Top Things to do in Louisiana
Things to do in Louisiana, United States: The Best History Museums
Louisiana tourism is centered on New Orleans and the North Shore region in the southeastern corner of the state near the Florida border. West of New Orleans is the Great River Road, with the I-10 running to the Mississippi River port capital city of Baton Rogue. West of New Orleans along the Gulf of Mexico, the I-10 cuts through Lafayette and Lake Charles on its way past Abbeville to Texas. Central Louisiana is Lake Country, and home to cities like Alexandria and Natchitoches. In northern Louisiana, the I-20 runs west from Monroe to Bossier City, Shreveport, and East Texas. Unless Louisiana is very familiar and frequent territory, New Orleans will be the top choice for a Louisiana vacation. Though Mardi Gras, music, and the winning ways of the New Orleans Saints football team get the spotlight, there is much more to explore in New Orleans. Within New Orleans choose among Bourbon Street, Royal Street, the Upper and Lower French Quarters, the Warehouse and Central Business District, the Garden District and Uptown, and Mid-City. With street car lines linking the French Quarter to the Garden District, Convention Center, and everywhere else, it is easy for the whole family to get around. If long walks are your exercise, explore the scenic city on foot. An easy two-hour drive from New Orleans brings you to Baton Rogue, Natchitoches and Lake Country. Explore old Beauregard Town in downtown Baton Rogue, the historic homes of the Baton Rogue Garden District, and tour one or several working plantations. Walk the 33-block Historic Landmark District and tour the historic homes and churches of Natchitoches. Relive Spanish Empire history in Louisiana at Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site. Heading west from New Orleans is Cajun Country and Lafayette with its mix of French, French Canadian (Acadian), Spanish, and Caribbean cultures. Besides Cajun and Creole cookery, explore the Civil War heritage at the Lafayette Museum. Stop by Abbeville to view the courthouse designed by Hayes Town, St. Mary Magdalen Church, and have a seafood meal. With 75 annual festivals Lake Charles is Louisiana's Festival City, and home to the Creole Nature Trail Scenic Byway. Shreveport and Bossier City in northwest Louisiana are casino and entertainment centers. Shreveport is renowned for hosting the Louisiana State Fair in the fall. Plus floral centers, art galleries, and museums. Monroe in the northeast also has notable gardens.
Restaurants in Louisiana
1. Jean Baptiste Lang Creole House Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
2. Prairie Acadian Cultural Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 44 reviews
More than a museum, the Prairie Acadian Cultural Center is also a music hall and a kind of public kitchen, where cooks prepare Cajun specialties for the tasting.
Reviewed By randyhR367VA
We went to the museum since we had time to visit. It is a great place to learn more about the Acadians and their plight to find a new homeland. I believe it is a great place to visit if you are interested in history and specially if you have ancestors who were exiled from Canada or left Europe for a better life
3. Chennault Aviation and Military Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 137 reviews
Located in one of the last standing buildings from the World War II Selman Field Army Air Corps Navigation School, the Chennault Aviation & Military Museum highlights northeast Louisiana's impact on aviation and military history. Admission is always free. Exhibits feature weaponry, uniforms, photographs, documents and other artifacts. A growing collection of military aircraft is located outside. All branches of the U.S. military are featured, from World War I through the present day, and there are also exhibits on Selman Field (which trained over 15,000 navigators) and Delta Airlines (which was born in Monroe from a regional crop dusting service). An extensive exhibit is dedicated to the life and times of Gen. Claire L. Chennault (a northeast Louisiana native) and his Flying Tigers fighter group.
Reviewed By A6943GEmariar
Housed in one of the last remaining school buildings that comprised the largest navigation school in the United States during World War II, the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum is definitely a must see. More than 11,000 artifacts are on display, with many personal stories from local veterans. The museum docents are extremely personable and knowledgeable as they relate the story of General Chennault, the Selman Navigational School, and the birthplace of one of the largest airline companies, Delta Airlines. The Chennault Aviation and Military Museum is truly a fascinating place to visit. And admission is free, too!
