Parkland of Greater Crescent City

Your trip to the Big Easy doesn’t have to include only French Quarter bound activities. Plenty of state parks surround the city, especially on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain.

Set on the Tchefuncte River, the 99-acre Fairview-Riverside State Park is located in Madisonville – found on the north shore near Covington. The usual fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing activities are found here, but visitors are also encouraged to see the Otis House Museum – listed on the National Register of Historic Places

Nearby, the 2,800-acre Fontainebleau State Park is set in Mandeville, and offers hiking, fishing, and picnicking. Unique to Fontainebleau, the Fontainebleau State Park Visitors' Center features interpretive exhibits – best visited along with a day on the park’s beachfront.

And check out Bogue Chitto State Park near Hammond for hiking, horseback riding, fishing, swimming, and boating – and be bring the kids to Frickes Cave and the water playground.

Bayou Segnette State Park

Set in Jefferson Parish, Bayou Segnette State Park is located in Westwego, found just south of the New Orleans metropolitan area. Set on the Mississippi River’s west bank, this Louisiana state park covers 676 acres.

Operated for Louisiana Office of State Parks, the Bayou Segnette State Park features bird watching, wildlife viewing, boating, fishing, and a one-mile nature trail. Visitors may also try the Bayou Segnette Wave Pool.

St. Bernard State Park

Set in southeastern Louisiana, St. Bernard State Park is located east of the New Orleans metropolitan area near Harvey. Established in 1971 in St. Bernard Parish by the Louisiana Office of State Parks, the park includes 358 acres.

Located on the Mississippi River, St. Bernard State Park features picnic tables and barbeque grills, a covered pavilion, a swimming pool, and a bathhouse. Open daily, the park is free to the public.