Top Rated Attractions in Covington

About 50 miles from the bright lights and wild nightlife of Bourbon Street lies one of the best kept secrets in Southeast Louisiana. The Global Wildlife Center is this country's largest completely free-roaming wildlife preserve. It's an African safari in New Orleans' backyard. Visitors can take a short trip across Lake Pontchartrain for a guided wagon tour that gets up close and personal with some of the most exotic animals in the world, more than 900 of which call this preserve home. Kids and kids at heart can feed giraffes, bison, zebras, and camels in an experience of a lifetime.

Plan a day with family or friends replenishing your energy levels with some fresh air and wild nature at Fairview Riverside State Park. The camp offers many outdoor activities like camping, fishing, and trailing. There is a wooden boardwalk which makes it easy for families with small kids to walk through the park on the wetlands. On the park premises is the Otis House, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The park has been featured in the famous commercial game called The Amazing Race.

Bogue Chitto State Park is a state park located in Franklinton. There are over 11 miles (17.70 kilometers) of hiking and biking trails that meander through the park, taking visitors through pine forests, wetlands, and along the winding Bogue Chitto River. The Bogue Chitto River is a popular spot for fishing, with species such as bass, catfish, and crappie found in its waters. Visitors can also rent kayaks and canoes to explore the river and enjoy the scenery. The park has several campsites available, including RV and tent camping sites, as well as cabins for rent.

Situated along the banks of the beautiful Bogue Falaya River, this serene park is a scenic spot that makes for a wonderfully refreshing outing in Covington. Bogue Falaya Park affords some lovely views of the adjacent river, and is a great place to visit with the family to enjoy a leisurely picnic. There is a large playground complete with wooden toys and swings that the little ones are sure to love. This beautiful park also plays host to the occasional concert, and the pavilion can be hired for private events.

Quaint houses, longstanding buildings, and green squares define the rustic landscape of Abita Springs, an idyllic destination that charms with its laidback atmosphere. Having gained popularity owing to the artesian waters that comprise its well supply, the town offers much in the way of history and culture, its heritage exemplified by attractions such as the Abita Springs Trailhead Museum. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the picturesque Abita Creek Flatwoods Preserve, while those looking to delve into quirky art and vintage memorabilia will revel in a visit to the Abita Mystery House. Welcoming cafes and restaurants invite visitors to relax and rejuvenate within comfortable confines, while breezy streets and verdant parks promise memorable strolls.

Located in the state of Louisiana, Fontainebleau State Park was previously known as Tchefuncte State Park and Conservation Reservation. The sprawling parkland is enveloped by the majestic Lake Pontchartrain and the lucid streams of Bayou Castine and Bayou Cane. This area was once home to a brickyard and a sugarcane farm that was owned and managed by Bernard de Marigny. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this beautiful state park offers an array of recreational opportunities such as boating, camping, and biking.