Louisiana's nature is abundant. Get outside while on vacation to experience Louisiana's parks and nature up close.
Peach orchards surrounding Ruston come into fragrant bloom in early spring but, the crop so closely associated with the city takes a starring role, throughout the year, in everything from farm-fresh ice cream to the Louisiana Peach Festival, the area's biggest event. Louisiana Tech University and nearby Grambling State University are integral parts of the community, with college sports, art galleries and year-round programming for locals and visitors. Louisiana Tech's Idea Place is an interactive children's museum and Grambling recently added an exhibit honoring the late college football icon Eddie Robinson, who coached the school's team for 57 years. Ruston's historic district provides 18 blocks of evidence for the potential of a rejuvenated downtown. A vintage movie theater has been transformed as the 600-seat Dixie Center for the Arts, while in Ruston's Memorial Park, the Louisiana Military Museum has artifacts and displays from the Spanish American War through modern conflicts.
Gorgeous sunsets can accompany your fishing trip on Poverty Point Reservoir State Park.
North Louisiana Military Museum Desert Storm Exhibits ©Louisiana Travel Staff
The aquatic pavilion at Palmetto Island State Park is fun for the family.
The Revelry of Ruston ©The Revelry of Ruston
Cypress Bend Park's Beach on Toledo Bend Reservoir in Louisiana.
Outdoors at Poverty Point State Park
Stroll across the lagoon at Sam Houston State Park.
The Idea Place ©The Idea Place
Hike the Tunica Hills Wildlife Management Area outside Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Enjoy Louisiana on horseback.
Ancient Native American mounds at Poverty Point World Heritage Site.
Bulldog Village at Louisiana Tech University
Lake Claiborne State Park in Homer, Louisiana
NorthLouisianaMilitaryMuseum - Tank ©Louisiana Travel Staff
Beachcombers enjoying an afternoon at Grand Isle State Park.
Hike the trails at Tunica Hills Wildlife Area just a short drive outside Baton Rouge.
Go tubing in Bogue Chitto State Park Louisiana
Enjoy the rolling hills and gorgeous rivers in Bogue Chitto State Park.
Camping in Kisatchie National Park
Stay in the beautiful cabins at Lake Claiborne State Park.
Tour the Oakley House in Audubon State Historic Site where John James Audubon painted some of his nature paintings.
Red River in Alexandria
Visit the Blue Dog sculpture at the Besthoff Sculpture Garden in New Orleans City Park.
Admire the amazing gardens in the Afton Villa Gardens in St. Francisville, LA
Mitcham Farms Peaches ©Mitcham Farms
Play in the sand and sun at Grand Isle State Park.
The Lincoln Parish Museum ©The Lincoln Parish Museum.org
Dine in the Pines event in downtown Ruston.
Historic Dixie Theatre in Ruston
Explore Bogue Chitto State Park.
Veteran's Day Ceremony in Ruston.
Enjoy birding, fishing and outdoor activities along the Creole Nature Trail ©Lake Charles Southwest Louisiana CVB
Kentucky Warbler
Bayou Segnette State Park ©LouisianaTravel.com
Commune with nature at Lake Fausse Pointe State Park.
Sunsets are second to none at Cypremort Point State Park.
Spend a day enjoying nature on Fontainbleau State Park Beach.
Catfish with crawfish étouffée
Stroll the boardwalks at Louisiana State Arboretum State Preservation Area
The LSU Lakes are a great place to get outdoors and go for a run, walk SUP or kayak in Baton Rouge.
Champ the Louisiana Tech University Bulldog Mascot at a pre-game pep rally
Lake D'Arbonne State Park
Festival Fun in Louisiana
Take a break and wander through the trees at the Kisatchie National Forest outside Alexandria.
Stay overnight in a lodge or cabin at Poverty Point Reservoir State Park.
Uncle Sam Jam - Jefferson Parish ©Uncle Same Jam - Facebook
Look out over the big waters of the Calcasieu River at Lake Charles Riverside Park.
Sunset fishing on Lake Bruin.
Take in the beautiful scenery and wildlife at City Park in New Orleans.
Mr. Bingle lit up at New Orleans City Park Celebration in the Oaks
Fishing dock at the Poverty Point Reservoir State Park in Delhi, Louisiana
Barataria Preserve ©LouisianaTravel.com
Bayou Segnette State Park Cabin ©Louisiana Travel
Dixie Center for the Arts ©Dixie Center for the Arts
Madisonville's Tchefuncte River lighthouse was built in 1837.
Celebrate 10 years of beer in Ruston at ARToberfest ©ARToberfest
North Louisiana Military Museum LA National Guard ©Louisiana Travel Staff
Catch a red snapper while deep sea fishing off the coast of Louisiana.
Stay at a cabin while experiencing Louisiana's outdoors in Poverty Point State Park
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NorthLouisianaMilitaryMuseum ©Louisiana Travel Staff
Audubon Park Carousel
Take a guided tour of Lake Claiborne State Park.
Stay overnight in cabins at Tickfaw State Park.