       |
1 Palm Drive
New Orleans, LA 70124
Phone: 504-483-9386
View Map | Website
The Garden was built in the 1930’s, by the Depression-era Works Progress Administration. In the 1980s, thanks to the renewed efforts of civic groups, the Gardens were significantly expanded and improved. But, like the rest of City Park, it took a big hit when Katrina came to town in 2005. However, little by little, it’s regained its footing, and now it’s as lovely as ever. In all, there are 2,000 different species of plants and trees here, laid out in several distinct sections. In the center of it all is the Conservatory of the Two Sisters, which houses educational exhibits about plant life. Its elegant domed ceiling and dramatic grassy walkway make it a true magnet for visitors. And don't forget about the Electric trains! Well, the designers of the Historic Train Garden have created a small-scale version of New Orleans, and laid out thirteen hundred feet of track around it. It's one of the sure fire ways to get the kids to remember a trip to the Botanical Garden.
Swamp Tours
Outside New Orleans
View Map
The city of New Orleans is surrounded by low-lying swampland. In fact, this area is second only to Death Valley as the lowest land area in the United States. There are many swamp tours on the outskirts of New Orleans, and most offer daily tours. Sadly, the tour featured in our DVD fell victim to the twin terrors of post-Katrina slowdown and a collapsing economy, and it closed in 2009. However, there are plenty of other tours in this same area. The folks at Louisiana Swamp tours do a nice job, as do Dr. Wagner's Honey Island Swamp Tours, which put an eco-friendly spin on the usually diet gator sightings. While tourists abound, there aren’t many folks living out on these swamps anymore. And, the combination of erosion and over-cutting the cypress trees has really endangered these marshes over the years. But, there’s still plenty of “wild” to be seen out here. And, taking a tour of these wetlands is a great little add-on to your trip to New Orleans.
6500 Magazine Street
New Orleans, LA 70118
Phone: 800-774-7394
View Map | Website
Brought to you by the same folks that are behind the Aquarium and the Insectarium, the Audubon Zoo is one of the true crown jewels of the city. This 58-acre animal park was named after the famous naturalist John James Audubon, who made New Orleans his home for a number of years back in the 19th Century. Here in the 21st century, the Audubon Zoo has become one of the top-ranked animal parks in the entire United States. In addition to the standard zoo fare of exotic animals and birds, there’s also a special swamp exhibit here at the zoo, featuring many of the critters that call Louisiana home.
City Park
Mid-City
New Orleans, LA 70124
View Map | Website
A bit northwest of the French Quarter, Mid-City’s most famous resident is the massive City Park. This thirteen hundred acre green space is by far the biggest park in the city, and its shady, moss-covered oak trees make it a perfect place to beat the mid-day summer heat. In addition to its being the perfect urban escape, there are several attractions within the park itself, so visitors should probably carve out a good half day to take it all in. There's a golf course for Mom and Dad (or maybe just Dad), and an old-time carousel and a Storybook Land for the kids. Also, there are the featured attractions of the the New Orleans Botanical Garden (with its cool electric train garden), and the New Orleans Museum of Art and Sculpture Garden.