8 Best Small Towns in Louisiana for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Nicknamed the "Sportsman's Paradise," Louisiana offers a variety of outdoor activities year-round. The seemingly endless bayou and swamp scenes allow visitors to fully immerse themselves in this ecologically and culturally diverse landscape. From swamp touring in Houma to bird watching in Henderson, whatever outdoor activity you desire, these small Louisiana towns have it all. Days can fly by when you are busy having fun, and afterward, you can reward yourself with some Cajun cuisine and local beer after a long day of activities.
Henderson
Henderson is located in the largest swamp in the US, the Atchafalaya Basin, which is actually larger than the Florida Everglades. Swamp tours allow visitors to see Louisiana’s unique cypress trees, famed in the area for their longevity and unique reddish-brown color. Additionally, Lake Martin, a 20-minute drive away from the town, located on about 9,500 acres of cypress and tupelo swamp land, is ideal for paddling. Onlookers can witness the incredibly diverse bird population and encounter some of the world's most fascinating reptiles and amphibians—including alligators. In addition to its impressive swamps and birdwatching reputation, Henderson offers some of the best freshwater fishing in the south, with abundant bass, white perch, crappie, bream, and other fish species.
The downtown Historic District is known for its charming bed and breakfasts and hotels near the bayous. For those wanting total immersion during their stay, consider the short five-minute drive to Cypress Cove Landing for a night in a houseboat on the bayou. For great-tasting food, Pat's Fisherman's Wharf Restaurant on the edge of the Atchafalaya River Basin offers mouth-watering homestyle Cajun Cuisine, famous since 1948.
Mandeville
The Marigny de Mandeville family established this town in 1834 as a lakeside summer resort. Today, it continues to attract people because of its beauty, history, nature, and welcoming atmosphere. Fontainebleau State Park has cabins and campsites and connects to the Tammany Trace, a 31-mile trail great for hiking and cycling. For those looking to unwind, Lake Pontchartrain’s sandy beach is great for relaxing and fishing off the pier. The breathtaking giant oaks bordering Mandeville's lakefront are truly mesmerizing. A nice way to finish the day is to take a stroll along the seawall and then watch the sunset from Mandeville Pier at Sunset Point. As night falls, Ruby's Roadhouse is the perfect bar to enjoy some of the area’s best live entertainment, from Rock to Blues and more.
St. Francisville
Strolling down some of the winding roads in St. Francisville is a great way to discover the many sandy-bottomed creeks, historic homes, nature parks, and bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River. The town is a popular destination for hunters, cyclists, and hikers and has a wide range of natural attractions. Visitors enjoy exploring the lush countryside by bicycle, kayak, or walking while birdwatching. As you traverse the rugged terrain of the Tunica Hills Wildlife Management Area, you will see some of the country's most diverse animals up close amongst a backdrop of picturesque ravines and waterfalls.
Additionally, the Afton Villa Gardens and Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge are worth seeing for those nature lovers wanting to fully appreciate the area's incredible natural beauty. The West Feliciana Historical Museum can help you learn more about the town's rich past, including its historic plantations. Every fourth Thursday of the month, the town hosts Vibes in the Ville, a lively event where people hunker down on blankets or lawn chairs to enjoy live music.
Abita Springs
This quaint town was a popular destination in the 19th century for its supposed healing waters. Whether you believe the legends or not, Abita Springs undoubtedly provides a healing experience for those seeking to escape the big city. Like Mandeville, Abita Springs connects to the vast Tammany Trace. The trail cuts through town, taking you along paths that will keep you busy for the entire day. Abita Springs Park is also a must-see if you are keen on cycling, picnicking, and hiking. Families will enjoy visiting the Trailhead & Park, which features shaded picnic tables, a historic pavilion, a splash pad, the Abita Springs Trailhead Museum, and a playground.
