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Louisiana Staycation

Explore Louisiana’s state parks


Louisiana has 20 state parks that allow you to experience the best of the Bayou State. Camp, rent a vacation cabin, fish, paddle, hike or bike in Louisiana’s great outdoors. Check out these beautiful parks that get you back to nature!

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Experience world class adventure close to home.

This Week’s Featured Stories


mastadon tusk and other bones displayed on table

Unearthing the Louisiana Mastodon

It’s hard to imagine a time when giant elephant-like mastodon were roaming the prairies of southern Louisiana. But the bones of long-extinct mammals have been unearthed in coastal areas of…

Continue Reading Unearthing the Louisiana Mastodon

st. louis cathedral at Jackson Suare in New orleans with statue and people

Restoring St. Louis Cathedral

Interest in restoring St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans is getting a boost from Gayle Benson, owner of the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans sports franchises. And to help that…

Continue Reading Restoring St. Louis Cathedral

sidewalk linke with columns at Carville

The Disease at Carville

For much of the 20th century, people diagnosed with disease of leprosy were sent to Carville, Louisiana, a federal treatment center along the Mississippi River south of Baton Rouge. Anne…

Continue Reading The Disease at Carville

Louisiana Regions


Steamboat Natchez in the Mississippi RIver

New Orleans Region

Huey Long statue in front of the Louisiana State Capitol

Capital Region

sunrise over Lake Chico State Park

Acadiana

alligator on shore in southwest Louisiana

Southwest Louisiana

wild Azalea in the Kisatchie National Forest

Central Louisiana

locomotive in the Northshore of Louisiana

Northshore

huge cypress trunk in North Louisiana

North Louisiana

egret flying over swamp in Louisiana

Bayou Region

Dave’s Photo Favorites


Here are a few of my favorite images from Louisiana and beyond. As I’ve traveled across Louisiana looking for great stories to share, I have also developed a deep interest in landscape photography. And my travels have taken me far beyond the boundaries of one state to some of America’s greatest national parks and scenic treasures. Now, I’m offering prints of some of my favorites. Please check them out.

dAVE’S pHOTO gALLERY

sunset over Lake Martin, Louisiana featured in Louisiana nature photography

Louisiana Landscape Photography

Continue Reading Louisiana Landscape Photography

silhouette of pelican flying at sunset over water

Gulf Coast Photography

Continue Reading Gulf Coast Photography

dawn colors of blue and orange reflection limestone formations at Mono Lake

Western Sky Photography

Continue Reading Western Sky Photography

Dave McNamara has spent much of his career as a journalist traveling across his home state of Louisiana reporting on its unique places, attractions, cultures and people.  He’s discovered a few favorites along the way. (full bio)


60 Second Road Trips


Take a quick 60-second trip to some of the most interesting places in Louisiana.



sunrise reflection in lake through cypress tree

Watch the Videos 60 Second Road Trips

Heart of Louisiana on TV

Swamp Pop musical legends tell their personal stories and explain how their unique form of South Louisiana Rock n Roll filled the dance halls and airwaves during the 1950’s-1960’s.

Watch this Heart of Louisiana TV Documentary on Swamp Pop

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