Travel Information for Louisiana
Posted By:
Travel Commune Staff
on 11 December, 2006
There are several things that come to mind when you think of the state of Louisiana. The Louisiana Purchase, its diverse history and culture, the exotic and sometimes strange animals, and of course, Mardi Gras. These area all things that make Louisiana such a wonderful state to visit. Its diversity and overwhelming feeling of joy and fun make it one of the best places to visit in the United States.
Louisiana is a state with one of the most varied cultures in the entire country. People from all over North America came to settle in this area and the culture today reflects that. There are many museums and areas dedicated to the memory of these people located throughout the state. The Tunica-Biloxi Indian Museum has exhibits, artifacts, and more that tell the story of these amazing people. There is even a life size diorama depicting an early village. Learn the legends of these people and even hear about the mystery of the Tunica Treasure. Vermilionville is a historic village that shows how life was lived by early Creole/Cajon people. There are 18 buildings inside the complex, including six restored homes. Here you can see demonstrations of crafts and hear traditional music.
Another aspect that makes Louisiana so unique is its concentration of both unique and exotic animals. There are many zoos and wildlife reserves found in the state, as well as many parks that teach about the bayou creatures of the area. The Audubon Zoo is a zoo that is home to many kinds of animals, all placed in exhibits closely mirroring their natural habitats. One of the most popular exhibits is the Louisiana Swamp which allows you to see the feeding of alligators, as well as sample Cajun culture and cuisine. The Global Wildlife Center is the largest free roaming wildlife preserve in the United States. While on the tour you will see giraffe, zebras, bison, camels, and more. The Baton Rouge Zoo is one of the most visited places in the entire state. There are over 1,800 animals here including white tigers, elephants, alligators, and a Parrot Paradise. View the animals on a tram tour and be sure to take the kids to the KidsZoo for a hands on experience. The Bayou Pierre Alligator Park is a unique and exciting area that specializes in alligators, one of the symbols closely associated with Louisiana. Here you can view hundreds of the creatures. You can see shows, feed the animals, and even touch them. There is a theater and a special reptile habitat where you can view many species who call Louisiana home.
Louisiana is the most recognized home of Mardi Gras in the United States. There are many museums and exhibits dedicated to this celebration. One of them is the Mardi Gras Collection Museum at Cypress Manor. The home was built in 1906 and now serves as a museums of the Louisiana culture. Here you can find costumes and memorabilia from Mardi Gras celebrations from early years, as well as more modern artifacts. Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World is a paradise for Mardi Gras lovers. Here you can see artists building floats for the parades, as well as repair props of all kinds. During the tour you will even be allowed to try on carnival costumes.
This great state is so culturally diverse that the atmosphere seems to change from city to city. By exploring some of the common things associated with Louisiana you will get a feel of its expression and personality. Animals, Mardi Gras, and even the diverse culture of the area lead to a wonderful vacation that wouldn't be possible anywhere else.
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