It is no secret that Louisiana is filled with a rich extensive history. From being one of the first colonies for European explorers to becoming the 18th state to join the United States in 1812, to witnessing the Civil War battle in New Orleans, to the culturally diverse communities all across the state, Louisiana is a history buff’s dream. Learn all about the rich history at one of the incredible museums scattered throughout the state.

Capitol Park Museum

A branch of the Louisiana State Museum, the Capitol Park Museum in Baton Rouge tells the story of passion, adventure, and discovery of our beloved Bayou State. This museum is full of colorful artifacts and exhibits that show a general history of the state. From the first settlers, to the creation of Jazz, to the cultivation of Cajun and Creole communities, to Mardi Gras, you can learn about everything that makes Louisiana so special. If you can only see one museum during your trip, the Capitol Park Museum is your best source to learn all about this magnificent state.

National WWII Museum

One of the most powerful museums in the entire United States lies in the heart of New Orleans. The National WWII Museum takes visitors on an experience of the war that changed the world through veteran stories. Exhibits not only shine the light on the leaders and heroes that stood out, but the everyday men and women that worked hard throughout the war for no recognition. Stroll through the exhibits on your own time to find your own connections to the stories and artifacts or take a behind the scenes tour to see rarely seen artifacts, immerse yourself in the pavilion, or step into a B-24 fuselage.

Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame & Northwest Louisiana History Museum

Tucked in the historic downtown district of Natchitoches, this dazzling building combines the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and the Northwest Louisiana History Museum into one incredible stop. The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame is an absolute must-see for any sports fan visiting the Bayou State. Filled with jerseys, scrapbooks, medals and other sports artifacts, you could easily spend hours learning about all of this state’s greatest athletes.

New Orleans Jazz Museum

What better place to learn about Jazz than the place where it was born. At the Historic Old U.S. Mint in downtown New Orleans, the New Orleans Jazz Museum honors Jazz heritage through interactive exhibits, educational programming, and live music performances. Take your time exploring the largest and most comprehensive collection of instruments, records, and photographs that paint a picture of Jazz through the decades.

Prairie Acadian Cultural Center

Nestled in the quaint town of Eunice, the Prairie Acadian Cultural Center is one of the best places to learn about the early Acadians who settled here and eventually created the rich Cajun culture that we know today. Interactive exhibits showcase the development of music, Cajun-dialect French language, and rich food throughout Southwest Louisiana. Saturdays are the day to go. Between interactive cooking demonstrations, Cajun French conversation lessons, and music & dancing, you’ll want to stay all day. If you want to learn more about the early Acadian culture, make a stop at the Acadian Cultural Center in nearby Lafayette.

Southern Heritage Air Museum

One of Louisiana’s best-kept secrets is the Southern Heritage Air Museum at the Vicksburg Tallulah Regional Airport in the northeast corner of the state. This small airport is packed full of WWII artifacts, stories, planes, and pilots who are passionate about flight history. While most museums let you gaze upon vintage and historic planes, this one will actually take you for a ride in one! Hop in an L-5 Stinson, an Aviat Husky, an AT-6 Texan, or a P-51 Mustang and fly high above the Mississippi River in an experience of a lifetime.

River Road African American Museum

The rich African American presence in Louisiana has led to some of the finest foods, music, and culture in the United States. The River Road African American Museum in Donaldsonville tells the story of Africans and African Americans in the south. In addition to telling the story of slavery and freedom, this museum focuses on resilience and reconciliation through art, artifacts, and the thriving culture that we know today.

Learn all about Louisiana’s rich history, thriving culture, and influences at one of these marvelous museums. From nationally acclaimed collections with world-class exhibits to hidden gems with some of the best treasures in the state, you’ll love traveling around to the fantastic museums all across Louisiana.

Learn about Louisiana’s rich cultural history and book a stay at one of the Louisiana Bed & Breakfast Association’s many charming properties located all throughout the region!