6 Stunning Small Towns In Louisiana
Located in the Deep South, the state of Louisiana is where striking landscapes and rich traditions converge for an unforgettable experience. With nearly 40% of the continental United States' coastal wetlands found in Louisiana, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the diverse plant and animal life of the bayous and swamps. Visitors can also wander historic plantations and uncover stories shaped by centuries of history. From celebrating Cajun culture at the Shrimp and Petroleum Festival in Morgan City to spotting endangered wildlife at Mandalay and Cat Island National Wildlife Refuges, adventure and beauty are everywhere. These six stunning small towns are filled with heart, demonstrating their unique scenery, culture, and unforgettable Southern charm.
New Iberia
Known for its food, music, and festivals, the town of New Iberia is a community of classic beauty and celebration. Built in 1834, the Shadows-on-the-Teche is a popular Classical Revival plantation home where guests can walk around a formal garden and take a guided tour of the premises. The Rip Van Winkle Gardens offers visitors a serene escape with decadent flowers and trees, as well as on-site accommodations, including cabins, and the perfectly situated Café Jefferson, nestled in a grove of ancient oaks. While in New Iberia, enjoy one of their well-known events, such as the Sugar Cane Festival. Join residents and visitors alike in celebrating the Louisiana sugar cane industry with competitions, pageantry, sugar cookery, live Zydeco and Cajun music, parades, and a carnival.
Natchitoches
Natchitoches is the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase territory, situated on Cane River and renowned for its Creole architecture. Take a tour of the waterway with Cane River Queen, a tour agency that provides visitors with an opportunity to explore the river on a spacious 49-passenger paddle wheeler boat. Step back in time at the Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site, a museum with tours and historical reenactments at a visually stunning replica of a 1716 fort created by French colonists. The Cane River Creole National Historical Park is a 63-acre national park conserving the life of Creole plantations with ranger tours, exhibits, and restored buildings. Watch the sky light up at the Natchitoches Balloon Festival, a two-day event that features fireworks, live music, hot air balloon rides, and food.
St. Francisville
Featuring a number of restored plantations open for tours, St. Francisville is filled with natural beauty, history, and charm. There are plenty of places to explore in St. Francisville, each offering a glimpse of what makes the area truly special. Spend the day exploring the Audubon State Historic Site, a state park that has a number of wooded trails, as well as beautiful gardens and a historic house that displays prints of John James Audubon. The Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site features a 19th-century home filled with period furnishings and surrounded by formal gardens. This historical place museum offers guided tours of the grounds. Located near town is Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge, a nature preserve that is home to diverse fish and wildlife, such as wintering waterfowl, the Louisiana black bear, and migratory songbirds.
Houma
Located in the heart of Louisiana’s Bayou County, the town of Houma is a place where outdoor adventure awaits. Known for being an access point for numerous swamp tours, birding expeditions, and charter fishing adventures along the ecologically rich wetlands, stretching out toward the Gulf. View local wildlife in their natural habitat with Annie Miller’s Swamp Tours and Charters. The tours also provide insightful information about the wetlands and hunting practices of the area. Explore thousands of acres of marshland at Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge, home to endangered and threatened species, where most of the refuge is best reached by boat, but a public nature trail also offers access on foot. Visit the Volumnia House, known for its preservation, which is one of the oldest family-owned and operated plantations in Terrebonne Parish, offering tours and historical accounts of the site.
Morgan City
Known as the ‘Jumbo Shrimp Capitol of the World,’ Morgan City is a place on the Atchafalaya Basin, where the water holds a particular beauty for the town. Lake End Park, situated on Lake Palourde, is a place where visitors have access to walking trails, cabins and campgrounds, plus a marina and fishing. Spend some time at Brownell Memorial Park and Carillon Tower, a 9.5-acre park with numerous trees and plants found along the swamp ridges, such as flowers, cypress, elephant ears, ferns, and more. The focal point of the park is the Carillon Tower, reaching 106 feet above its base, featuring 61 bronze bells. A particularly popular event in Morgan City, taking place in the downtown historic district, is the Shrimp and Petroleum Festival. Here, visitors surround themselves with Cajun culture, enjoying carnivals, parades, food vendors, music, and more.
Covington
Located at a fork of the Bogue Falaya and the Tchefucte River sits the charming, historic town of Covington. Filled with culture and scenic Bayous, the area is a stunning location for history and nature lovers. Spend some time at a secluded riverfront area, the Bogue Falaya Wayside Park, featuring beautiful oak trees, wooden play structures, and plenty of room for a picnic. The historic downtown area has a wealth of beautiful buildings, including the Southern Hotel (built in 1907) on East Boston Street in downtown Covington. Another historic location in town to visit is the H.J. Smith and Sons General Store and Museum, an operational store that has been in business since 1876. The store also features an attached museum filled with historical items. Go camping, fishing, or walk along nature trails at Fairview-Riverside State Park, a 99-acre green space located in nearby Madisonville.
Welcome to the Bayou
From historic plantations and ecologically rich bayous to wildlife refuges and vibrant local festivals, these small towns in Louisiana offer visitors a chance to experience some of what the Deep South has to offer. Each location provides a unique blend of southern hospitality, cultural heritage, and natural beauty rooted in Cajun and Creole traditions. Whether exploring marshlands along the Mississippi Delta, enjoying local food and music, or admiring distinctive architecture, Louisiana is a place where charm, history, and stunning landscapes are just a fraction of what is waiting for all those who visit.
