3. BYWAYS: FIVE TO DRIVE 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 opportu -nities 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. Delta Music Museum, Ferriday Great River Road Museum at Houmas House and Gardens, Darrow 5. Louisiana was literally shaped by the Mississippi River and you can follow its pow -erful 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 civili -zation 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. Explore more scenic drives at LouisianaByways.com 27 #OnlyLouisiana @LouisianaTravel
Louisiana Travel Guide Louisiana Sunshine Magazine 2022: Page 27
