Louisiana's 9 Most Underrated Towns to Visit in 2024
Louisiana, a state in the southeastern region of the United States, is known for its population of approximately 4.6 million people and a geographic area that spans about 52,378 square miles. Characterized by its flat coastal plains in the south, giving way to rolling hills in the north, Louisiana's landscape is marked by significant waterways such as the Mississippi River and the Atchafalaya Basin. While New Orleans and Baton Rouge are often celebrated as cultural hotspots in Louisiana, the state is also home to a myriad of smaller towns that deserve attention. Keep reading to find out which ones are worth visiting in 2024.
Breaux Bridge
Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, with a population of 7,338, is a small town situated in St. Martin Parish. It was established in 1829 and officially named for a footbridge built across the Bayou Teche by Firmin Breaux. Despite its modest size, Breaux Bridge plays a role in the cultural preservation of Cajun heritage, which is evident in various aspects of the town's life, from cuisine to music to language.
The Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival in May 2024 celebrates the town's designation as the "Crawfish Capital of the World." Attendees can enjoy Cajun, Zydeco, and Swamp Pop music alongside Cajun dance contests and music workshops. In addition to the festival, Breaux Bridge's proximity to the Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge is ideal for bird watching, fishing, and kayaking. If you get hungry, stop by Pont Breaux, a nightly experience of live traditional Cajun music paired with a delectable selection of authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine.
St. Francisville
St. Francisville has a population of 1,487 and is nestled in West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana. This town is a window into the state's past, distinguished by its antebellum architecture, such as the Camilla Leake Barrow House. Its geographical location atop the bluffs of the Mississippi River contributes to its significance, particularly as a site for commerce and agriculture during the 19th century.
Visitors should check out Myrtles Plantation, reputed to be one of America's most haunted homes. It has guided tours that explore the narratives of its past residents. Meanwhile, Rosedown Plantation, encompassing 371 acres, is a well-preserved example of a working antebellum plantation, complete with original furnishings and a formal garden. On March 9, 2024, St. Francisville will host A Walk in the Park, an event that invites families to explore its scenic parks and gardens against the backdrop of the Mississippi River. Live music, local art exhibitions, and workshops will be a part of this event.
Abita Springs
Abita Springs has 2,631 residents, according to the latest census, and is located in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana. This town is recognized for its artesian springs, which historically positioned it as a health resort in the 19th century. Today, Abita Springs is known for the Abita Brewery, one of the reasons for its local fame, yet it remains less frequented compared to larger Louisiana destinations.
Visitors should stop by the Abita Springs Art & Farmers Market, a venue for local producers and artisans to sell their goods. Meanwhile, the Abita Springs Trailhead Museum is located at the start of the Tammany Trace bike path. Here, guests will learn about the area's historical hotels and rail systems, as well as the Choctaw ancestry. The Abita Fall Fest, scheduled for October 11–12, 2024, at the Abita Springs Trailhead Park, is a non-profit festival that will host performances by local musicians and displays by artists and craftsmen.
Avery Island
Avery Island is not only home to a tiny population of 124 residents but is also a salt dome island located in Iberia Parish, Louisiana. It is best known as the birthplace of Tabasco sauce, a significant contribution to global cuisine. This island is characterized by its ecosystem, which includes a diverse array of wildlife habitats, from marshes and bayous to subtropical forests, supporting species such as egrets, alligators, and a variety of indigenous plants.
The Jungle Gardens, a 170-acre botanical garden and bird sanctuary on Avery Island is a place to see this ecosystem firsthand. It has a bamboo forest, live oak trees, and a variety of exotic plants. Adjacent to this, the Tabasco Factory's tours educate visitors on the production of this world-famous hot sauce, from pepper cultivation to the bottling process. On November 2, 2024, Avery Island will host the Jungle Gardens 7K Trail, 5K Run, & 1 Mile Fun Run event, benefiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. This race aims to raise funds for children undergoing treatment and is a great way to support a meaningful cause. Enjoy a picnic and live entertainment after you cross the finish line.
Houma
Houma is the parish seat in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana, and 33,404 residents call it home. This town is situated about 57 miles southwest of New Orleans, making it a significant center in the region. Known as Louisiana's Bayou Country, Houma is a crucial access point to the extensive network of wetlands and waterways that define southern Louisiana.
