7 Of The Most Eccentric Towns In Louisiana
From the iconic Mardi Gras to voodoo culture and paranormal activity, Louisiana does not fall short when it comes to the strange and mysterious. Frogs galore cover every corner in Rayne, the Frog Capital of the World. Feel a chill down your spine in Ponchatoula at the cursed swamp or the plantation in St. Francisville with a troubled past. Dive into the world of Bonnie and Clyde in Gibsland or celebrate with epic Mardi Gras festivities in Mamou. Hunt for Bigfoot in Zwolle and head to Abita Springs for an array of weird oddities. The Bayou State is a unique blend of ghostly influences, Cajun music, delectable home cooking, and enchanting points of interest.
Mamou
Mamou earned its spot on the map due to its legendary Mardi Gras celebration. Known as the Courir de Mardi Gras, this lively extravaganza features horseback riders wearing colorful and eccentric attire. The riders head to local businesses and homes, and the event finishes off with a heartwarming bowl of gumbo. With nonstop dancing, drinking, and even a chicken chase, the Courir de Mardi Gras is a thrilling way to let loose in Louisiana.
Catch a live performance at Fred's Lounge and find out why Mamou is coined the Cajun Music Capital of the World. Put on your finest shoes and get ready to dance to the music from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Mingle with Mamou residents at Fred’s happy hour, running weekdays from 4 to 8 pm, and sip on one of the spicy Bloody Marys. After a long night of burning energy, have a rest at the Hotel Cazan. The historic boutique hotel is right down the street from Fred’s Lounge. Each room has its own quirky vibe, with themes that span from nautical adventures to the supernatural.
Zwolle
Boasting an intriguing events calendar, Zwolle is an endearing town right by the Texas border. This remote Louisiana town is famous for its mysterious Bigfoot sightings. For Louisianans, Bigfoot is no laughing matter, and the cryptid is taken very seriously. Join the locals for the annual Toledo Bend Bigfoot Symposium. Featuring guest speakers and activities catered to all things surrounding the cryptid. Purchase a ticket, savor authentic Louisiana cuisine, and connect with fellow fans of local legends and lore. Before leaving, stop by one of the on-site vendors to pick up a souvenir that captures this strange spirit of Louisiana. From a beauty pageant and tamale-making contest to a car show, parade, dancing, and kids' activities, there’s something for everyone at this can't-miss Zwolle event.
You can also bask in Louisiana’s expansive wilderness at North Toledo Bend State Park. With over 900 acres to explore, it is a nature lover’s paradise. Gather friends and family for a picnic in the park, trek the hiking trails, cast a line in the river, and then cap off the day by cozying up in a tent. Sleep under the night sky with a belly full of s'mores and other campfire delights. For a more upscale stay, book one of the premium campsites and enjoy essentials like electrical hookups and water.
St. Francisville
Dare to dive into a chilling adventure with a visit to haunted St. Francisville. Allegedly one of the most haunted places in the entire country, you can try to catch a ghost or two at the Myrtles Plantation. The residence preserves its historic charm with period furnishings and offers eerie evening ghost tours complete with creepy tales. Though not for the faint of heart, The Myrtles also has 21 guestrooms for overnight stays.
The Southern United States is known for its rodeos, but nothing is quite like the Angola Prison Rodeo and Craft Show. As the longest-running prison rodeo in the nation, it stands out not just for its history, but because the riders are inmates from the Louisiana State Penitentiary. Purchase one of the crafts from the vendors for a rare souvenir. Made by inmates, choose from furniture, art, and jewelry, and take home a one-of-a-kind treasure.
Nothing beats a graveyard stroll in a town as hauntingly enchanting as St. Francisville. Pay respects to some of Louisiana’s early settlers at the Locust Grove State Historic Site. Once known as the Locust Grove Plantation, only the gravesites remain today. The area boasts a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere and is peaceful, despite its history and purpose.
Ponchatoula
Roughly a 40-minute drive east of Baton Rouge, Ponchatoula is an unconventional Louisiana town with an array of captivating attractions. Among its highlights, the Louisiana Treasures Museum showcases a unique collection that ranges from Native American cooking stones and old whiskey bottles to Civil War memorabilia. The popular museum offers a rare and diverse peek into Louisiana’s past.
