Explore the Legends of Louisiana

Nestled between Bourbon and Royal Streets, the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum has intrigued visitors since 1972. It’s the only museum in the USA devoted to the art of voodoo, a centuries-old religious tradition merging West African spiritual practices with elements of Roman Catholicism. The two-room museum is filled with historic relics, paintings and other artifacts showcasing voodoo’s intriguing history, with exhibits shedding light on the complexities of the practice and how it has been misrepresented due to societal prejudices. Those who dare to venture further can embark on the Voodoo, Storyville and Treme Walking Tour. Key stops include the tomb of Marie Laveau, New Orleans’ most famous voodoo priestess, and Congo Square at Louis Armstrong Park where local voodoo practitioners still gather for rituals.

Evangeline Oak Park in Saint Martinville, Louisiana, is a picturesque tribute to nature, history and literature. At the heart of the park stands Evangeline, a live oak tree named after Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's 1847 poem of the same name. In the poem, which creatively reimagines the tragic Acadian exile as a fictional love story, a young woman named Evangeline and her lover reunite under an oak tree in St. Martinville. The park is full of historical landmarks, including St. Martin de Tours Church – one of the oldest Catholic churches in the USA. A charming stroll along the boardwalk beneath Spanish moss will lead you to a statue honoring Longfellow, Evangeline’s tomb and the St. Martinville Cultural Heritage Center, which houses the Acadian Memorial and the African American Museum. Extend your visit with yet another one-of-a-kind experience by staying overnight at the Old Castillo Bed and Breakfast located next door to the Evangeline Oak. This welcoming, but possibly haunted inn from the 1800s is the last surviving hotel of its kind and was once a haven for steamboat travelers on the Bayou Teche.

Franklin, Louisiana, is known for its pre-20th century architecture, but it also has a reputation for being one of the state’s most haunted towns. Immerse yourself in Franklin’s eerie past by joining The Ghost Walk of Franklin, an interactive guided tour with a supernatural twist. For 90 minutes, traverse three of the town’s oldest buildings while uncovering their roots. As you wander through each historic site, you’ll confront hair-raising ghost stories, unsolved mysteries and the riveting lore that gives Franklin its haunted reputation. The tour offers an extraordinary hands-on experience, allowing participants to use paranormal investigation tools such as electromagnetic field meters, to search for any lingering supernatural activity. This thrilling experience is recommended for teenagers and adults due to its chilling elements.

Wetlands are a quintessential part of Louisiana’s endless beauty, and one of the USA’s most pristine and untouched river swamps is just a 30-minute drive from New Orleans in Slidell. Climb aboard one of Dr. Wagner’s Swamp Boat Tours to discover the enchanting Honey Island Swamp, a 28,000-hectare wilderness filled with azaleas and cypress forests. Spot local wildlife as you hear legends of pirates – and the elusive (and fictional) Honey Island Cypress Monster, Louisiana's version of Bigfoot. While a cypress monster sighting may be rare, you can certainly expect to encounter alligators, wild boars, cranes, bald eagles, red wolves and more. Be sure to keep your camera ready!

Dive into Louisiana’s rich folklore at Rougarou Fest, a family-friendly celebration held each October in Houma. The Rougarou, South Louisiana’s native cryptid, is a fearsome mythological creature that likely originated from French Catholic superstitions about werewolves. The legend warns that the creature prowls nearby bayous and swamps in search of disobedient children. At Rougarou Fest, this legendary figure comes to life with a dynamic mix of mouthwatering Cajun cuisine, lively music, colorful costume contests and parades. Despite being a cautionary tale for children, the Rougarou is fast evolving into a symbol to protect Louisiana’s bayous from coastal land loss, with proceeds from the festival supporting the cause.

Fly into Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) and rent a car to start exploring.