Louisiana is a natural fit for student groups: Rich in culture, shaped by water, and filled with hands-on learning opportunities that stretch from the Gulf Coast to the Red River.
Flying into Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, groups can easily follow I-10 across the state, connecting major cities and ecosystems in one seamless, STEAM-forward adventure.
Exploring the Mighty Mississippi
In the state capital, students dive into the science of river systems at the LSU Center for River Studies. Here, a massive 90-by-120-foot physical model of the Lower Mississippi River brings engineering and environmental science to life. Groups explore how river flow, sediment, and restoration efforts impact Louisiana’s future—right where the work happens.
Lessons from the Wetlands
In Houma and Thibodaux, the Nicholls University Coastal Center gives students a close look at one of America’s most fragile and fascinating environments. Interactive labs and exhibits highlight coastal erosion, climate adaptation, and the science behind protecting Louisiana’s dynamic shoreline.
Crawfish, Conservation & Culture
From March to May, groups can witness Louisiana’s crawfish harvest firsthand. At Tallgrass Farm, students learn about habitats, pond ecology, and harvesting tools, then follow the journey to the I-10 Crawfish Cooperative to see how crawfish are cleaned, graded, and prepared for markets and iconic boils.
At Gator Chateau, conservation takes center stage as students meet alligators of all ages, learn about their life cycle, and even hold a baby gator under expert supervision.
Biodiversity on Display
The new Nature & Science Center at Port Wonder showcases Louisiana’s biodiversity with freshwater and saltwater aquariums, touch tanks, and a massive Rig Reef exhibit. Beyond the exhibits, Sam Houston Jones State Park offers forest trails, wildlife viewing, and a look at restored longleaf pine ecosystems.
Shreveport: Innovation in Northwest Louisiana
At the Sci-Port Discovery Center, more than 200 interactive exhibits—plus a planetarium and IMAX® Dome Theater—turn STEM topics into immersive experiences. Nearby, the Shreveport Aquarium highlights global aquatic species and conservation practices through hands-on habitats and touch tanks.
Groups can also explore nature at the Walter B. Jacobs Memorial Nature Park (currently being renovated) or discover plant biology among thousands of blooms at the American Rose Center, the nation’s largest rose garden.
Museums That Enrich the Journey
Across the state, Louisiana’s museums offer creative, curriculum-ready programming:
- LSU Museum of Art (Baton Rouge)
Guided tours and art-focused activity packages support visual literacy and cross-curricular exploration. - Louisiana’s Old State Capitol (Baton Rouge)
Free guided tours and interactive lessons bring voting rights, governance, and historic artifacts into focus. - Rural Life Museum (Baton Rouge)
Students step back in time among preserved plantation homes and historic Acadiana buildings. - Ogden Museum of Southern Art (New Orleans)
Docent-led tours and customizable learning experiences connect visual art with culture, history, and literacy. - New Orleans Jazz Museum
Music, instruments, recordings, and live performances immerse students in the birthplace of jazz. - Delta Music Museum (Ferriday)
Exhibits and performances celebrate Louisiana legends—from blues and gospel to rockabilly. - Heart of the Atchafalaya Museum (Pierre Part)
Students explore music traditions like swamp pop and discover how sound and culture shape community identity.
To learn much more, get in touch with explorelouisiana.com.
