Louisiana and Its Hidden Surprises

Louisiana is full of adventure. It is, after all, Sportsman’s Paradise. We have everything from fishing and hunting to festivals and great food. There is never a dull moment in this beautiful state. You just have to know where to look. Movoto Blog recently posted 27 Crazy Things You Never Knew Existed In Louisiana. Here are three of those 27 with more information to plan you next trip around Louisiana.

The Abita Mystery House, it is also known as the UCM Museum. This museum is less than an hour away from New Orleans, in Abita Springs, Louisiana. It is a roadside attraction, created by the Louisiana artist John Preble, consisting of different exhibits he put together himself. Click here for an entire list.

The Museum is made up of over 50,000 objects that were found and recycled. The worlds Preble created are what any visitor visiting Louisiana wants to see, a haunted Southern plantation, a jazz funeral, and even a rhythm and blues dance hall. There is a general store and even a comb collection. The Museum is located in the historic district of Abita Springs.  The best part is that admission is only $3.

Avery Island, Louisiana not only offers the amazing opportunity to explore the factory that makes the famous McIlhenny Family Tabasco, but it also offers the beautiful Jungle Gardens. This outside attraction has a little something for everyone. The garden offers a variety of different attractions.  A large Buddha statue, is one of the main areas that visitors visit. The statue itself was found in a Manhattan warehouse and was sent by railroad in 1936 to the founder of Jungle Gardens, Mr. Ned. A shrine was created for the statue and is visited by local Buddhists who often use the area for a place of worship.

Another attraction within the Jungle Gardens is an area known as “Bird City”.  In the 1890s the egret population was beginning to fall due to plume hunters killing them to sell for their feathers. Mr. Ned raised and released 8 birds and 6 returned with their mates. Creating their nest, this was the beginning of Bird City. It was estimated that one hundred thousand birds were nesting in 1911. Imagine the amount now.

Jungle Gardens does not only host an array of birds; several different species of wildlife also wander the grounds. This area is perfect for bird watching, and Avery Island Jungle Gardens offers its own Bird Tour. You might even get a glimpse of a deer or alligator. The grounds alone are an eye full, but who wouldn’t love to see a deer grazing the grass. Over sixty-four different types of bamboo are also planted around and in Jungle Gardens.

Have you ever heard of a MudFest? Well Louisiana has exactly that. Located in Colfax, Louisiana with over three hundred acres .  The fest is open for three days, and visitors can enjoy an entire weekend dedicated to mud riding.  You do not even need something to ride, just pull up a chair and watch. Click here for admission prices. If you aren’t a fan of big crowds, you can check it out for non-event weekends and pay a much smaller admission.

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