If the water does not heal you, the Abita Brew Pub will. Made from those same reputed healing springs, Abita Brew Pub's beer is renowned in the area. The Abita Brew Pub has a patio ideal for enjoying beers and live music, not to mention a plethora of delicious crawfish cakes, burgers, and more.
Houma
Houma is surrounded by approximately 2500 square miles of swamps and wetlands. An area rich in mystery, legends of pirate kings, werewolves, swamp monsters, and voodoo priestesses are intertwined with the history of this remarkable region. A network of bayous and shipping channels converge in Houma to form an extensive waterway system. When visiting the Wetlands Cultural Byway and taking the Cajun Man's Swamp Cruise, you'll see cypress trees, historic cabins, and eerie swamps.
A convergence of nature and deep-rooted Cajun culture and heritage lies in Houma, offering a rich environment where you will find plenty of hospitality, music, and world-renowned cooking. Big Al's Seafood Restaurant is great for indulging in charbroiled oysters and delicious catfish.
Grand Isle
If swampy bayous do not do it for you and you desire a more relaxing beach vibe, Grand Isle is the place to go. Where Barataria Bay meets the Gulf of Mexico, you can spend your time on this amazing beach town island fishing for some of the 280 fish species, ocean swimming, combing the seven miles of beach for shells, and basking in the southern sun.
Grand Isle State Park features pristine beaches, a 400-foot square fishing pier, trails, and campgrounds. For those fishing enthusiasts, consider visiting in July when the town hosts the Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo, the oldest fishing tournament in the US. Elmer’s Island Wildlife Refuge is a quick hopover from Grand Isle and is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts who can take pleasure in the saltwater marsh and coastal dunes. Additionally, the Grand Isle Migratory Bird Celebration in April allows birdwatchers opportunities to witness various bird species make their annual return from South America.
Bastrop
Maybe beaches are not your thing, and you prefer the silence and harmony of woodlands instead. Bastrop is beautiful any time of year but is most striking in autumn with its fall foliage. Chemin-A-Haut State Park is one of the most popular destinations in the area, with 503 acres of land suitable for hiking, kayaking, fishing, and enjoying the autumn colors. The park's two main trails, Bobcat and Boy Scout, provide hikers with a vibrant display of color.
Brilliantly colored Forests with rustic bridges sprinkled throughout state parks are only some of the amazing sights to see. Bastrop's historic district, known for its restored 1914 Parish Courthouse and Rose Theatre, as well as the Snyder Museum, is also popular with locals and tourists alike.
This extraordinary town, once a hideout for Civil War soldiers, an escape for Great Mississippi Flood refugees, and currently home to some of the state's most unique architecture, offers visitors excitement any time of year.
Farmerville
Farmerville has something for everyone who enjoys the outdoors, whether fishing, camping, kayaking, hiking, or relaxing with the family. The 655-acre Lake D'Arbonne State Park is located in Farmerville and is one of Louisiana's most beautiful parks. The vast, rolling hills and landscape offer incredible opportunities for sightseeing, hiking, and fishing. The lake is ranked third in the US for crappie fishing and hosts plenty of fishing tournaments.
If visiting during the last weekend of July, the Louisiana Watermelon Festival is a must-see. The festival will entertain the whole family with activities, including a tennis tournament, bicycle and tricycle racing, arm wrestling contests, street dancing, and various arts & crafts and food stands. And, of course, what would a Watermelon Festival be without a watermelon-eating and seed-spitting contest?
Louisiana is an intersection of cultures—from Cajun to Creole, from French to African. It continues to attract visitors for its unique beauty, food, people, and mysterious swamp lands. This diversity is reflected in the ecology and landscape of the state, where these cultures have intermingled for centuries. Endless possibilities await the outdoor enthusiast ready to explore this state's unique parks, swamps, and towns. The next time you need a break from the hustle and bustle of it all, the vast expanse of coastal wetlands, beaches, and forests will have you wanting to swap city life for swamp life.
