Top 5 Must Do / Must See / Must Experience

• Vermilionville
• Audubon Golf Trail
• National World War II Museum
• High Delta Safari Park
• Rip van Winkle Gardens

Louisiana - Live. Work. Play.

Louisiana has the most colorful history of any state and of many countries. Beginning long before the Louisiana Purchase, our state took shape in prehistoric times. We have had a past of many battles, on the battlefield and in the political arena. Our architecture is a lasting impression of French and Spanish rule. Today, there are many reminders of the past in our museums, plantations, historic sites and attractions. Louisiana culture has a rhythm all it’s own—a suite of jazz riffs, zydeco swing, cajun and gospel harmonies. Between the gumbo and the magnolias, you’ll feel our bass line beating from the banks of the Red River to the crescent of the Mississippi, pulsing with the cadence of the streets and the wall of the blues.

www.louisianatravel.com

Vermilionville

Vermilionville authentically portrays a way of life preserved with a distinctly French accent. Situated on the banks of the Bayou Vermilion, this Cajun/Creole heritage and folklife park recreates life in the Acadiana area between 1765 and 1890. The beautiful grounds, which are laid out as an historic village, contain eighteen structures, including six restored original homes. In most of the structures, costumed interpreters demonstrate traditional crafts or musical styles. A full-service restaurant, gift shop and art gallery enhance time spent at Vermilionville. The gift shop and art gallery are filled with Cajun and Creole items (many of which are made by our craftspeople) that you are sure to bring home and treasure. More about Vermilionville

National World War II Museum

Dedicated in 2000 as The National D-Day Museum and now designated by Congress as the country's official World War II Museum, this remarkable attraction illuminates the American experience during the WW II era with moving personal stories, historic artifacts and powerful interactive displays. From the Normandy invasion to the sands of Pacific Islands and the Home Front, the Museum brings to life the teamwork, optimism, courage and sacrifice of the men and women who won the war and changed the world. More about National World War II Museum

Shop until you drop in Louisiana!

Louisiana is the perfect destination to shop until you drop! Throughout the state, shoppers can find everything from one-of-a-kind antiques to fine local art to national clothing brands and find them at a bargain, too. The Louisiana Tax Free Shopping (LTFS) adds a special benefit to all international visitors. Whether you're shopping for friends, family, or for yourself, when you shop in Louisiana, you'll always find something special! More about Shopping in Louisiana

Alexandre Mouton House and Lafayette Museum

The Alexandre Mouton House is a lovely house museum located in the heart of downtown Lafayette. Original structure built in early 1800s by the found of Vermilionville, Jean Mouton. Later became home to Louisiana's 12th governor, Alexandre Mouton. It is now restored to its 1850s grandeur and serves as a repository of the history and culture of Acadiana. More about the Alexandre Mouton House and Lafayette Museum

Rip Van Winkle Gardens

Near the southernmost part of Louisiana's delta country lie a series of five wooded "islands" which rise up above the grassy marshlands and prairies that surround them. Jefferson Island is one of the five islands. Lose yourself in a wonderland of flora and fauna, a twenty five-acre semi tropical paradise that captures the senses and cleanses the soul. Discover a year-round explosion of color where irises, magnolias, hibiscus, camellias, azaleas, thousands of springtime bulbs and a breathtaking array of annuals paint a landscape across the Southern sky. More about Rip Van Winkle Gardens

Great River Road Plantations

Plantation homes are to Louisiana what the crown jewels are to England-each is a sparkling gem, in an equally spellbinding setting, with a unique story attached. Marked by palatial antebellum estates that define this charming section of the state, Plantation Country is the perfect destination for anyone interested in seeing what life was like back when cotton was king. The history of Louisiana truly comes to life in Plantation Country, located in the Southeastern region of the state. Come wind your way across the Atchafalaya Basin, through the rolling hills of St. Francisville and along the Great River Road that begins just west of New Orleans as you travel back to the 1800's. Each home gives you an intimate glimpse into the daily lives of this fascinating period in history. More about Great River Road Plantations

High Delta Safari Park

Experience Northern Louisiana's most picturesque landscape as hundreds of exotic and endangered animal species roam freely as they would in their natural habitats. The safari park provides a sanctuary for animals from Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and South America. Due to our highly successful breeding programs of some of the rarest animals in the world, we have been able to increase our herd numbers of each species and provide other sanctuaries throughout the Country with offspring from the animals at High Delta. More about High Delta Safari Park

Harrah's New Orleans Casino

In the world's most exciting city and just steps from the French Quarter, you'll find over 2,100 of the newest, hottest slots plus plenty of action-packed table games. We've got the games you want to play! From slots and roulette to baccarat and poker, you'll find all the action at Harrah's New Orleans. Enjoy over 115,000 square feet of gaming 24 hours a day. Harrah's New Orleans offers 10 varieties of table games and more than 100 tables, 20 of which are poker tables. Slot denominations range from penny slots to $500! More about the Harrah's New Orleans Casino

Ballet in Louisiana

The Lafayette Ballet Theater has a two-fold purpose: to entertain and to educate. Its productions have entertained ballet lovers in Cajun Country for nearly 30 years and, through its educational arm, it reaches more than 2,500 students annually through its educational program. The Shreveport Metropolitan Ballet, founded in 1973, presents several full-length classical ballet productions a year and offers affordable ticket prices. And the New Orleans Ballet Association offers a number of performances each season, featuring a variety of world-class dance companies. More about Ballet in Louisiana