All United States Louisiana

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Louisiana

162 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Louisiana

Updated June 4, 2024

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All Cities
  1. Baton Rouge
  2. Chauvin
  3. Edgard
  4. Mandeville
  5. New Iberia
  6. New Orleans
  7. Rayne
  8. Shreveport
  9. St. Francisville

Unusual Attractions in Louisiana

See All 162 Things To Do in Louisiana

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Louisiana

See all 13 Places to Eat in Louisiana
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Atlas Obscura Itineraries

A Music Lover’s Guide to New Orleans

Sponsored by New Orleans & Company

Perched at the mouth of the Mississippi River, New Orleans has been a crossroads of cultures since its first indigenous inhabitants. Just over a century ago, the interplay of West African, European, and Caribbean influences in the Crescent City forged the signature sound of American jazz. Today, thanks to the culture bearers who have passed this musical tradition down over generations, you can still hear what those jazz geniuses were cooking up. What’s more, music infuses every part of life in New Orleans, from football games to funeral processions, parades to public parks. Here are 10 places to immerse yourself in the rich landscape of New Orleans’ musical scene.

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Explore Louisiana

Museums 16
Architecture 15
Cemeteries 15
Shops 12
Music 12
History 12
Collections 10
Art 10

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Recent Louisiana Activity

Stories About Louisiana

The Gocta Waterfalls in northwestern Peru are the subject of one of our favorite recent Atlas Obscura Podcast episodes.

7 Recent Atlas Obscura Podcast Episodes You Just Have to Hear

For our two-year pod-iversary we're headed back to some of the coolest places we've taken you recently.
by April White
The rougarou, the Cajun cryptid said to haunt Louisiana's wetlands, is the mascot of a conservation effort for its traditional habitat.

The Rougarou, Beast of the Louisiana Bayou, Gets a Makeover

One man hopes to turn the wolfish cryptid into a mascot for saving the state's imperiled wetlands.
by Joel Balsam

What’s Inside the New Gastro Obscura Vending Machine?

The second iteration is filled with rare and unexpected treats from the American South.
Sponsored by Partners of Travel South
For $1.35 million, you could become the next owner of one of the largest southern live oak trees in the United States.

For Sale: A Grand Old President (That Happens To Be a Tree)

Up to 1,200 years old, the stately 'Seven Sisters' Oak has held the title for more than half a century.
by Sarah Durn
The creative costumes might be made of assortments of household or farm trash such as old feed bags, lampshades, bottle caps, and spent shotgun shells.

A Short Drive From New Orleans, Cajun Mardi Gras Is a Different Animal

Colorful costumes and alcohol, sure, but also chasing chickens.
by Fletcher Moore
Manila Village, built well after St. Malo was established, included a fishing platform and general store near the town of Jean Lafitte, south of New Orleans.

The Challenges of Reclaiming Filipino Louisiana's Centuries-Old History

Members of what is perhaps the oldest Asian community in the United States are committed to preserving—and sharing—their story.
by Ethan Sandweiss
Eyewitnesses believe that GIs were killed in the Lee Street Riot, as it came to be known, contradicting the official record.

Were Black GIs Killed in a World War II–Era Race Riot?

Louisiana locals and historians are both commemorating and investigating the mystery-shrouded incident.
by Benoît Morenne
Traditional makers still forage for sassafras leaves to make filé.

The Native-American Origins of Gumbo

While credit for the dish is widely shared, here’s how to choose ingredients that celebrate its Indigenous roots.
by Morgan Randall

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