Luckily, New Orleanians don’t have to travel very far to experience Louisiana’s beautiful natural landscape. Places like the Northlake Nature Center, Barataria Preserve and Fontainebleau State Park are all within an hour’s drive and offer a chance to immerse yourself in seas of emerald greens and scores of wildlife. There’s a beautiful little nature center in New Orleans that is the perfect day-trip for families with kids of all ages, and you’ll quickly fall in love. Let’s check it out.

When you’re looking for a peaceful getaway where you can explore the wonders of nature, a trip to the Audubon Louisiana Nature Center is in order.

Audubon Louisiana Nature Center/Facebook

Established in 1980, this hidden gem tucked away in New Orleans East is comprised of 86 ares of beautiful hardwood bottomland forests just waiting for you to explore.

Audubon Louisiana Nature Center/Facebook

There are three trails for you to explore.

Audubon Nature Center/Google

Featuring both boardwalk and primitive trails, all of them are under 2 miles in length, so you can mix and match to suit your day.

Audubon Louisiana Nature Center/Facebook

There are many interpretive signs along the trails, so you’ll have ample opportunities to learn about the trails as you go.

Cino GQ/Google

As you stroll through the trails, you’ll be surrounded by various ecosystems, scores of wildlife, and simply mesmerizing views.

Sergio Gonzales/Google

Once you’ve explored the trails, pop into the Planetarium where you can watch one of their films. Click here to see a show schedule.

Audubon Louisiana Nature Center/Facebook

There’s always something exciting going on at the Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, so carve some time out of your day to pay them a visit. You won’t regret it!

Audubon Louisiana Nature Center/Google Hours:

Walking Trails: Open Daily from 8 a.m. till 4 p.m.

Interpretive Center: Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

Planetarium: Wednesday through Friday at 2:30 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday at 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.

Ranger Chats: Monday & Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

 

Audubon Louisiana Nature Center/Facebook

Audubon Nature Center/Google

Cino GQ/Google

Sergio Gonzales/Google

Audubon Louisiana Nature Center/Google

Hours:

Walking Trails: Open Daily from 8 a.m. till 4 p.m.

Interpretive Center: Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

Planetarium: Wednesday through Friday at 2:30 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday at 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.

Ranger Chats: Monday & Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Address: 11000 Lake Forest Boulevard, New Orleans, LA, 70127

Have you ever visited this nature center? Share your experience with us in the comments below!

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