Top Things to do in Louisiana
Things to do in Louisiana, United States: The Best 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. The National WWII Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 29,577 reviews
The National WWII Museum is the top-rated tourist destination in New Orleans and #2 in the U.S., and an unforgettable way to experience World War II—from industrial efforts on the home front to the combat experience of the American servicemember abroad. Offering a compelling blend of sweeping narrative and poignant personal detail, the Museum features immersive exhibits, multimedia experiences, and an expansive collection of artifacts and first-person oral histories to take visitors inside the story of the war: why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today. Beyond the galleries, the Museum offers unique access to experiential history, including an opportunity to tour and ride on an authentically restored PT-boat, tours behind the scenes to handle artifacts alongside Museum curators, and an impressive collection of restored and working macro-artifacts to discover. Open early through 1/2/18, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Reviewed By J7140OOpauln - Sacramento, United States
The New Orleans National World War 2 Museum brings so much history to life and tells the stories so well that the time flies past. The museum tells the bigger picture of the war and also shows the personal side and the tragic costs of this war, The museum is several very large building with exhibits such as the Road to Berlin and the Road to Tokyo as well as a large exhibit of D-Day. The exhibits are all very well done and the staff is helpful and knowledgable. Please allow at least a full day to see this museum, you will not regret the time spent at this treasure. The optional movie, Beyond All Boundaries is also very well done and worth the time to see. Very highly recommended.
2. R. W. Norton Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 366 reviews
Museum chronicles more than four centuries of American and European art featuring the works of Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell. The springtime sees more than 10,000 azaleas bloom in the museum's garden.
Reviewed By jkj01
So glad we sought this museum out and visited! Beautiful art. My husband appreciated the gun collection. A special section of art for children. The setting is another destination not to be missed. Grounds are immaculately manicured with a walking trail to enjoy. We cannot wait to return to see hundreds of azaleas in full bloom!
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. Whitney Plantation
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,642 reviews
Reviewed By colleenpollett - Fort Lauderdale, United States
Our visit to the Whitney Plantation exceeded our expectations. Ali was our tour guide and he did an excellent job of explaining the history of the plantation and the history of America colonization providing context and perspective that is missing from the history lessons we received in school. Anyone who has the opportunity should make the trip. I hope other plantation tours across the American South start to incorporate this level of education and expertise into their tours.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Knock Knock Children's Museum
8. Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,252 reviews
Mardi Gras World is the most unique attraction in America’s most uniquely attractive city. Come see how Mardi Gras is made and get up close to Mardi Gras' grandest floats and sculptures.
Reviewed By dragondoll
Mardi Gras World attracts a lot of tourists, but for us it was an experience not to be missed. Located in a huge warehouse on the river, it offers a behind-the-scenes look at wonderful huge sculptures created for floats and celebration displays. It was so interesting to witness people hard at work creating these fabulous works of art, many of them recognizable characters from the movies and books. The tour guide gives explanations regarding their creation and origin. Everyone gets a bottle of water and a piece of King cake, a staple of the Mardi Gras celebration. We like the idea that after the presentation you can wander at your leisure around the warehouse to revisit the sculptures seen on the tour and take pictures. They even allow you to try on costumes so you can pose with the characters. This was a true kick and certainly worth the admission fee around $21.00. Look for it on discount sites such as Groupon and you will get it for less.
9. 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.
10. 1911 Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
