8 Of The Most Overlooked Towns in Louisiana
Louisiana is a southeastern U.S. state with gorgeous towns that may appeal to many travelers. With so many distinct locales and natural or historical landmarks to see, like the International Petroleum Museum or the Fontainebleau State Park, the state often goes unnoticed when tourists seek new destinations for travel and pleasure. Having a humid subtropical climate with many newfound opportunities to experience, this state has overlooked towns that will surprise anyone!
Bastrop
A nature enthusiast's best destination, Bastrop is home to 9,467 residents. It is well known for its architectural vibrance and historic stops, such as the Snyder Museum for plantation-style estate tours and beautiful fountain strolling grounds, with added outdoor sights for anyone who seeks northern thrills mixed with paddling routes that have been around since the Civil War period. Chemin-A-Haut State Park has scenic bayou trails and kayaking exposure that would suit those who love the sound of wildlife while trekking over high bluffs.
Dotson Park is also an option for nature lovers who like to witness cozy picnic views with friendly tennis vibes and 1950s facilities that cover over 21 acres of land. Golfing fans would likely enjoy Morehouse Country Club, where chatty locals and grassy plains make for a pleasant sporting itinerary. At Seligman's Department Store, one can browse through luxury goods and funky hats that are reminiscent of the 1920s!
Folsom
Folsom is an underrated "Wild West" town with 780 locals who love embracing cultural spirit and farmhouse living. The Sunflower Farm and Ranch is a hotspot where horseback riding on open pastures combines with pavilion relaxation to create a lovely outdoor experience. Savanna enjoyment can be had at the 900-acre Global Wildlife Center, which has guided safari tours, equestrian farm photography, and dozens of camels, giraffes, kangaroos, deer, zebras, bison, and other creatures to satisfy animal lovers!
Tchefuncte Campground's cabin decks across the Tchefuncte River offer nearly 30 acres of woodland views and fishing ponds that are ideal for tourists who like adventure and riverside jogs. At Folsom Village Market, one can expect to find residents of town enjoying boiled peanuts and Cajun recipes brought to life by ranch owners. The Roux 25 has herb-roasted chicken and Scottish salmon dishes perfect for those who love fancy lunch or dinner pubs. For tourists who prefer American cuisine locales in town, Glynn's Drive-In has barbecue hamburgers and chili hot dogs that are worth the stop.
Donaldsonville
Another architectural destination with 6,976 residents, Donaldsonville has a lot of museums and river town landmarks worth exploring. At River Road African American Museum, one can find the historical significance of rural African-Americans who passed down traditions for modern-day cuisine and crafts in this town. The B. Lemann & Bro. Building has downtown 1870s scenery that may appeal to vintage architectural admirers.
At Dubois Winery, family-owned wine-tasting activities and intimate conversations are often underrated. Romantic dinners and southern Louisiana cuisine are typical at the Grapevine Cafe & Gallery, where tourists can find themselves enchanted by Creole and Cajun vibrance. Travelers wanting a classy cocktail and rustic bars can look no further than The Turtle Bar. For shoppers in town, Cajun Village has some cozy specialty shops and alligator pits for travelers wanting fun stories to talk about during the journey home!
St. Martinville
A welcoming town of 5,193 inhabitants, St. Martinville has a lot of locales and landmarks that embrace the Creole life. At Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site, 17th and 18th-century history and culture of early tribes along the Bayou Teche are acknowledged. The Acadian Memorial offers various options for history lovers, such as the famed Evangeline Oak, the historic steamboat resort of Old Castillo Hotel, and the Wall of Names, a list of approximately 3,000 refugees who are remembered for their migration and genealogy.
At Lake Fausse Pointe State Park, 6,000 acres within the Atchafalaya Basin and Spaniard history are easy motivators for nature enthusiasts to stay outdoors in this town. Robert's Lounge has quaint downtown vibes and friendly bartenders who know how to keep locals and tourists happy with live karaoke events and neighborhood beverages. For those who want to see Catholic architecture, Saint Martin de Tours Church has cream-colored exterior walls and community-oriented events that make visitors feel like special guests.
