Louisiana, with its blend of French, Spanish, and Creole influences, offers travelers a diverse range of experiences. From the vibrant streets of New Orleans to the tranquil beauty of the bayous, wheelchair users will find a variety of accessible attractions, accommodations, and activities throughout the state. Here’s an in-depth look at what Louisiana has to offer for wheelchair travelers.
1. New Orleans
2. Baton Rouge
Accessible Attractions
- Louisiana State Capitol: Offers wheelchair access with ramps and elevators. The observation deck provides panoramic views of the city.
- USS Kidd Veterans Museum: The main museum building is accessible, though the ship itself has limited accessibility due to its structure.
- LSU Rural Life Museum: Features accessible paths through this open-air museum showcasing Louisiana’s history.
- BREC’s Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center: This nature center has a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk through a cypress-tupelo swamp.
- BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo: The zoo is wheelchair-friendly with paved paths and accessible exhibits.
Accommodations
- Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center: Offers accessible rooms with roll-in showers and amenities designed for wheelchair users.
- Renaissance Baton Rouge Hotel: Modern hotel with full accessibility features.
Transportation
- CATS Bus System: The Capital Area Transit System (CATS) provides accessible buses with ramps and wheelchair securement areas.
Dining
- The Chimes: Offers accessible seating and facilities.
- Louisiana Lagniappe Restaurant: Known for its seafood, the restaurant provides accessible entry and dining areas.
3. Lafayette
Accessible Attractions
- Vermilionville: A living history museum with accessible paths, showcasing Acadian, Native American, and Creole cultures.
- Acadian Cultural Center: Part of the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, it is fully accessible with exhibits on the Acadian people.
- Acadiana Center for the Arts: Fully accessible venue offering a range of performances and exhibits
- Longfellow-Evangeline State Park: Offers accessible trails and picnic areas, showcasing the natural beauty and historical significance of the area.
- Lake Martin: Known for its birdwatching and wildlife, Lake Martin offers accessible boardwalks and trails.
Accommodations
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Lafayette: Offers accessible rooms and facilities.
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Lafayette-Airport: Fully accessible suites and amenities.
Transportation
- LTS Bus System: Lafayette Transit System (LTS) offers accessible buses and paratransit services.
Dining
- Prejean’s Restaurant: Features Cajun cuisine with accessible seating and facilities.
- Blue Dog Café: Accessible entry and dining areas, offering a taste of local culture and art.
4. Lake Charles
Accessible Attractions
- Prien Lake Park: Offers accessible trails, fishing piers, and picnic areas.
- Creole Nature Trail: Known as Louisiana’s Outback, the trail offers accessible routes and wildlife viewing areas.
- L’Auberge Casino Resort: Offers accessible gaming, dining, and accommodations.
- Sam Houston Jones State Park: Features accessible trails and picnic areas.
- Boardwalk Park: Fully accessible boardwalk with beautiful views, fishing opportunities, and access to nearby dining and shopping.
Accommodations
- Golden Nugget Lake Charles: Fully accessible rooms and amenities.
- SpringHill Suites by Marriott Lake Charles: Provides accessible suites and common areas.
Transportation
- Lake Charles Transit: Offers accessible bus services with ramps and securement areas.
Dining
- Steamboat Bill’s on the Lake: Accessible dining with a focus on seafood.
- Mazens: Offers fine dining with accessible facilities.
5. Shreveport
Accessible Attractions
- Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets: Offers accessible shopping, dining, and entertainment.
- Sci-Port Discovery Center: Fully accessible science and entertainment center.
- R.W. Norton Art Gallery: Features accessible paths and exhibits.
- Walter B. Jacobs Memorial Nature Park: Offers accessible trails and educational programs.
- Gardens of the American Rose Center: The largest rose garden in the country, featuring accessible paths.
Accommodations
- Horseshoe Bossier City: Accessible rooms and casino.
- Hilton Shreveport: Offers fully accessible amenities and rooms.
Transportation
- SporTran: The public transit system offers accessible buses throughout Shreveport and Bossier City.
Dining
- Herby-K’s: Offers accessible entry and dining, known for its po’boys.
- The Blind Tiger: Accessible facilities and a menu of Southern cuisine.
6. Natchitoches
Accessible Attractions
- Cane River Creole National Historical Park: Includes Oakland Plantation and Magnolia Plantation, both with accessible visitor centers and interpretive trails.
- Kisatchie National Forest: Offers several accessible trails and picnic areas, providing a chance to experience Louisiana’s diverse ecosystems.
7. Monroe
Accessible Attractions
- Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge: Offers accessible trails and boardwalks, allowing visitors to explore the diverse wildlife and wetland habitats.
- Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo: Wheelchair accessible with paved paths, offering a variety of animals and botanical gardens.