The Southdown Plantation, a historical museum set in a 19th-century sugar plantation manor, educates visitors on Houma's historical landscape and the sugar industry's influence on the region. Another significant site, the Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge, is a habitat of freshwater marshes, cypress-tupelo swamps, and man-made canals, all intersected by the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. It is a go-to spot for fishing, wildlife photography, boating, and hunting. The 4th Annual Bayou Terrebonne Boucherie, scheduled for March 2, 2024, invites you to a day filled with 5000 lbs of pork, live music, and bayou-themed competitions known as the Cajun Cup.
Covington
Covington (pop. 11,616) is a town in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana, on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain. Established in 1813, Covington spans an area of 8.2 square miles and operates under a mayor-council government system. Covington maintains a distinct identity through its historic architecture, which is especially prevalent in Historic Downtown Covington, and a commitment to the arts and community events.
The Covington Trailhead Museum, central to the town's cultural attractions, is designed like an old-fashioned railroad station with amenities including a clock tower and bandstand. If you're visiting on a Wednesday, check out its lunchtime farmer's market. Nearby, Bogue Falaya Park has river access for outdoor activities like canoeing and picnicking. On November 9–10, 2024, the town will host the Three Rivers Art Festival, an event drawing artists from across 28 states to exhibit works across various mediums in the historic downtown district. Music and art demonstrations will included.
Natchitoches
Natchitoches, Louisiana's oldest town, was established in 1714 and boasts a population of 36,663. It is positioned along the banks of the Cane River in north-central Louisiana. This town, named for the indigenous Natchitoches people, played a crucial role in the early history of the Louisiana Purchase territory; it was a strategic point for trade and diplomacy with Spanish territories in Texas and with various indigenous groups.
Jean Baptiste State Historic Site is a reconstructed French colonial fort from the early 18th century and educates visitors on the early European settlement of the area. The Cane River Creole National Historical Park preserves the cultural landscape of the Cane River region. Guests can discover historic plantations and Creole architecture here. If you're visiting in May 2024, be sure to attend the 2024 Natchitoches 27th Annual Jazz/R&B Festival. Headliners Chapel Hart and country music superstar Craig Morgan with perform on the downtown Natchitoches riverbank.
Monroe
Monroe has a population of 46,032 and is situated in the northeastern part of Louisiana, the parish seat of Ouachita Parish. Incorporated as a city in 1820 and named after the steam-powered paddle-wheeler James Monroe, the town's early growth was closely linked to transportation and trade on the Ouachita River. Today, Monroe encompasses an area of approximately 31.6 square miles.
One of Monroe's notable attractions is Biedenharn Museum & Gardens, established by the family of Joseph A. Biedenharn, the first person to bottle Coca-Cola. It educates visitors on early 20th-century life with a museum, historical Coca-Cola memorabilia, and elaborate gardens. The Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo is home to over 500 animals, emphasizing conservation and education. Visitors are especially drawn to its walk-through greenhouse. On April 27, 2024, Monroe will host the HSA Art is Therapy Festival at the Monroe Rivermarket. It will be a day of music, art-making, and yoga, and is 100% free.
Donaldsonville
Donaldsonville, Louisiana, has 6,989 residents and is located in Ascension Parish at the juncture of the Bayou Lafourche and the Mississippi River. Founded in 1806, Donaldsonville served as the capital of Louisiana from 1830 to 1831. Today, many of the town's buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The River Road African American Museum is a must-see for visitors and is dedicated to teaching tourists about the African American heritage of the river region through art, artifacts, and exhibits on slavery, civil rights, and African American innovators. Amidst the current conversations around social justice and racial reconciliation, this attraction is especially relevant in 2024. Another attraction worth visiting is Fort Butler. This Civil War site educates visitors on the African Americans' contribution to the Union efforts. Lastly, Crescent Park is set along the Mississippi River. The park has walking paths and green spaces for leisure and relaxation.
In 2024, these small towns in Louisiana pack a big punch for visitors, thanks to their attractions and events. Breaux Bridge, near the Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge, and Avery Island, known for its Tabasco sauce heritage, show a side of the state that the well-trodden paths of New Orleans and Baton Rouge cannot. Meanwhile, events such as the Abita Fall Fest and the Natchitoches Natchitoches 27th Annual Jazz/R&B Festival exemplify the community spirit and traditions that define these lesser-known locales, emphasizing their significant yet often overlooked contributions to the Bayou State.
