the friendly clerks.
https://www.conradrice.com/
- Parish Brewing Company – How about experiencing the magic of a brewery? I think everyone can at least enjoy the process of making beer. The Parish Brewing Company offers free guided tours through their brewery. And before you leave, be sure to check out the Taproom. You can get a pint at the bar or even buy a half gallon growler to-go! And if you aren’t much of a drinker, they have plenty of other keepsakes in their store.
https://www.parishbeer.com/
- Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve Acadian Cultural Center – Learn about the origins, migration, settlement, and culture of the Acadian people. This center offers a rich selection of events, exhibits, films, and programs based on local traditions including dance, food, music, and story-telling. Here you can explore the mysteries of Louisiana’s wildest place, the Atchafalaya Basin. There is even a 35 minute film available about the journey the Acadian people endured after being deported from Nova Scotia.
https://www.nps.gov/jela/new-acadian-cultural-center.htm - Martin Cajun Accordions – Music is very important to the Cajun culture. And most people know it isn’t Cajun or Zydeco music without the sound of an accordion. Martin Accordions has been making hand-made accordions for musicians all around the world for over 30 years. Their full service shop has it all, custom built boxes, repairs, and tuning. You can also catch a tour of the shop and special demonstrations.
http://martinaccordions.com/index.html
Attractions near New Orleans
- French Market – The French Market District consists of six blocks full of shops, cafes, restaurants, and even craft vendors. You’ll find bookstores, art galleries, candy shops, toy stores,
boutiques, the craft bazaar, and The Fudgery! The French Market really has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for an addition to your wardrobe, your next sweet treat, a great painting, a new book, or a one of kind craft, you are sure to find it here!
http://www.frenchmarket.org/
- City Park – Another great outdoor attraction is City Park. Since 1854, this 1,300-acre urban park has had millions of visitors, hosted countless concerts and dances, and enchanted many people with it’s historic oaks and moss canopies. You’ll find many gardens, museums, statues, sporting grounds, cafes, and even an amusement park. This destination is another great option that is sure to please everyone.
http://neworleanscitypark.com/
Attractions in Shreveport
- Meadows Museum of Art – The various exhibits range from silent films, outdoor sculptures, and the permanent collection, Louisiana Landscapes. The museum also hosts special events including lectures, poetry readings, viewing parties, and much more. In 1975, the permanent collection originally housed 350 paintings, but now the collection has over 1,600 works.
https://www.themeadowsmuseum.com/
- Walter B. Jacobs Nature Park – Enjoy a lovely trail through 160 acres of pine-oak-hickory forest. There are live animal exhibits which include a deer enclosure and the Bird of Prey aviary. The visitor center has more live animals, hands-on exhibits, a classroom, a play area, and restrooms. All through the year they host special events. The one I’m looking forward to is Owl Night, coming up in mid February. There will be hot chocolate, smores, a guided night tour, storytime, owl art time, and even live owls!
http://www.caddo.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Walter-B-Jacobs-Memorial-Nature-Park-6
Attractions in Baton Rouge
- Magnolia Mound Plantation – Visiting a plantation is always a great choice while vacationing in Louisiana. The Magnolia Mound Plantation was first built in 1791 and was expanded during the start of the 19th century. The gorgeous details of the main house include a rare cove ceiling, cypress flooring, and cypress beams with bousillage-entre-poteau. A few structures on the property would be the Quarters, Open-Hearth Kitchen, Overseer’s House, and of course the gift shop!
http://www.brec.org/index.cfm/park/MagnoliaMoundPlantation
As you can see, there are plenty of affordable attractions to choose from while visiting Louisiana.
While you get to experience the natural beauty, you also receive rich history and culture. And of course, there are many subjects to explore, such as history, art, nature, music, animals, and even beer. Louisiana has so much to offer, and the diverse attractions ensure everyone is captivated. The natives are proud of their heritage and love to share it with anyone.
No matter where you are from, you are sure to feel like family. Come on down and get familiar with Cajun country and all the treasures and secrets it holds.