In addition, you can support local artists at the Revival Art House, which showcases masterpieces by over 200 creators from around the region. With new art arriving daily, there is always something to see. Visitors can even try their hand at one of the paint classes. Some of the upcoming 2025 workshops include a Crab and Bird House Painting Class.
Ponchatoula is also home to a creepy body of water. Those looking for a potential scare can head to the Manchac Swamp. Legend has it that the area is haunted by Julia Brown, a former resident known for practicing voodoo. She passed away after a hurricane came barreling through the town, and reports of hauntings have surfaced ever since.
Abita Springs
Known for its pristine landscapes, healing springs, and small-town charm, Abita Springs is perfect for family fun and kooky roadside stops. Satisfy curiosities at the Abita Mystery House, or UCM Museum. The collection is unique and otherworldly, with a treasure trove of weird trinkets and oddball artifacts. See eclectic art, homemade inventions, a mosaic house, old arcade machines that still work, and an incredible assortment of unexpected sights. Exploring the oddities hidden within the walls of the Abita Mystery House is an experience visitors will remember for a lifetime.
Equally as creative, the En Plein Air Exhibition brings the landscape to life as artists paint scenes in real time and offer a chance to purchase the finished works after the show. Alternatively, gather the family and spend a full day at Abita Springs Park. The old-world pavilion adds a nice touch to this stunning gathering spot. Let the kids run around the playground and cool off at the splash pad. Pack a lunch and set out a delicious picnic for everyone to enjoy. Afterwards, walk along the trails or head to the Abita Springs Museum to learn more about the area's humble beginnings.
Rayne
When it comes to strange towns in Louisiana, it does not get more quirky than Rayne, the proclaimed Frog Capital of the World. For an iconic photo opportunity, take a picture with Monsieur Jacques standing tall and proud in the background. The fancy frog statue sports a tuxedo, tipping his hat to onlookers. Rayne is actually home to several frog statues scattered throughout the town, with the majority lining the streets accompanied by quirky frog murals.
As adorable as it is tasty, head to Chef Roy’s Frog City Cafe for an exquisite plate of frog legs. Pairing classic French and Cajun flavors, the eatery is a fan favorite for locals and visitors alike. To dive even further into Rayne’s frog culture, visit in May for the annual Frog Festival. From carnival rides to a frog derby, frog races, kick-off parade, and a frog leg sauce-eating contest, the event honors and celebrates the beloved little critters.
Gibsland
Gibsland is full of character and known for its connection to notorious American outlaws, Bonnie and Clyde. Formerly a cafe where the pair purchased their last meal, the Bonnie and Clyde Ambush Museum is an essential stop for history and pop culture buffs. The museum is filled with nonstop facts about the iconic duo, and even features a replica morgue and the legendary car where Bonnie and Clyde met their demise. Right next door, have a seat at the Bonnie & Clyde Last Stop Cafe. The cozy spot takes pride in serving classics like homemade shakes, sundaes, and sandwiches.
With such a gripping history, the town naturally hosts an annual Bonnie and Clyde Festival. Kick off the event with an indulgent pancake breakfast and live entertainment. Discover who wins the Bonnie and Clyde Lookalike Contest, enjoy the antique car parade, and witness thrilling events, including a reenactment of the final ambush and downtown shootout. Be sure to remember this unparalleled event with a souvenir from the Bonnie & Clyde Ambush Museum or festival vendors.
Embrace the Strange Side of Louisiana
Louisiana constantly captivates visitors with its mystical charm. Dance to the Cajun music in Mamou and stay a while to party at the renowned Mardi Gras celebration. Venture through the great outdoors in Zwolle’s picture-perfect North Toledo Bend State Park or cheer on the riders at the Angola Prison Rodeo in St. Francisville. What better place to dig into a platter of frog legs than in the world's frog capital of Rayne? Spend a family day at Abita Springs Park, and finish off the day browsing the collection at the Abita Mystery House. See the treasures in Ponchatoula and dare to enter the haunted Manchac Swamp in the area. The state combines history, mystery, and paranormal encounters in the most magical way.
