Here is a list of 10 state parks around South Louisiana and New Orleans to celebrate this Father's Day with the entire family.
10 Perfect State Parks for Father's Day
1. Fountainebleau State Park
62883 Hwy. 1089, Mandevillelastateparks.com/parks-preserves/fontainebleau-state-park
Fountainebleau is of Louisiana's most popular state parks and is one everyone in New Orleans knows by name. The park is great for a family trip, with options to hike, bike, and sail. Whether you are looking for easy hikes or challenging, this park's got it all and then some.
Fountainebleau State Park is quite historic, with a sugar mill being established there in 1829. You can teach your family some fun facts and get walking! It is home to alligators, owls, armadillos, and so many more. The 2,800-acre park is located on the shore of Lake Pontchartrain and is open daily 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
2. Bayou Sauvage Urban National Wildlife Refuge
17160 Chef Menteur Hwy.
fws.gov/refuge/bayou-sauvage-urban
This special place is one of the last operating marsh areas near Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Borgne. It is known for fishing, crabbing, hiking, paddling, bird-watching, hunting and its recreational activities. So if your dad likes fishing, this is the place.
Listen to the concert of nature's music and surround yourself with the sweet aromas of fresh brackish waters as you traverse through the tidal marshes, bayou, and lagoons. Listen to the songbirds sing and maybe whistle along too. They offer an abundance of self-guided tours and educational programs. Don't forget the few mile-long Ridge Trail boardwalk, which is free for all!
3. Bayou Segnette State Park
7777 Westbank Expy., Westwegolastateparks.com/parks-preserves/bayou-segnette-state-park
Just a 15-minute drive across the Mississippi River from New Orleans, you can visit Bayou Segnette and cool off in a large in a wave pool. You can fish, hike, and spot native plants all in a lush, marshy swampland. Enjoy the superabundant ecosystem and vegetation and watch nature do its thing.
You can also take a ride on a boat and start fresh and saltwater fishing for sea bass, redfish, trout, catfish, and more with its very-popular boat launch. Float down the bayou on a canoe or kayak in the Bayou Segenette State Park. Group-lodging and cabins are available, and the park is open daily for visit 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
4. Grand Isle State Park
Admiral Craik Drive, Grand Isle
lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/grand-isle-state-park
Want to get beachy and sandy? Spend the night on a Louisiana beach in Grand Isle! Yes, Louisiana does have beaches; they are just a little hidden. Take a walk along the beach ridge and discover the inland channels. Grand Isle State Park offers beach campsites, boating, camping, paddling, surf fishing, and hiking.
Hike down a few-mile nature trail while observing the numerous species of birds and a great view of the Fort Livingston, which is nearly 200 years old. This park is full of deep-rooted Southern history and is a perfect getaway to experience the beautiful beaches of Louisiana. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
5. Saint Bernard State Park
501 St. Bernard Parkway, Braithwaite
lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/st-bernard-state-park
This park is great for campers who don't want to stray too far from home and families who want to venture out to historic parks like Jackson Barracks and the Chalmette National Park. Saint Bernard hugs the Mississippi River and is connected to several manmade lagoons that are stocked with hungry fish. Launch your boat and fish away.
It is the perfect place to connect with nature and family in a peaceful environment. It's great for picnicking, barbecue cookouts, grilling, and adventure. There are several walkable nature trails as well as a child-friendly water playground. Overnight visits are offered for $28 Fridays and Saturdays. Open daily 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
6. Bouge Chitto State Park
17049 State Park Blvd., Franklinton
lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/bogue-chitto-state-park
Walk down scenic woodland amongst beautiful streams, a cypress swamp, diverse wildlife, and more. You can stride down the river trail or take a brisk hike through one of the many walking trails. Bike through abundant forest areas across over 14-mile maintained trails.
The 1,768-acre park has much room to trail around and explore. You can also horseback ride, camp out, fish, visit a gorge, see sandstone shoots, canoe, and kayak the 11 lakes, home to plenty of fish and wildlife. You won't want to miss out on this enchanted swamp. Park hours are Sunday-Thursday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. It is $3 per person.
7. Cypremort Point State Park
306 Beach Ln., Cypremort Point
lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/cypremort-point-state-park
Between Grand Isle and Cameron, Cypremort Point is conveniently accessible by car on the rim of the Gulf of Mexico. The 185-acre park has a boardwalk that runs through the Louisiana marsh and a viewing area for all the abundant native species.
In addition, the area offers sailing, swimming, cabin, RV camping, and boating and fishing facilities. This is the perfect place to get away with your family to swim, explore the beach, and unwind. The site is open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
8. Fairview-Riverside State Park
119 Fairview Dr., Madisonvillelastateparks.com/parks-preserves/fairview-riverside-state-park
In Madisonville, Louisiana, explore the crystal-clear waters of the Tchefuncte River and the expanse of Lake Pontchartrain. Boat tours on the river are the perfect chance to get out in the water with the family.
You can use the public boat launch and walk around the 99 acres of huge oaks. Also, make sure to visit the recreational site and The Otis House Museum for a tour of a great historic site for only $4 per adult. Camping and RV camping are available. Open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
9. Lake Fausse Pointe State Park
5400 Levee Rd., St. Martinville
lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/lake-fausse-pointe-state-park
This 6,000 acre park in the Atchafalaya Basin used to be the home site of the Chitimacha Tribe and, today, is a sanctuary to find peace and nature. Fish, boat, float, and canoe on the basin and stay the night in a beautiful lake front cabin or tent-out on the site itself.
Three hiking trails will have you adventuring the wilderness. Also, tour the many historic areas in the area like St. Martinville and Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
10. Palmetto Island State Park
19501 Pleasant Rd., Abbeville
lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/palmetto-island-state-park
Is camping in the wilderness your style? Located on the Vermillion River, the Palmetto Island State Park offers six vacation cabins, 96 campsites, and the Cypress Trial for all to enjoy a getaway among the trees and cricking crickets and singing frogs.
Walk around the marshy, shaded areas, and connect with your dad. View the beautiful Louisiana Red Irises and stroll though the ancient green spaces the park offers. Open daily 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Best State Parks in Louisiana
There are several state parks and places to venture in nature across Louisiana. Bring dad to one of them this Father's Day. It's an easy and cool gift that will bring memories and excitement. Have fun in the great outdoors!
