Landmarks
Cane River National Heritage Area
The Cane River region is home to a unique culture that has been shaped by the river for nearly three hundred years: the Creoles. Explore Creole traditions and history at this 116,000-acre area which includes two plantations. Here, visitors of all ages can find enjoyable activities including cell phone tours, picnicking, and pecan picking in the fall.
Louisiana’s Old State Capitol
This impressive Gothic architectural treasure stands high on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River in Baton Rouge. The 165-year-old statehouse has withstood war, fire, scandal, bitter debate, abandonment and an occasional fistfight. Today, the building is referred to as the Museum of Political History and has received awards for its architecture, exhibits and preservation.
Events
International Rice Festival
Don’t let the name fool you. This long-time event is one of Louisiana’s oldest and largest agricultural festivals. Held annually in Crowley on the third weekend in October, the International Rice Festival features numerous Cajun and Zydeco bands on two stages, two parades, the Queen’s Ball, carnival rides, arts and crafts, rice cooking and eating contests, and a wide range of food booths.
Franklin Parish Catfish Festival
From music to magic, the Franklin Parish Catfish Festival has something for everyone. More than 4,000 pounds of catfish are fried up and served during this one-day festival in April. Strolling street performers, musical entertainment featuring local and regional acts, antique car show, softball tournament and the Catfish Classic 5K round out the day’s offerings.
Activities
Blue Bayou Water Park/Dixie Landin’
Looking for some wet and wild fun on a hot Louisiana day? Or do you and the kids need to burn off some steam? The Blue Bayou Water Park features numerous water attractions plus 29 fun and family-friendly amusement park rides the “Ragin’ Cajun,” a giant steel looping roller coaster that drops from an astonishing 14 stories.
New Orleans Haunted History Tours
New Orleans is known far and wide for its haunted homes, cemeteries and sites. These slightly theatrical, hugely historical and highly entertaining tours will reveal to you a side of New Orleans that is seldom experienced. Owned and operated by native New Orleanians, you’ll learn the history and hear the stories that have been handed down through generations.
Cultural Sites
Global Wildlife Center
Embark on a wild adventure at the largest totally free-roaming wildlife preserve in the country. The Global Wildlife Center in Folsom is home to more than 3,000 exotic, endangered and threatened animals from all over the world. A place where children, adults, students, and teachers can embrace the values of active conservation and wildlife preservation through hands-on education and first-person sensory experience, this is a must see for any nature or animal lover.
New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science
Showcasing the state’s rich legacy of prehistoric life beginning with the formation of the universe and going through present day, this Albuquerque museum offers a comprehensive glimpse into New Mexico’s past. Permanent exhibits include an active walk-through volcano, realistic Ice Age cave, living forest and marine aquarium and more.
USS Kidd Veterans Museum
The USS Kidd served in World War II, the Korean War and throughout the tension-filled years of the Cold War and is now one of only four Fletcher-class destroyers still in existence. Recognized as one of the most authentically restored vessels in the world, she serves to honor veterans, educate children and adults, and host youth groups in an overnight camping program. Plus, every Fourth of July, her guns roar back to life in a dramatic reenacted battle with World War II-era aircraft.
