Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Livingston Parish, LA

  • Published 2022/11/18

Immerse yourself in the unique combination of Southern charm and modern sophistication at Livingston Parish, Louisiana!

Before it was established in 1832, Livingston Parish was a part of the St. Helena parish, one of the eight “Florida Parishes.”

The parish was considered part of West Florida, which was under Spanish rule at the time.

Today, Livingston Parish is known by many as one of the most scenic and diverse places in Louisiana.

Rolling hills filled with lush hardwood and pine forests in the North and stunning Lake Maurepas and Amite River in the Southern border the parish.

Whether you want to spend the day fishing, boating, hiking, shopping, or dining out, Livingston Parish is a great place for you!

Here are the 15 best things to do in Livingston Parish, Louisiana:

Visit the Only Plantation in Livingston Parish at the Historic Carter Plantation House

Facade of Carter Plantation House

Z28scrambler, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Historic Carter Plantation House is a historic home that played a significant role in the history of African Americans in the parish.

Thomas Freeman, a man of color considered free during the time, built the house in Springfield from 1817 to 1821.

Thomas Freeman is also the first African American to officially own property in Livingston Parish.

Although the home was built during those years, the actual plantation’s history goes back to 1804.

The site is now being managed by the Historic Carter House Society, an organization dedicated to preserving the home and stimulating appreciation for its history.

The Historic Carter Plantation House is a great place to visit if you are an architecture enthusiast, as it is an excellent example of a Middle-Class architectural style.

You can roam around the house during the tours and explore all the antique pieces that will give you a glimpse of how people lived back then.

Learn How to Respect and Care for Wildlife at Wings of Hope Wildlife Sanctuary

Wings of Hope Wildlife Sanctuary strives to educate the public about wildlife and its importance in our ecosystems.

Based in Livingston, Wings of Hope Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the only two care facilities dedicated to rehabilitating wildlife.

The staff at this facility has experience taking care of animals from various areas of the state, including Kentwood, Lafayette, and Slidell.

They also accept wildlife taken in by the Wildlife Hospital at the state university of Louisiana.

Here, you can walk into the Flight Zone area and see different bird species, like owls, who have just regained their flying ability.

Make sure to duck if you see the birds flying toward you!

Wings of Hope Wildlife Sanctuary also provides educational programs to learn more about the importance of taking care of wildlife and their habitat.

Pique Your Curiosity at the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory

Want to know how it is to be a scientist?

If you do, then the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) is the place for you!

LIGO is a facility that focuses on detecting the presence of gravitational waves using laser interferometry.

The professionals here strive to build on Einstein’s Theory of Relativity through their scientific works.

When you visit LIGO in the town of Livingston, you will get the chance to talk to real scientists and discuss the scientific concepts you have always been curious about.

You will also be able to tour one of the top research laboratories in the state and even explore the 50 interactive exhibits within its premises.

Immerse yourself in the world of science and visit Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory!

Unleash Your Creativity at Brushfire Art Studio

Brushfire Art Studio in Denham Springs is the place for you if you want to get your creative juices flowing and have a great time doing it.

At Brushfire Art Studio, you can express your creativity and create beautiful works of art.

Whether you want to work and paint on a canvas or mold clay into stunning pottery, this facility welcomes you!

Here, you don’t need an appointment to start creating any art; just walk in and start putting your creativity to work.

If you want to hone your artistic skills, you can also join the art classes, which will teach you all the basics of painting.

De-stress through art therapy and head to Brushfire Art Studio today!

Keep Active at PARDS L. M. Lockhart Park

Keep your body moving by visiting PARDS L. M. Lockhart Park!

This public park in Denham Springs has plenty of activities to keep you busy.

It is the third biggest park in West Livingston, with an 11-acre coverage area.

Some of the park’s facilities include outdoor basketball courts, a gymnasium, and an air-conditioned community center.

It’s a great place to work out or play sports with friends and family.

You can shoot some hoops at the basketball courts, work out in the gymnasium, or take a stroll on the walking track.

PARDS L. M. Lockhart Park also has a playground where kids can enjoy while you work out.

Score One-of-a-Kind Vintage Items at Denham Springs Antique Village

Christmas celebration at Denham Springs Antique Village

thepipe26, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Find unique vintage collectibles, furniture, and extraordinary pieces at Denham Springs Antique Village!

This shopping district in Denham Springs features numerous shops that sell antique items and handmade treasures.

Whether you’re looking for jewelry, clothing, records, books, and even artwork, this is the place to be!

Stroll around this historic district and check out all the shopping stores to find rare gifts to take home to your loved ones!

There are also coffee shops and restaurants around the area where you can dine if you feel hungry from all the shopping.

See Unique Wildlife and Enjoy Scenic Views at Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Management Area

The Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is the perfect place for nature enthusiasts and outdoor lovers.

This protected wetland area comprises 103,263 acres of land, with parts of its total land located in different cities, including Ascension, St. John the Baptist, Tangipahoa Parishes, and Livingston.

The Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Management Area is a cypress swamp that was flooded and now provides a home for many different species of animals.

It also boasts numerous plant species, including the bull tongue, cattail, and sugarberry.

Visitors can enjoy many recreational activities in this area.

You can go bird and wildlife watching and try to spot migrant birds and other animals.

Cast your line and try to catch sunfish and basses when you go fishing here.

If you want to explore the beautiful environment, you can also go hiking on a half-mile-long trail.

