The list of standout attractions in Louisiana is as long and varied as a Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans is vivacious and colorful. World War II, science, art, wine and wooden ships are the focus of a few of the following must-visit attractions that double as off-site venues for memorable group gatherings.
The National World War II Museum, New Orleans
The National World War II Museum, a top attraction in New Orleans, features flexible event spaces that bring a splash of history and modern amenities to any event, according to Cara Banasch, vice president of convention sales and strategy at the New Orleans CVB.
The museum, currently undergoing a $325 million expansion project slated for completion in 2017, has open spaces that can be customized for any size group.
“The unique design of the museum allows it to accommodate small meetings, large receptions, seated dinners, as well as business presentations,” she says, citing several on-site venues, including the Solomon Victory Theater and dining rooms inspired by Marlene Dietrich and Louis Armstrong.
Decor highlights throughout the museum include World War II-era posters, various war memorabilia, war-related artifacts and more.
Capitol Park Museum, a Louisiana State Museum, Baton Rouge
Located on the grounds of the Louisiana State Capitol, the Capitol Park Museum is a unique setting for groups seeking inspiration via Louisiana’s rich history and culture, which is displayed on two floors.
Inside spaces here include two lobbies, a conference room and a banquet/reception room, and outside is the plaza, which Christy Chachere, spokeswoman for Visit Baton Rouge, says is “a lovely area set against green lawns and a reflecting pool, all covered and perfect for an event, rain or shine.”
Either day or night, the venue also boasts views of the Louisiana State Capitol, which Chachere says provides a great backdrop for gatherings.
Sci-Port: Louisiana’s Science Center, Shreveport
Sci-Port: Louisiana’s Science Center, is a 92,000-square-foot science and entertainment center featuring over 290 exhibits.
The newest addition at Sci-Port, according to Melissa Small, spokeswoman for the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau, is Science is Fun, a hands-on group tour geared toward adults.
“This is a great opportunity to add experiential programming to a function and to have the attendees leave the event with one-of-a-kind memories,” she says. “They can taste-test liquid nitrogen ice cream, witness the sky’s constellations on the day they were born and experience how a Van de Graaff generator can make their hair stand up straight.”
Sci-Port accommodates groups of up to 200 people for receptions, banquets and meetings in spaces including the space planetarium and rooftop, which is a great space for sky-gazing with one of the center’s experts, according to Small.
Landry Vineyards, West Monroe
Landry Vineyards, located in the rolling hills of West Monroe, is a popular local venue that’s home to great wine and outdoor concerts during the spring and fall.
According to Harolyn Falgoust, senior convention and tourism sales at the Monroe-West Monroe CVB, visiting groups can take wagon tours of the vineyard that explore the grounds and wine cellar.
“This venue, which accommodates both large and small groups, is perfect for retreats, board meetings and dinners,” she says. “They have both indoor and outdoor spaces that offer beautiful views of the vineyard and a stage for a band as well.”
Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum,
Madisonville, St. Tammany Parish
Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum is situated on the grounds of the original Jahncke Shipyard, where large wooden ships were built during World War I. Today, groups meeting in October are encouraged to check out the Wooden Boat Festival, an annual event on the Tchefuncte River featuring over 100 wooden and classic boats.
Tanya Leader, vice president of sales at the St. Tammany Parish Tourist and Convention Commission, says the museum can host sit-down dinners, cocktail receptions and “good old-fashioned parties.”
This raised museum, designed in a nautical theme, offers various gathering spaces, including two large open rooms with covered porches overlooking the river.
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“Depending upon time of year, a large paved area adjacent to the museum offers a great space for outside seafood boils, bands and dancing,” Leader says.
Vermilionville, Lafayette
Vermilionville, a 23-acre living history attraction on the banks of the Bayou Vermilion, gives visitors a glimpse into what it was like to live in South Louisiana prior to the 19th century.
“Its historic and recreated structures are situated to resemble a village complete with schoolhouse, blacksmith shop and chapel,” says Kelly Strenge, spokeswoman for the Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission.
She adds that Vermilionville’s catering staff can create cultural experiences showcasing Lafayette’s Cajun and Creole cultures, including crawfish boils, fais do-dos (house dances), barbecues and cochon de laits (pig roasts).
Among the attraction’s meeting spaces is the performance center, a versatile audiovisual-equipped venue that accommodates banquets, receptions and more.
“The performance center has the ambience of a Cajun or Zydeco dancehall,” Strenge says. “It is a wooden structure complete with wooden floors that are great for dancing.”
Alexandria Museum of Art, Alexandria
The Alexandria Museum of Art has more than 800 works in its permanent collection, which covers 20th and 21st century artists from Louisiana and the South.
The museum, according to Kelli West, spokeswoman for the Alexandria/Pineville Area CVB, accommodates small to midsize groups for corporate retreats, luncheons, lectures, dinners, cocktail parties and receptions.
Among its meeting spaces are the first floor cafe and Overhang Gallery, which sports views of the historic Hotel Bentley and the Red River.
Central School Arts & Humanities Center, Lake Charles
Located in the Charpentier Historic District is the 1912 Central School Arts & Humanities Center, which is the home of the Mardi Gras Museum, Black Heritage Gallery and various other venues.
According to Eric Zartler, sales director at the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana CVB, Central School was used during World War II to house soldiers from the 37th Division during army maneuvers in the summer of 1941, and today is a favorite attraction for visitors to Lake Charles.
“Central School’s decor has a New Orleans flair and includes a seven-foot custom water fountain and two nine-foot dogwood trees with lights,” Zartler says.
Groups looking to host events must get approval from the Arts Council, and then they can utilize the on-site conference rooms and auditorium for a variety of events ranging from seminars to board meetings.
