6 Most Unconventional Towns In Louisiana

A true melting pot, Louisiana is an intense mix of cultures, giving it a personality all of its own. The history and character of this fascinating southern state have been shaped through the centuries by African, French, Native American, European, and Haitian influences. With that kind of background, it’s no wonder Louisiana's small towns are a one-of-a-kind destination. From mystery museums to excursions into the heart of the bayou, these unconventional communities are packed with thrilling adventures, memorable moments, and experiences you won’t find anywhere else.

Abita Springs

A short drive north of New Orleans is the charming and very unconventional town of Abita Springs. Known for its scenic trails and quaint main street, the town also boasts a very unusual attraction — the Abita Mystery House, also known as the UCM (‘you see em’) Museum.

More like a folk art exhibit than a museum, this unique property is a maze of quirky exhibits, including a miniature Southern town, old arcade games, a vintage service station, a century-old Creole cottage, memorabilia, antiques, recycled artwork, and more.

Once you have explored the Abita Mystery House, get to know the town by taking a wander or a bike ride along the Tammany Trace, a 31-mile-long trail that connects communities along the Northshore. The trail starts at the Abita Trailhead Museum in Abita Springs Park, a history museum and visitor’s center housed in a historic 1911 building. Also nearby is the Abita Brew Pub, a favorite with locals and visitors thanks to its selection of rotating taps and tasty Creole dishes.

Natchitoches

There are many historic towns in Louisiana, but only Natchitoches can claim to be the original French colony. To see Natchitoches’ unique 33-block historic district in style, take a horse-drawn carriage tour with the Cane River Carriage Company or climb aboard the Cane River Queen, a 49-passenger paddle wheeler that offers guided tours from the water.

For a taste of more recent history, visit the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, which contains exhibits on the state’s sporting legends, including Shaquille O’Neal and Chanda Rubin. Outside of town, the beautiful Cane River Creole National Historical Park includes two sweeping plantations and 67 historic structures.

If you are in Natchitoches over the holidays, you are in luck. The town isn’t just known for its history; it’s also the home of one of Louisiana’s oldest holiday traditions — the Christmas Festival of Lights, which dates back to 1927 and features over 300,000 lights and more than 100 light displays.

Breaux Bridge

You can’t visit Louisiana without tasting its signature Cajun cuisine and its iconic crawfish. The best place to do that is in Breaux Bridge, also known as "the crawfish capital of the world." Located a short drive from Lafayette in south-central Louisiana, Breaux Bridge is a quirky town that’s proud of its Cajun and Creole heritage.

Visit in May to attend the legendary Crawfish Festival, which has brought millions of seafood lovers to town since it began in 1960. The festival is also one of the largest gatherings of Cajun musicians and hosts around 30 bands over its three-day schedule. If you miss the party, don’t worry—you can still try Breaux Bridge’s world-famous crawfish at Crazy Bout Crawfish, a down-home diner that serves up Cajun favorites.

After you have fueled up, head to the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area to see the scenic side of Breaux Bridge. This beautiful nature preserve covers 150 miles of rivers, swamps, prairies, marshes, and coastline. Stop into the Atchafalaya Welcome Center to pick up a map of the trails and recreation areas to plan your visit. Spend the day kayaking, picnicking, hiking, birdwatching, or just soaking up the scenery.

Ruston

Ruston in north Louisiana is a vibrant college town with a historic downtown and a sweet tooth. Every year, Ruston celebrates a humble fruit that’s had a big impact on the local economy. The annual Louisiana Peach Festival, now in its 75th year, began as a way to promote the region’s agricultural industry and has grown to an iconic summer event that highlights local culture, art, music and, yes, peaches. Events include the Peach Rodeo, Peach Parade, and Peach Hunt.

When it’s not getting peachy, downtown Ruston is still well worth a visit. The 25-block historic district includes Railroad Park, an inviting green space that regularly hosts concerts and festivals, a tranquil butterfly garden, and the Lincoln Parish Museum. History lovers will also enjoy the North Louisiana Military Museum, which houses a large collection of weapons, flags, training gear, aircraft, and war vehicles from World War I through the Gulf Wars.

Jeanerette

Known as "sugar city," Jeanerette was founded in 1878 and quickly grew thanks to its thriving sugar industry. Two sugar mills still operate in the area to this day. With 200 years of sugar cane cultivation in its history, Jeanerette takes its sweet treats very seriously. The town’s most famous bakery, LeJeune’s, was built in 1884 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Stop by to try their French bread and ginger cakes, both of which still use the original 1800s recipe. Free tours of the property are also available on request.

For more history, visit the Jeanerette Museum, which houses an exhibit on the sugarcane industry, photography collections, antique farming equipment, and more. While you are there, pick up the Historic Jeanerette Trail, a self-guided walking tour along the town’s quaint main street where you can see homes from the 1800s, the 1898 bank building, and an eye-catching historic mural on the post office that depicts life at a sugar cane mill.

Located in Iberia Parish, Jeanerette is a short drive from breathtaking views at Lake Fausse Pointe State Park where visitors can experience Louisiana's watery wilderness, fishing, boating, canoeing or hiking through classic southern swamplands.

Houma

Houma, in the heart of Louisiana's bayou country, is surrounded by swamps and awash with Cajun legends, cuisine, and character. It’s one of the best places in the state to hear authentic Cajun music. The Cajun Music Preservation Society organizes regular events and concerts around town, including jam sessions at C’est Bon Cafe. Local musicians also play at the Courthouse Square Bandstand on Friday nights. You can also catch live music at the Bayou Terrebonne Waterlife Museum, which celebrates all things Louisiana with local art, clothing, gifts, and jewelry on display and offered at the gift shop.

Take a tour of the swamps with a local tour guide to venture deep into the heart of the bayou, watching out for gators, turtles, and other southern wildlife. Visit the Ardoyne Plantation to step back in time and tour a Victorian Gothic sugar cane plantation built in 1888. The plantation is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and contains all the original furniture and china.

Weird and Wonderful Louisiana

You never know where a trip to Louisiana will take you. You could end up cruising by gators in the bayou, partying at a crawfish festival, tapping your toes to Cajun tunes, grabbing a snack at the state’s oldest bakery, or watching a peach parade. That's the beauty of this intriguing southern state, full of enchanting communities that are anything but boring. If you are looking for a getaway that's packed with mystery and magic, check out Louisiana’s unconventional small towns.