Louisiana has officially set the stage for a yearlong celebration of its landscapes, waterways, and outdoor traditions by naming 2026 the “Year of Outdoors.” Announced by the Louisiana Office of Tourism, the statewide initiative will invite both residents and visitors to explore the natural beauty and recreational opportunities that have long defined the state’s identity., as per this article from HoumaToday. The campaign is expected to highlight outdoor experiences across every region of Louisiana, reinforcing the state’s reputation as a destination where nature, culture, and recreation are deeply intertwined.
The “Year of Outdoors” designation will place special emphasis on activities that showcase Louisiana’s diverse terrain and ecosystems. According to the Louisiana Office of Tourism, the initiative will encourage participation in hiking, biking, birding, paddling, fishing, camping, and RV travel, while also spotlighting experiences such as swamp tours, agritourism, festivals, walking tours, ziplining, and outdoor dining. Through partnerships with local communities, tourism officials will promote both well-known destinations and lesser-traveled areas, ensuring that the benefits of outdoor tourism extend statewide. More information about the initiative will be shared through official tourism resources such as Explore Louisiana and related campaign materials.
Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser has emphasized that the campaign builds directly on Louisiana’s long-standing identity as “Sportsman’s Paradise.” He has noted that the state’s outdoor appeal stems from its unmatched variety, ranging from more than 7,000 miles of coastline to 21 state parks and an extensive network of waterways, forests, and wildlife habitats. In his view, the slogan represents more than branding; it reflects a daily reality that Louisiana continues to deliver for anglers, hunters, hikers, paddlers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. The “Year of Outdoors”will serve as a platform to reinforce that promise on a national scale through the work of the Louisiana Office of Tourism.
Beyond recreation, the initiative will also focus on the emotional and cultural connection people form with Louisiana’s outdoors. Nungesser has described outdoor experiences in the state as something to be felt as much as seen, whether through casting a fishing line at sunrise, watching bald eagles glide above cypress swamps, strolling through outdoor art gardens, or harvesting fruit from family-owned orchards. By encouraging slower, more intentional exploration, the campaign will align with Louisiana’s broader tourism message of nourishment, reflection, and connection, a theme echoed through the state’s “Feed Your Soul” branding.
Louisiana’s outdoor assets are not only abundant but also internationally significant. In north Louisiana, Poverty Point World Heritage Site stands as one of only 26 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the United States, drawing global attention for its ancient earthworks and cultural importance. In south-central Louisiana, the Atchafalaya Swamp Basin, which is larger than the Florida Everglades, spans 15 parishes and represents one of the most complex wetland ecosystems in North America. Meanwhile, central Louisiana is home to the Kisatchie National Forest, where more than 600,000 acres of piney hills, trails, and waterways offer year-round exploration.
Assistant Secretary of Tourism Doug Bourgeois has indicated that the “Year of Outdoors” campaign will create opportunities for every region of Louisiana to highlight what makes it distinct. From waterfront dining and fishing communities to adventure experiences like ziplining over swamp canopies, the initiative will encourage collaboration between state tourism leaders and local businesses. By showcasing region-specific attractions, Louisiana aims to strengthen its outdoor tourism economy while preserving the character and heritage of each area.
As 2026 approaches, the “Year of Outdoors” will position Louisiana as a place where the road less traveled remains endless. Each visit promises new discoveries shaped by changing seasons, landscapes, and communities. Travelers planning future adventures will be encouraged to explore curated itineraries, regional guides, and outdoor resources through the official campaign website at Find Your Louisiana Outdoors, ensuring that the state’s natural magic remains accessible, inviting, and enduring.
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