Ascension Parish

The Mississippi River flows through the heart of Ascension Parish, and so too has Louisiana history, creating a legacy that has proven fascinating for generations of visitors. Grand examples of Louisiana's antebellum plantation homes border the parish's share of River Road such as Hermitage Plantation, the state's earliest-known Greek Revival mansion, and Houmas House, whose sweeping verandas and manicured grounds have served as film sets. In Donaldsonville, the River Road African American Museum tells the story of African American culture in the region. The Historic Donaldsonville Museum has exhibits on the city's role as one-time state capital, and on the Civil War battle fought at nearby Fort Butler which is itself open to the public as a commemorative site. Swamp tours offer excursions into the wilds and bargain hunters hit the Gonzales’ Tanger Outlet Center, while the nearby Lamar Dixon Expo Center hosts everything from car shows to rodeos.