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Marvel at these one-of-a-kind collections offering a fascinating glimpse into the Bayou State. Shreveport Water Works Museum, Shreveport This museum is located in the McNeill Street Pumping Station, which has the distinction of being both a National Historic Landmark and a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. The station opened in 1887 as Shreveport’s first water plant, and when the old steam pumps were finally retired in 1980, the plant was believed by the Smithsonian to be the last operating steam-powered municipal water works in America. Today, the entire physical plant remains in place after more than 100 years of service and is a rare example of an intact steam water works. Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu, Lake Charles There’s nothing more “Louisiana” than Mardi Gras—and no better place to celebrate it than at this fascinating showcase of all of the storied traditions, colorful costumes, pomp and pageantry of this party like no other. Immerse yourself in its history as you stroll through halls of glittering Mardi Gras costumes—the largest collection anywhere—some of them worn by animated mannequins that bring their magic to life! PS: It’s no coincidence this museum is located in Lake Charles. That festive southwest Louisiana city hosts one of the state’s largest Mardi Gras festivals. H. J. Smith’s Sons General Store & Museum, Covington Talk about stepping back in time: This family-owned blast from the past doesn’t just contain artifacts—it is one! In business on the Louisiana Northshore since 1876, the store houses hundreds of items from the late 1800s and early 1900s, including a cast iron casket, a stagecoach once pulled by goats, a hand-operated wooden washing machine, a 1920s gas pump and typewriters. (Remember those ancient relics?) Better yet, it’s still a working hardware store where you can pick up hardto- find items you can’t find at those big-box chains. Kenny Hill Sculpture Garden, Chauvin In the early 1990s, bricklayer Kenny Hill constructed a wondrous sculpture garden and outdoor museum in the fishing village of Chauvin. Over the course of a decade, Hill built visionary artworks on a tiny plot of rented land overlooking Bayou Petit Caillou. Fantastical creatures, angels, mysterious spiritual figures and a towering lighthouse, all rendered in sculpted concrete, were made by this one self-taught artist. He moved away from Chauvin in 2000, leaving behind one of the most remarkable, memorable assemblages of art you’ll find anywhere in Louisiana. Elsewhere Around the State • The Abita Mystery House in Abita Springs is a folk art masterpiece, filled with handmade creatures including the half-dog, half-alligator known as Darrel the Dogigator, and such displays as a mysterious UFO crash site. Hard to describe and even harder to forget, the Abita Mystery House offers one of the most only-in- Louisiana experiences you’ll find. • Visit the Kentwood Museum in Kentwood, which celebrates the life of hometown superstar Britney Spears, and also has an exhibit on military history that honors local veterans. • Spend an afternoon at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum in Natchitoches. These combined museums offer visitors an inside look at the contributions Louisiana natives have made to the sports world, as well as the lives of area residents, from ancient times to the present. • Cash in on a good history lesson at the Old U.S. Mint in New Orleans, the only facility in the U.S. to ever create currency for two different countries—the United States and the former Confederacy. The museum is housed inside another unique attraction: The New Orleans Jazz Museum. Ready to Explore More? Discover other fascinating museums at LouisianaTravel.com/attractions/museums
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