6 Undiscovered Small Towns in Louisiana
Many great towns exist in Louisiana, but none quite like these. Whether you take a guided tour of historic plantations that are still around today in St. Francisville, explore the long trail in Covington that takes you through various communities along Lake Pontchartrain, learn about African American history and culture at a museum in Donaldsonville, stroll through a botanical garden on Avery Island in New Iberia, dance your socks off to Zydeco music in Opelousas, or visit St. Martin de Tours Catholic Church, the third oldest Catholic church in the state, these undiscovered small towns in Louisiana are worth discovering.
St. Francisville
St. Francisville, a town in the West Feliciana Parish's hills that sits on a small ridge with a view of the Mississippi River, is known for its rich history and serene beauty. Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site, Audubon State Historic Site, Butler Greenwood Plantation, and Myrtles Plantation offer an inside look at the town's past. St. Francisville also has a beautiful downtown district with many restaurants, shops, and churches. Near St. Francisville, enjoy outdoor recreation at Tunica Hills Wildlife Management Area, which has rough terrain, picturesque views, and abundant wildlife.
Covington
Covington is a charming town between three rivers in St. Tammany Parish. Walking through downtown Covington leads to art galleries like the Saladino Gallery, fascinating museums like the Covington Trailhead Museum and HJ Smith & Sons General Store & Museum, and eateries like English Tea Room and Del Porto Ristorante. Several bed and breakfasts and the historic Southern Hotel are incredible lodging options in the area. Hiking and biking enthusiasts will love the Tammany Trace, Louisiana's first rail trail. The 31-mile path passes through Covington, Abita Springs, Mandeville, Lacombe, and Slidell along the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain. A fascinating tidbit about Covington is that it has played a considerable role in cinema, with several movies filmed there over the years.
Donaldsonville
Donaldsonville, about an hour from Baton Rouge or New Orleans, is one of the most undiscovered towns in Louisiana. The Mississippi River and Bayou Lafourche, which starts near Donaldsonville, are the most impressive natural treasures in the area. In terms of history, this quaint town served as the state capitol from 1829 to 1831 and was the home of Pierre Caliste Landry, the first African American to be elected mayor in the United States. Lafitte's Landing Restaurant, which Chef John Folse, a longtime resident of the area, opened in 1978, was once a popular place to dine before closing in 1998. Donaldsonville is also the home of the River Road African American Museum, which takes visitors inside the history and culture of African Americans from the area.
New Iberia
New Iberia, in the parish seat of Iberia Parish, is about 20 miles southeast of Lafayette. Historic sights in New Iberia include Shadows-on-the-Teche, a former plantation home now a museum, and Conrad Rice Mill, the oldest operating rice mill in the U.S. Another point of interest that makes this town intriguing is Avery Island, which features a museum with Tabasco history exhibits and a 170-acre botanical garden and bird sanctuary. Jefferson Island also offers guided tours, a garden, a restaurant, and a gift shop. Step inside the Bayou Teche Museum for exhibits on the history and culture of the Bayou Teche region, or explore the Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge. New Iberia also has many great restaurants and shops in and around the downtown area.
Opelousas
Opelousas is one of Louisiana's many undiscovered towns with a rich history, culture, and exploration. Le Vieux Village Heritage Park & Museum is a unique place to visit. French for "the old village," this historic area features one of the oldest Creole homes west of the Mississippi River and other buildings and stores from the early 19th century. It also has an information center and a museum dedicated to orphan train riders. Le Vieux Village also has an exhibit on Jim Bowie, an American hero of the Alamo. Opelousas is the birthplace of Zydeco music, which you can learn about in the Zydeco Music Exhibit within Le Vieux Village. Opelousas is also home to the Creole Heritage Folklife Center, an attraction that celebrates Creole heritage. Explore the culinary scene with stops at Lavergne's Cajun Kitchen, Crawfish House & Grill, and Toby's Downtown Restaurant & Lounge.
St. Martinville
Many beautiful architecture, landmarks, and attractions need more recognition in the undiscovered town of St. Martinville, which lies on Bayou Teche. Stroll along the boardwalk at Evangeline Oak Park, learn about history at the African American Museum, tour a historic Creole home at Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site, explore Lake Fausse Pointe State Park, and visit St. Martin de Tours Catholic Church, one of the oldest Catholic churches in America and the third oldest in Louisiana. Another historic site is the Duchamp Opera House, now a space for special events. Just a short walk away are many restaurants and shops to explore more of what St. Martinville offers.
Explore These Undiscovered Towns in Louisiana
Small towns are where you can find the true essence of any state you visit. Whether visiting historical landmarks in St. Francisville, learning about the people and history of Donaldsonville, or exploring the music scene in Opelousas, these lesser-known communities in Louisiana are worth discovering.
