December at State Parks

Each month the good folks at Louisiana State Parks send us a listing of information for all the programs taking place at park properties during the month to come. The December programs bring the holidays into your explorations of both nature and history, all across the state. So don't spend this time of year indoors; visit the wide open spaces cared for by the State Parks system. Here is a small sampling of adventures on offer.

• December 1–31, Christmas Past, Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site, St. Martinville: A special exhibit in the Interpretive Center will explore how certain modern Christmas customs evolved across time and tradition. Free. (337) 394-3754.

•December 4–15, Creole Christmas, Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site, St. Martinville: Enjoy the period Christmas decorations of Oliver Plantation and learn how the holiday was celebrated by Creole plantation owners in the mid-1800s. Special demonstrations in candle making, corn shuck doll making, spinning/weaving, and holiday cookie making. Free. (337) 394-3754. 

• December 7, A Dickens of a Christmas, Audubon State Historic Site, St. Francisville: See the mansion's gorgeous seasonal decorations while costumed guides bring you along in the candelit Oakley House. Taste what's cooking in the kitchen, or just enjoy the annual Christmas dance. 6 pm–8 pm. Free. (225) 635-3739.

• December 7, Eat, Drink, and Be Merry: Christmas at the Forts, Forts Randolph and Buhlow State Historic Site: Cook over a campfire, and listen to re-enactors discuss the harsh conditions of Christmas 1864. 10 am–4 pm. $4 for ages 4–61; $2 for active military; free for all others. Special detailed ranger guided tours are $8 per person. (318) 484-2390. 

•December 7, Christmas on the Cane, Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site, Natchitoches: Enjoy a Christmas parade and meet Civil War re-enactors onsite. Tours available.  10 am–4 pm. Free. (318) 357-3101. 

•December 14, Flying Squirrels, Louisiana State Arboretum, Ville Platte: Learn about the southern flying squirrel and its behavior, habitat, and nesting features, and even build a flying squirrel nesting box to take home. Tools provided, though pre-registration is required. 1 pm. $10. (337) 363-6289. 

• December 21, Feel the Furs, Poverty Point World Heritage Site: From 11 am–1 pm, at the picnic pavilion, visitors can learn about what animals may have lived at Poverty Point, and how particular features—like their fur—may have helped them survive in the bayous of the area. Recommended for ages 6–12. Free. (318) 926-5492. 

And much more! Visit crt.state.la.us/louisiana-state-parks for a full list.