What is a Landmark?
Unique buildings, one-of-a-kind geographical landscapes, places where history has been made: landmarks are the kinds of destinations that you can’t reach in any other location, and Louisiana is absolutely full of them. From ancient New Orleans graveyards to restored plantations, defensive forts and more, here are some of the top landmarks to add to your Louisiana itinerary.
What are Some Famous Landmarks in Louisiana?
1. Bourbon Street
2. James H. Dillard House
3. Gallier House
4. St. Louis Cemetery #1
5. George Washington Gable House
6. Evergreen Plantation
7. Fort Jackson
8. Charpentier Historic District
9. USS KIDD
10. Old Louisiana State Capitol
Louisiana Landmarks
Here are the top 10 landmarks in the state of Louisiana.
1. Bourbon Street
Arguably not just a single landmark, but a whole string of them, Bourbon Street is easily one the most famous avenues in any American city — or any city in the world. The happenin’ heart of New Orleans, Bourbon Street is filled with bars, nightclubs, music venues and other places to party, but it’s also only a short walk away from more wholesome to-dos like art galleries, restaurants, and the absolutely requisite beignet and coffee pairing available at Cafe du Monde. (For best results, order at or after midnight.)
Things to do near Bourbon Street: What isn’t there to do in a city like New Orleans? We’ll cover some of the other top landmarks you don’t want to miss while you’re in town, but our full city guide has you covered on all the other must-sees. Keep in mind, too, that NOLA is close to some incredible wilderness areas if you need to get away from it all, such as St. Bernard State Park, Bayou Segnette State Park and of course Fontainebleau State Park on the other side of the lake. Here are some great RVshare rentals and nearby campgrounds to check out.
2. James H. Dillard House
A stunning example of 19th century architecture and the historical home of a famed and important figure in the Civil Rights movement, the James H. Dillard House is a worthy landmark worth checking out while you’re in New Orleans. Located just steps from Audubon Park – St. Charles in the Black Pearl district close to the Mississippi River, this house was the home of James H. Dillard between 1894 to 1913. Dillard was a white man but also a leading educator of African-Americans in the American South during a particularly difficult period of racial tension. He went on to serve as trustee for a variety of historically black colleges and universities and is the namesake of Dillard University. The home is located at 571 Audubon Street, and was named a National Historic Landmark in 1974.
Things to do near the James H. Dillard House: Walk to the riverfront or enjoy the nearby park, and don’t forget to save time for all the rest of the fun New Orleans has to offer. Need a place to stay? Check out these RVshare rentals and nearby campgrounds.
3. Gallier House
Considered a kind of microcosm of the city of New Orleans as a whole, the Gallier House has seen a lot of history — and a lot of physical changes — over the 200 years it’s been standing. Named after its original tenant and well-known architect, James Gallier Jr., construction started on the house in 1857 and Gallier and his family moved in by 1860. Because of Gallier’s design acumen, the house is filled with cutting-edge-for-the-time features, such as hot and cold running water taps, a skylight, and intricate interior design. Like other homes from the era, it also included slave quarters, and today, tours educate and inform visitors on the lives of both Gallier and the people who were forced to work for him.
Things to do near the Gallier House: Located in the beating heart of New Orleans only steps from other major attractions like Jackson Square and Louis Armstrong Park, the Gallier House is a great stop on your overall NOLA itinerary. Here are some nearby RVshare rentals and campgrounds to call your home away from home while you’re checking out the Big Easy.
4. St. Louis Cemetery #1
New Orleans is well known for its many historic cemeteries, and all of them are worthy landmarks to visit. But if you’re looking to commune with the oldest spirits in town, St. Louis Cemetery #1 is the destination you want to aim for. Initially opened in 1789, this is the oldest cemetery in the city — and home to some of the most famous gravesites, including those of Bernard de Marigny, Marie Laveau and Paul Morphy. This cemetery is located close to the Mississippi River, and these days, visitors can’t get in without a professional tour guide… which is for the best anyway, since you’ll get a better sense of what you’re actually looking at. Tour services are available to introduce you to several more famous New Orleans cemeteries while you’re at it, too.
Things to do near St. Louis Cemetery #1: Yet another downtown New Orleans hit, St. Louis Cemetery #1 is close to both green spaces and urban alleyways filled with restaurants and shops. Head out to one of the nearby state parks if you need a breather after handling such a heavy topic for a while, and be sure to keep these RVshare rentals and campgrounds in mind for your needs, too.
5. George Washington Gable House
Okay, we promise we’re going to move away from New Orleans after this — but what can we say? This Louisiana city has more than its fair share of incredible landmarks. To add to that list is the George Washington Gable House, which was home to the American writer of the same name in the late 1800s. Gable was famed for writing about the Creole life experience and his home was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1962. Tucked away in the west side of the Garden District, the house was originally a single-story construction but today has two levels. Legend has it Gable hosted none other than Mark Twain here as a guest.