4. Regional Military Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 81 reviews
Our museum is dedicated to the brave men and women throughout our country’s history who have defended our great nation, at home and abroad. The goal of the Regional Military Museum is to commemorate their sacrifices made in behalf of all Americans – past, present, and future. Please visit our website to learn more or stop in for a visit.
Reviewed By V8826FJTraveler - Culver, United States
We really enjoyed our visit to this regional museum. Our guide, Ben, was turning 13 the week we were there and his knowledge and enthusiasm were fantastic. Please don’t skip this site. You’ll be glad you visited this museum.
5. Lafitte's Barataria Museum and wetland trace
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By LouisianaREO
I was in the area on business and decided to tour the museum. The personnel are exceptionally friendly and informative. The displays do an excellent job of telling the history of the area showing the viewer what life in the area was like in the past and also the present. The museum has a small theater that shows a documentary of the area and its history up to the present day. It's approximately 30 minutes long. There is a circular boardwalk of about one mile in length through the swamp behind the museum and I would definitely recommend this for the nature lover. I would bring some bottled water if you plan to walk this during the summer months. You may walk the boardwalk for free without having to go through the museum. Admission is only $6.00 and is reduced to $3.00 for military and those 55 or older. But, be advised that they do not accept plastic of any kind, only cash and checks. Also, there is no signage for the museum that is visible from the street so you have to look for it. It's housed in the last building on the right on City Park Street immediately past the school. This is a multi-tenant building and the museum is in the left end of the building. Easy, free parking.
6. Finding Our Roots African American Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By Stagen - Massachusetts, United States
The museum has a LOT of great pictures and artifacts going back to before the Civil War. There is lots of detail about anything from daily life to major events. I learned a lot as well as have a greater respect for what happened over a couple hundred years. Margie and Alvin have done a fantastic job to find and arrange everything. This is a MUST SEE if you're anywhere near Houma, and even worth a day trip from New Orleans.
7. Evangeline State Park
8. Louisiana's Old State Capitol
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 693 reviews
Louisiana's Old State Capitol sits on a hill overlooking the Mississippi River in downtown Baton Rouge. Completed in 1849, the castle-like fortress has been restored to its original grandeur. It houses both traditional and state-of-the-art interactive exhibits and a multi-media film presentation. Audio tours available in English, French, German and Spanish. Free admission.
Reviewed By BHartMich - Northville, United States
We walked in on a whim, and enjoyed a short time walking around the old state capitol. Upon entry we were greeted by a guide who gave us an quick overview, and then gave us a sheet enabling us to do a self guided tour. We could have spent longer than the 20 minutes we did, but we wanted to walk around the city a bit more. It is a beautiful building inside and out, with some very interesting history, and well worth stopping by.
9. Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 79 reviews
Worth a visit to learn about the sights and life in the area.
Reviewed By SouthernLadyBelle - San Antonio, United States
Wow! This place is a hidden gem in Thibodaux. Everyone is friendly and knows facts about the local history like the back of their hands. I enjoy visiting here. Be sure to bring the entire family!
10. The Presbytere
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 954 reviews
The Presbytere was designed in 1791 to match the Cabildo, alongside St. Louis Cathedral in the French Quarter. It stands today as a beautiful reminder of both Louisiana's singular past and its vibrant present.The Presbytere, originally called Casa Curial or "Ecclesiastical House," was built on the site of the residence, or presbytere, of the Capuchin monks. The building was used for commercial purposes until 1834 when it became a courthouse. In 1911, it became part of the Louisiana State Museum. Two exhibitions are on display-"Living with Hurricanes: Katrina and Beyond" tells of rescue, rebuilding and renewal, and "Mardi Gras: It's Carnival Time in Louisiana" captures the fun and fantasy of the annual celebration.
Reviewed By PhebeT_11 - Astoria, United States
As part of the Louisiana State Museum, The Presbytere is a fascinating place to visit in combination with The Cabildo and the 1850 House. Because all three are right there in Jackson Square, buy a combo ticket and allot 3-4 hours to get great insight to New Orleans. The Presbytere focuses on Hurricane Katrina and New Orleans resilience as well as the culture and customs of Mardi Gras. I feel smarter!
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