2022-02-23 13:43:20
SCENIC BYWAYS: FIVE TO DRIVE Is there any greater freedom than being behind the wheel on the open road? (Spoiler alert: There is not.) There are 19 official scenic byways and trails winding throughout the state ready for you to explore. You’ll want to discover them all at LouisianaByways.com, but here are five fun ones to drive this year! 1. For an off-the-beaten-path experience, travel along the 137-mile Boom or Bust Byway, where rural towns invite you to recharge at Southern eateries, festivals and shops. As you pass through rolling hills and fields of wildflowers, you’ll see remnants of a once-prosperous lumber industry as well as modern working oil derricks. Stop in at the Louisiana State Oil and Gas Museum in Oil City to learn more about the state’s long relationship with energy. 2. Cane River National Heritage Trail puts Louisiana’s Creole history on display, beginning in the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase (Natchitoches) and winding its way along the Red River to Magnolia, Oakland and Melrose Plantations. Marvel at the works of folk artist Clementine Hunter as she depicts rural farm life in the 1940s. 3. A drive along the 180-mile Creole Nature Trail All-American Road lets you experience Louisiana’s diverse landscape and wildlife up close. (Be on the lookout for those gator crossings!) You’ll discover four wildlife refuges, wetland walkways, small fishing villages and 26 miles of unspoiled Gulf of Mexico beaches. The views change around every bend and there are plenty of opportunities to savor fresh seafood along the way. Explore the region’s mining history in Sulphur, 700,000 acres of wetlands in Cameron Parish, plentiful waterfowl at Sabine National Wildlife Refuge, shell-hunting at Holly Beach, and an exciting mix of city life and outdoor adventure in Lake Charles. 4. For the nature lover, Bayou Teche National Scenic Byway delivers 183 miles of adventure, including fantastic places to kayak near the Atchafalaya Swamp. The area is renowned for its birdwatching, so take your time and bring your binoculars. Traveling through the charming cities of Breaux Bridge, St. Martinville and New Iberia also means you are in the heart of Cajun country. Be sure to pop into a restaurant for outstanding food and toe-tapping tunes. 5. Louisiana was literally shaped by the Mississippi River and you can follow its powerful path along the Louisiana River Road All-American Road. Trace such history as La Salle’s exploration of Louisiana along the river, turning points in the Civil War in Lake Providence, the oldest Native American civilization in North America and the struggles of slavery at Louisiana’s many plantation homes. Stop along the way to enjoy stunning views of the state’s natural environment and some of the best cooking in the country. Regional Road Trips Looking for the best arts and culture in North Louisiana? Only have 24 hours in Lake Charles? We got you. Visit LouisianaTravel.com/RoadTrip for suggested trips featuring things to see, what to eat and where to stay throughout the state. Covering topics from small-town day trips to the ultimate New Orleans vacation, you’ll find a ready-made trip for you!
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Scenic Drives
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