Things to do near the George Washington Gable House: You know by now that New Orleans is full of amazing things to see, do, and experience — and is also only a short drive away from natural getaways like Bayou Segnette State Park and Fontainebleau State Park. Here are some excellent RVshare rentals and nearby campgrounds for your home-away-from-home needs!
6. Evergreen Plantation
While the American South is dotted with the remains of plantations, Evergreen Plantation stands apart as the most intact complex you can visit today, with 37 of its buildings claiming spots on the National Register of Historic Places — 22 of which are slave cabins. Today, the plantation welcomes visitors and offers educational information on all aspects of plantation life, including the darker history of forced labor. The Ancestor Project brings the history of enslaved people to the fore, offering personal context for these often-unheard narratives. The grounds are also, of course, lovely, with Spanish moss draped off the gorgeous oak trees that characterize this part of the country.
Things to do near Evergreen Plantation: Located west of New Orleans along the southern bank of the Mississippi River, Evergreen Plantation is close to the Whitney Plantation as well as wildernesses like Lake Fausse Pointe State Park and Lake End Park. Here are some area RVshare rentals to check out.
7. Fort Jackson
Traveling the other way from New Orleans along the river — east, toward where it dumps out into the Gulf of Mexico — and you’ll find yourself at Fort Jackson, which served as coastal defense for the city of New Orleans in the 1820s and 30s. This National Historic Landmark, located in Plaquemines Parish, was also the site of a Civil War battle, and is labelled “Battery Millar” on some maps of the area. The Union forces were able to claim the fort, which was eventually used as a Union prison later on in the course of the war. Although the structure was damaged by hurricanes Katrina and Rita, it has been used by wildlife professionals to help clean birds affected by oil spills. The fort is not currently open to the public, but it still makes an excellent photo opp and is an interesting piece of history to visit.
Things to do near Fort Jackson: Tucked in amidst the small towns that dot the southern bank of the river, Fort Jackson is fairly far afield — but only an hour and a half away from New Orleans. The Pass A Loutre State Wildlife Management Area at the end of the road following the river preserves local wildlife and their habitats.
8. Charpentier Historic District
This Lake Charles neighborhood landed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990, and for good reason. The Charpentier Historic District is home to nearly 300 buildings originally constructed between about 1880 and 1939, including the Church of the Good Shepherd, which was erected in 1896 and separately listed on the National Register in 1983. The neighborhood exhibits Queen Anne Revival, Colonial Revival, Bungalow and Eastlake architecture types, and represents the lumber boom that made Lake Charles blossom around the turn of the 20th century.
Things to do near the Charpentier Historic District: Located right on the shores of Lake Charles itself, the Charpentier Historic District is close to other area attractions like the Imperial Calcasieu Museum and the city’s many casinos. Click here to see RVshare rentals in the area and here for some nearby campgrounds worth checking out.
9. USS KIDD
An authentic Fletcher-class Navy Destroyer, the USS KIDD is today docked in Baton Rogue and has been designated a Veterans Museum open to the public. Once aboard, visitors will learn all about this vessel’s storied history, from its namesake (Rear Admiral Isaac Campbell Kidd, Sr., who died aboard the USS Arizona during the infamous bombing of Pearl Harbor) to its cameo in the Korean War to its Pacific Tour and more. The museum also offers lots of general information about what life aboard a ship like this is like for the sailors who call her home for a time. Organized events make it even easier and more interesting to get in on all the fun.
Things to do near the USS KIDD: Baton Rouge is both Louisiana’s capital city and the second-largest in the state, and it has plenty to offer in the way of dining, shopping, and culture. It’s also close to some visit-worthy wildernesses, such as Lake Fausse Pointe State Park, Tickfaw State Park, the Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge and others. Here are some nearby RVshare rentals and campgrounds to consider.
10. Old Louisiana State Capitol
Perhaps one of the most recognizable landmarks in the state of Louisiana, and designated a National Historic Landmark, the Old Louisiana State Capitol building is both a historical and architectural wonder. Known for its colorful stained glass dome, this building served as the Capitol of the state from the mid-1800s until the current building was completed around the time of the Great Depression. Today, the museum is open to the public and chock full of original interior decor, fascinating information and a host of rotating exhibits… and best of all, it’s totally free to enter.
Things to do near the Old Louisiana State Capitol: While you’re in Baton Rouge, be sure to check out the zoo and the many museums the town has to offer — and why not pay a visit to the newer capitol building, too? Don’t forget to check out these local RVshare rentals and campgrounds if you’re looking for a place to stay.
Planning an RV Trip to Louisiana
As you can see, Louisiana is swimming with historical landmarks — and an RV trip is a great way to string a few together. We’ve got all the info you need to make your Louisiana RV trip an unforgettable one!
Along with the RV rental itself, we’ve also got you covered on the best campgrounds in the state as well as the best state parks and urban landscapes. And, of course, we’re waiting with eager ears to hear all about the adventure, so be sure to tag us in your social media posts!
