Poverty Point National Monument
In the northeast corner of Louisiana lies Poverty Point National Monument, a site dedicated to preserving the ruins of an ancient Native American civilization that thrived in the first and second millennia B.C. An intricate array of earthen mounds and ridges, Poverty Point contains some of the biggest prehistoric earthworks in North America. As of October 2009, there is a fee of $2 per person to enter the park. Seniors 62 and older and children under 13 may enter for free. There is an interpretive museum with audio and visual exhibits, and self-guided hiking trails to be explored.
Poverty Point State Historic Site
P.O. Box 276
Epps, Louisiana 71237
(888) 926-5462
http://www.nps.gov/popo/contacts.htm
Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and Preserve
Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and Preserve is a series of six cultural, historical and ecological treasures in southern Louisiana around the city of New Orleans. Number one on the list of most avid outdoorsmen would be the Barataria Preserve, a 20,000-acre parcel of bayous, swamps, marshes and forests. Many people come to the park to see North America's largest reptile, the American alligator in its natural habitat, but the park is also home to more than 300 bird species, armadillos and otters. Boardwalks and dirt trails running throughout the park provide excellent hiking, and the park's mix of swamps and marshes provide excellent opportunities for canoeing or kayaking.
Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and Preserve
419 Decatur St.
New Orleans, Louisiana 70130-1035
(504) 589-2133
http://www.nps.gov/jela/index.htm
Lake D'Arbonne State Park
Located just northwest of Monroe, Louisiana, Lake D'Arbonne State Park is a small park on the shores of Lake D'Arbonne. The 15,250-acre lake is popular with locals and tourists alike for bass, crappie, catfish and bream fishing, as well as boating of all sorts. As of October 2009, boat rentals cost $15 per day and include the use of two paddles and three life jackets. Canoes can be rented for either $5 an hour or $20 a day. Camping facilities include 51 improved campsites with water and electrical hookups and seven premium campsites in prime locations. The park offers cabin rentals for groups ranging from eight to 52 people. Cabin prices range from $90 to $200 a night, as of 2009. The park also features four hiking trails that range from one-half to four miles.
Lake D'Arbonne State Park
3628 Evergreen Road
Farmerville, Louisiana 71241
(318) 368-2086
http://www.crt.state.la.us/Parks/iDarbonne.aspx
