The fun doesn’t need to stop just because money is tight! There are tons of free things to do and see in Louisiana for free. Here are 11 of the most exciting attractions throughout the state that don’t cost anything!
- Acadian Cultural Center, Lafayette, LA
Anthony turducken / flickr An in-depth look at the contemporary and historical culture of the Acadians, aka the Cajuns. Includes films, exhibits, storytelling, and much more.
- R. W. Norton Gallery, Shreveport, LA
Shreveport-Bossier / flickr This gallery opened in 1966 and has become well known throughout the country for its collections of artists like Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell. The surrounding gardens are also a treat!
- Bayou Rum Distillery, Lacassine, LA
Bayou Rum The largest privately-owned rum distillery in the USA, this site offers free tours and samples of three different kinds of rum manufactured on the site—white, spiced, and citrus.
- Barataria Preserve, Marrero, LA
Rafael Medina / flickr The Barataria Preserve section is just south of New Orleans and, thanks to the boardwalks, provides the most breathtaking experience of a swamp you can get without stepping foot in a boat.
- Festival International, Lafayette, LA
Festival International Late every April all of downtown Lafayette becomes a carnival of food, fun, and music known as Festival International.
- Driskill Mountain, Bienville Parish, LA
Fredlyfish4 / wikimedia If you are in Bienville Parish, be sure to earn the distinction of summiting Louisiana’s highest mountain. Tell all of your friends, but maybe don’t mention that it is only 535 feet above sea level!
- Take a Steel Magnolias Tour, Nachitoches, LA
B. D. Fox Independent / wikicommons Take a walking tour of some of the featured movie locations for the blockbuster hit Steel Magnolias. The tour also points out notable historic structures in the Downtown district of Nachitoches.
- Gator Chateau, Jennings, LA
Gator Chateau / Facebook This favorite roadside attraction offers the chance for parents and kids to hold and pet baby alligators.
- Tabasco Factory Tour, Avery Island, LA
Tabasco You can see how Tabasco hot sauce (a Louisiana favorite) is made at a factory tour on Avery Island. And while you are on Avery Island be sure to visit Jungle Gardens for a peek at some native flora and fauna of Louisiana.
- Louisiana Military Museum, Ruston, LA
RustinLincoln.com Any visiting history buff would be remiss not to visit the Louisiana Military Museum in Rustin. This museum features artifacts from almost every conflict in our nation’s history.
- Besthoff Sculpture Garden, New Orleans, LA
TravelingOtter / flickr Nestled in City Park next door to the New Orleans Museum of art, this sculpture garden provides a diverse collection of modern and historic sculpture.
So if you’re looking for something fun to do but don’t have a lot of cash around, consider one of these options. What are your favorite things to do for free? Tell us in the comments below.
Anthony turducken / flickr
An in-depth look at the contemporary and historical culture of the Acadians, aka the Cajuns. Includes films, exhibits, storytelling, and much more.
Shreveport-Bossier / flickr
This gallery opened in 1966 and has become well known throughout the country for its collections of artists like Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell. The surrounding gardens are also a treat!
Bayou Rum
The largest privately-owned rum distillery in the USA, this site offers free tours and samples of three different kinds of rum manufactured on the site—white, spiced, and citrus.
Rafael Medina / flickr
The Barataria Preserve section is just south of New Orleans and, thanks to the boardwalks, provides the most breathtaking experience of a swamp you can get without stepping foot in a boat.
Festival International
Late every April all of downtown Lafayette becomes a carnival of food, fun, and music known as Festival International.
Fredlyfish4 / wikimedia
If you are in Bienville Parish, be sure to earn the distinction of summiting Louisiana’s highest mountain. Tell all of your friends, but maybe don’t mention that it is only 535 feet above sea level!
B. D. Fox Independent / wikicommons
Take a walking tour of some of the featured movie locations for the blockbuster hit Steel Magnolias. The tour also points out notable historic structures in the Downtown district of Nachitoches.
Gator Chateau / Facebook
This favorite roadside attraction offers the chance for parents and kids to hold and pet baby alligators.
Tabasco
You can see how Tabasco hot sauce (a Louisiana favorite) is made at a factory tour on Avery Island. And while you are on Avery Island be sure to visit Jungle Gardens for a peek at some native flora and fauna of Louisiana.
RustinLincoln.com
Any visiting history buff would be remiss not to visit the Louisiana Military Museum in Rustin. This museum features artifacts from almost every conflict in our nation’s history.
TravelingOtter / flickr
Nestled in City Park next door to the New Orleans Museum of art, this sculpture garden provides a diverse collection of modern and historic sculpture.
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