The Reasons Louisiana Should Be Our Next Summer Road Trip Destination

Summer is the perfect time to go on a road trip. The weather is (usually) great, and everywhere looks so full of life. Of course, with the US being as big as it is, working out where to actually head on a road trip can be tricky. We know that the journey is a big part of the fun, but you can’t just drive aimlessly across the 50 states.

Somewhere that we’d recommend as your big stop for this summer is Louisiana. It might not be one of the biggest states in the nation, but there’s still a ton packed in here that you should find it hard to get bored. Once you know what this place has to offer, you’ll see what we mean.

The Singing Oak is an art installation that works with nature

Even if you’re not a massive fan of art, this landmark may still catch your interest. It’s an installation in New Orleans created by Jim Hart and known as the Singing Oak. Effectively, it’s just an oak tree that has wind chimes attached to it, which might not seem all that interesting. However, the chimes are apparently camouflaged, so it looks like the tree is simply creating music all by itself. On a warm day with a gentle breeze, this can be a really beautiful place to spend some time and relax on what’s supposed to be an enjoyable vacation.

The Bonnie & Clyde Ambush Museum is a true crime lover’s delight

The chances are that you’re very familiar with Bonnie and Clyde, even if you’ve never sought out information on the pair. Whether you’re well informed on the lives of this criminal couple or not, though, the Bonnie and Clyde Ambush Museum is well worth a visit. It’s a locally-owned museum that features artifacts from the final ambush that brought their infamous spree to an end. Located at 2419 Main Street in Gibsland, it’s an excellent place to spend a few hours if you’re fascinated by true crime or can’t resist some of Louisiana’s grisly history.

The Louisiana State Arboretum is the perfect place for some fresh air

When you’re spending a lot of time in a car, it’s nice to get out and explore a bit of nature. That’s why the Louisiana State Arboretum is one of the best places to visit during your road trip. About an hour away from both Lafayette and Alexandria, it’s filled with lush plant life that ought to boost your serotonin. There’s also the visitor’s center, which is packed full of information about the inhabitants of the Arboretum, both flora and fauna. The fact that admission is free is just the cherry on top of this place.

The Acadian Village lets you walk through the 1800s

Speaking of Lafayette, something here that may also be of interest while you’re exploring Louisiana is the Acadian Village. Not only is this another opportunity to stretch your legs and get some fresh air but it’s also filled with some incredible recreations of buildings that existed long ago. Filled with homes from the 1800s and even an 1850s chapel, it shows you exactly how Cajun villages used to look several centuries ago. This is a different type of museum that both helps you to reconnect with the past and get to spend more time in the Louisiana sun.

The Louisiana Art and Science Museum can offer plenty of family fun

Another museum that’s well worth visiting during your travels around Louisiana is the Art and Science Museum in Baton Rouge. Reportedly open most days except for Monday and Tuesday, it’s somewhere that should capture the interest of any traveler, no matter their age. If you’re bringing kids along on the road trip, they might be hesitant about spending a day in a museum. However, with exhibitions including Ancient Egypt and space, they may be surprised by how much they enjoy themselves. All of you will probably leave this place having learned something new.

The Kisatchie National Forest offers many trails for adventurers to explore

Unlike some parts of the US, Louisiana only has one national park. However, that one park is also one of the best, featuring a giant forest reportedly covering more than 600,000 acres. It can be easy to get lost in here, but those who love the thrill of exploration probably don’t mind that. Just make sure you start a hike here early enough in the day that you can make it back to your car before sundown. Of course, there are plenty of trails you can follow to avoid losing your way, from the Glenn Emery Trail for beginners to the Wild Azalea Trail for adventurers. Which one will you choose?

If you never realized before how much Louisiana has to offer, you’ll hopefully now feel more motivated to go there and see everything yourself. It could make for the best road trip of your life and a summer that you’ll never forget.