You may only know Livingston Parish as another bright green exit sign on I-10 as you’re bound for the briny beaches of the Gulf Coast or headed West toward Louisiana’s Capital City, but Livingston is more than a stopover for weary travelers; it’s a destination of its own. Whether you prefer camping outdoors or plantation-style living, Livingston has picturesque accommodations for any visitor’s ideal day trip, weekend getaway, or vacation.
Livingston is only a hop, skip, and jump from major metropolitan areas like Baton Rouge and New Orleans, making it the ultimate respite from city life for urban dwellers looking to spend an afternoon or a weekend in Sportsman’s Paradise.
Springfield’s Tickfaw State Park offers a variety of different swamp and forest ecosystems for nature lovers to explore, along with the Tickfaw River. The park’s Nature Center hosts educational exhibits and a 2,000-gallon aquarium stocked with fish from the park’s waterways. Embark on a night hike or nature walk via miles of boardwalk trails, or take to the park’s water playground, basketball and volleyball courts for a little healthy competition. “The park is unique because it gives the visitor a true feel of Louisiana,” says park manager Cody Westmoreland.
If sleeping in the woods isn’t up your alley, The Villas at Carter Plantation offer a memorable and luxurious stay. The Springfield plantation dates back to a Spanish land grant in 1804. Now the expansive estate serves as the grounds for a visually stunning, award-winning golf course, resort, and conference center. Treat yourself to fine Louisiana cuisine in the Plantation Dining Room and a few rounds on the green for a restful, rewarding break from the everyday grind.