Complete Your Outdoor Gear at Bass Pro Shops

If you’re an outdoor lover or a passionate fisherman, a trip to Bass Pro Shops in Denham Springs is essential!

This store offers a wide range of products that any outdoor enthusiast would need for hiking, exploring, and other recreational activities.

From fishing reels, rods, and lures to boat accessories, tents, and first aid kits, this store has it all for you!

Through its offers, Bass Pro Shops hopes to educate all community members about the significance of exploring the great outdoors and appreciating everything that nature has to offer.

Make sure to stop by this store, especially if you are planning to visit any of the beautiful natural areas around Livingston Parish.

Take Pictures with Historic Vehicles at Happy Hills Farm

If you’re interested in learning about how farming has changed over the years, or want to see some cool old-fashioned machinery, Happy Hills Farm is the perfect place!

This farm, located in Albany, has a variety of wagons, carts, and farming equipment.

Some of the things you’ll see on display are handmade by the Amish Community members.

There are also mules, goats, horses, and other animals all over the farm that have been trained to perform for different occasions.

Happy Hills Farm is also a must-visit if you’re a film buff because many of its featured equipment and animals have been used in movies like 12 Years a Slave, D’Jango Unchained, and Roots.

Explore a Paradisiacal Swamp and Forest at Tickfaw State Park

Boardwalk at Tickfaw State Park

Roberto Michel / Shutterstock.com

Reconnect with nature by embarking on an adventure around Tickfaw State Park, a gorgeous natural paradise in Springfield.

This state park features a cypress swamp, the stunning Tickfaw River, and a forest filled with pine and hardwood trees.

The word “Tickfaw” is a Native American term meaning “Rest Among the Pines,” which is where this state park got its name.

Swamp at Tickfaw State Park

Roberto Michel / Shutterstock.com

You can go hiking in the forest or boating on the cypress swamp at this state park.

You can also visit the nature center at the park to learn more about the area’s biodiversity and ecology.

If you want to stay here for a few days, you can camp on the grounds or check in at one of the cabins available within the park.

Tickfaw State Park is a great place to de-stress and appreciate nature in all its glory.

Kids playing at Tickfaw State Park

Judy M Darby / Shutterstock.com

Jump and Bounce at Airborne Extreme Trampoline Park

At Airborne Extreme Trampoline Park, children and adults can let loose and have a fun-filled day full of physical activity!

This facility is an indoor trampoline adventure park that features trampolines everywhere.

With trampolines on the floor and on the walls, you’ll spend your whole time here bouncing around!

There are also cushioned battle beams where you can play-fight with your loved ones.

If you’re up for a challenge, there are obstacle courses like the ninja, wipe-out, and rope courses.

You can also play basketball with a trampoline at the slam dunk area or do acrobatic tricks at the performance area.

Airborne Extreme Trampoline Park is the perfect place in Denham Springs to spend a fun and exciting day with your whole family.

Bounce around at Urban Air Adventure Park

Jump up high and bounce at Urban Air Adventure Park, the top indoor amusement park you can visit any time of the year!

This trampoline park on Bass Pro Boulevard in Denham Springs offers a wide range of activities you can try with your friends or family.

There are fun play areas in each corner of this trampoline park, making it the perfect place to go if you want to have a fun-filled day!

See who among your loved ones jumps the highest at the APEX Trampolines area.

You could also engage in a friendly dodgeball match at their dodgeball section.

If you’ve always wanted to dunk a basketball, you can now do so with the help of a trampoline at their Slam Dunk Zone!

There are also other amenities, like rock climbing, a rope course, and a tube play area, which you and your kids can play at if you get tired of jumping around.

Hit the Links at the Pines at North Park

The Pines at North Park is an idyllic location for golfers of all levels, from beginners to professionals.

Art Hannaman Jr. established this park in Denham Springs, featuring a beautiful landscape where you can play a round or two of golf.

The golf course now known as The Pines at North Park used to be called the Denham Springs Country Club and was highly praised in its earlier days.

It represents the realization of Art Hannaman Jr.’s dream of establishing a golf course.

Have fun hitting the links with your friends or colleagues as you take in the picturesque sights of this golf course!

Shop for Farm Fresh Products at Port Vincent Village Market

Port Vincent Village Market is the perfect place to shop if you’re looking for fresh and locally produced food products.

Located in Denham Springs, this market sells a wide variety of fresh goods from nearby farms.

You’ll also find made-to-order lunch meals served hot that will surely satisfy your hunger.

If you’re organizing an event, don’t worry about catering because this market also offers food packages that feature the freshest dishes in the city.

Whether you’re hosting a reunion, corporate event, or holiday celebration, you can turn to Port Vincent Village Market.

Pick Strawberries and Pumpkins at Mrs. Heather’s Strawberry Farm

Get a firsthand experience of living at a farm by heading to Mrs. Heather’s Strawberry Farm.

This facility, located in the village of Albany, features a pumpkin patch and strawberry farm where you can spend the day picking strawberries and pumpkins with your whole family.

You will also learn how strawberries and pumpkins grow from the farm’s knowledgeable staff.

If you get tired from picking strawberries and pumpkins, you can try other activities like face painting.

Make sure to stop by Mrs. Heather’s Strawberry Farm to take home fresh strawberries and pumpkins to your loved ones!

Final Thoughts

Livingston Parish is the perfect place if you need a break from bustling city life or a dose of family fun.

With its numerous attractions, there’s something everyone will enjoy.

Include these best things to do in Livingston Parish, Louisiana, in your itinerary to make the most of your trip!

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