Morgan City
Morgan City is a small town with 10,743 residents that has everything a bird-loving tourist will ever need. St. Mary's Loop is a rather impressive trail landmark with over 300 exotic species of birds! The Eagle Expo is also an option, with its annual bald eagle encounters for tourists who want to witness such avians up close. At Lake End Park, the essence of Bayou Country becomes fun and pleasant for anyone who likes to stroll along shady cypress trees and pier fisheries full of marina sights.
The International Petroleum Museum has a famous offshore drilling rig that caters well to history buffs and outdoor lovers who like to observe local artifacts related to Cajun industries; it is also the only oil rig in the world that allows public walking tours on board! The Swamp Gardens & Wildlife Zoo has thrilling animal encounters with alligators and black bears, and it is a natural heritage site providing local town views. For a truly adventurous trip, one can climb the flood barrier of the Great Wall to witness ships and shrimp boats traveling across the river, with Cajun shellfish samples provided on Main Street to help make it all unforgettable!
Eunice
Eunice is a town with 9,083 welcoming locals who love everything related to Cajun culture and musical style. The Liberty Theater is a 1920s vaudeville studio where French radio and television broadcasting can be heard and seen with evening dance floor rhythm. At the Cajun Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Cajun legends and memorabilia are exhibited and provide a true sense of cultural history in town. Music lovers may also enjoy Savoy Music Center, where 77 handcrafted accordions are part of the Cajun lifestyle, and it also pleases shoppers with other elegant Acadian crafts.
The Prairie Acadian Cultural Center is a highlight with its symphonic hall gatherings and public kitchen area, as well as spicy Cajun specialties that allow tourists to experience new tastes. The Eunice Depot Museum has glorious antiques and prairie cultural trinkets that have been around for centuries. Cafe Mosiac is often overlooked as an extraordinary stop for a quick bite and serves the most underrated iced coffee!
Mandeville
A lakefront town with 13,503 residents, Mandeville is perfect for stops like the Fontainebleau State Park, a 2,800-acre landmark with pretty pink skies and exciting fireworks displays right above sandy beaches overlooking Lake Pontchartrain. The Northlake Nature Center has 52 acres of hardwood forest and cypress swamps full of beavers and boardwalk sights. The Jean Baptise Lang Creole House Museum is a historical alternative for anyone who wants to see Anglo-Creole cultural contributions within summer homes inspired by New Orleans.
At the 30 by Ninety Theatre, tourists can witness artistic and spooky performances by locals who love Northshore entertainment and Southern hospitality. For cabin cocktails and fun game nights, one can find lots of enjoyment at Ruby's Roadhouse, a neighborhood locale full of spirited tourism and dining. For travelers who like shopping and friendly faces, the Trailhead Market has an abundance of seasonal goods and crafts to satisfy anyone who pays a visit here.
Opelousas
Deemed the "spice capital of the world," Opelousas is home to 15,218 locals and is a definitive destination for museums and entertainment enjoyment. The Louisiana Orphan Train Museum has a dedicated collection of orphan train rider history exhibits, which date from 1854 to 1929. The Opelousas Museum and Interpretive Center is also an option for those seeking local history knowledge about Native Americans, Cajuns, Creoles, Spanish, and French influence. The Spotted Cat Antiques locale has a lot of cool vintage trinkets and warehouse tools that make one feel like they are living in a previous era!
The Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino is a south-central Cajun stop with unique nightlife venues and dance lounges for energetic tourists. For those who are just the opposite and prefer relaxation, the Java Square Cafe has locally roasted coffee blends; it is also overlooked as a historical downtown locale because of its Parish & Trust Bank foundation that was initially built in 1927! For anyone in town craving nature, South City Park is yet another option with its cute picnic benches and vast baseball fields.
Discover Louisiana's Hidden Highlights
These small towns are just perfect for one's itinerary in Louisiana. With countless ways to feel included in these towns, there is no reason one will not find things to see and do while being surrounded by Cajun-loving locals, beautiful locales, and unique landmarks. This list is sure to come in handy for travelers who want to witness the heart and soul of the "Pelican State"!
