There are many places to visit in this southern town. If you want to get a feel for the culture of the town, take a trip to St. Francisville, a Spanish moss-draped town that’s been featured in dozens of movies and TV shows. It’s also a great place to find antiques and tour historic houses. While you’re in the area, check out Myrtles Plantation. Surrounded by centuries-old live oaks, the plantation houses gold-leafed French furnishings, hand-painted stained glass, and a 125-foot verandah.
Crane River Creole National Historic Park
The Crane River Creole National Historic Park was established in 1994 to preserve the natural and cultural landscapes of Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana. The park includes a number of historical and cultural sites that can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages.
The Oakland Plantation is a National Historic Landmark and Bicentennial Farm and is open to the public as part of the Crane River Creole National Historic Park. The buildings on this historic site depict life on a cotton plantation and provide a glimpse into Creole colonial culture. The plantation was run by the ethnic French Prudhomme family and had generations of blacks and Creoles of color working in its fields.
The National Park features a wide range of historical sites, including Oakland Plantation and the Magnolia Plantation. The site contains 63 historic structures and expansive plantation landscapes. Visitors will also see family records and personal items from the region’s history. The park offers a rich opportunity to learn about the history of Central Louisiana during colonial times, the rise of cotton, and the Civil War.
DuPont Park
DuPont Park is a natural area located in Louviers, Louisiana. This quiet, outdoor space features several picnic shelters. One shelter holds a capacity of 32 people, while another holds 48. Both shelters are available for reservations year-round.
The park offers a variety of activities for people of all ages. It is perfect for hikers and mountain bikers alike, and there are many trails for different levels of skill. There are also opportunities for equestrians and horseback riders.
Mardis Gras World
The Mardi Gras World is a 300,000 square foot warehouse located on the Mississippi River. Here, floats are designed and built for the parades in New Orleans. The museum is close to the Morial Convention Center in downtown New Orleans.
The museum houses an extensive collection of Mardi Gras floats and is home to the largest float-building workshop in the world. Visitors can tour the facility and get involved by designing and building their own floats. The experience also includes a short video and a knowledgeable guide. While you’re there, don’t forget to sample the famous King Cake and New Orleans coffee.
The museum is a great place to learn about the history and traditions of Mardis Gras. Visitors will learn about how the celebration began in 1837 when mule-drawn carriages were used to carry the floats. Today, the floats hold more than 200 masked riders and are lit with laser lights and fiber optic cables.
Honey Island Swamp Tour
If you love nature, you’ll want to take a tour of the Honey Island Swamp in Louviers, Louisiana. This marshy area is one of the most untouched in the country. It is over 250 square miles and nearly 70,000 acres are permanently protected for wildlife. You’ll be able to observe alligators, waterfowl, and other wildlife while on the tour, which is conducted by a knowledgeable guide.
The wetlands stretch for 18 miles (30 km) and are surrounded by cypress and dense forest. The best way to explore them is by boat, where your guide will share stories of Cajun culture and explain the ecology of the swamp. You’ll board flat-bottom bayou boats to cruise through the shallow backwaters. There’s a good chance you’ll see wild boar, turtles, and an amazing variety of birdlife.
The tour offers plenty of photo ops and opportunities for questions. This hands-on approach helps you gain a deeper understanding of the swamp and the wildlife that lives there.
Melrose Plantation
The unincorporated community of Melrose Plantation, also known as Yucca Plantation, is located in north central Louisiana. This plantation is one of the largest in the United States and was once owned by free blacks. You can visit the historic property and learn about the history of slavery in Louisiana.
Visitors can explore the African House located on the grounds of the Melrose Plantation. The plantation is a National Historic Landmark and is considered to be one of the most complete Creole plantations in the United States. It was founded in 1796 by Louis Metoyer, who later became a gen de couleur libre. In the 1820s, the slaves helped build the African House, which has remained intact. Throughout the years, the house has served as a slave residence and a store house. It also houses the murals painted by the world-renowned African American folk artist Clementine Hunter.
Melrose Plantation tells the history of slavery and the Isle Brevelle Creole community. The plantation includes a large barn and the African House. It was once owned by John Hampton Henry and later became the home of Cammie Garrett Henry and her family. Many famous writers and artists have also lived on the plantation. The plantation also hosts an annual arts and crafts festival in the spring.
Vermilionville
There are several interesting places to visit in Vermilionville. This Living history museum features a variety of restored homes and a restaurant with live music. Visitors to the museum will learn about the lives of the residents and their contributions to the history of Louisiana.
Vermilionville is a living history museum and folklife park that celebrates the rich heritage of French Louisiana’s Acadiana region. Located on 23 acres of parkland, Vermilionville is an excellent place to learn about the Cajun and Creole cultures. It features educational activities for children as well as guided tours of the museum.
Vermilionville is a small city located about 10 minutes from downtown Lafayette. The city offers free parking and is open Tuesday through Sunday. There are also self-guided tours of the city and its surrounding areas.
Bird City
Bird City is a private bird sanctuary with an observation tower that overlooks the egret rookery. It was founded by Edmund Avery McIlhenny in the 1920s. He found eight young snowy egrets and raised them on the property, freeing them for migration. Today, it is estimated that more than 100,000 birds live in the bird sanctuary.
Sci-Port Discovery Center
The 92,000-square-foot Sci-Port Discovery Center is home to many interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and IMAX dome theater. Visitors can also learn about the world around them through hands-on activities and demonstrations.
The center features hands-on exhibits and programs to encourage science and math. It is a member of the Association of Science-Technology Centers, the Association of Children’s Museums, and the LA Space Consortium. The museum also features a Discoveries Unlimited Gift Shop.
The Sci-Port Discovery Center is a great place to take the family. There are lots of cool activities for kids and cool things for adults. It is open Wed, Thu, Fri, and Sat. It is a great way to spend a day in Louviers.
