St. Bernard Parish: Wetlands and History

St. Bernard Parish is a landscape shaped equally by water and history. Almost 75 percent of St. Bernard Parish is water. Marshland with bayous and waterways stretches along a 27-mile section of the Mississippi River. The parish also offers places to observe nature, a designated scenic byway, and historic sites. When looking for a hotel, you can first consider whether nature experiences, the route, or the area’s history will be the focus of your trip.

Wetlands and Nature by the Water

At the 40 Arpent Wetlands Observatory, access to the 40 Arpent Canal passes through a lagoon by the boathouse, where visitors can go canoeing and kayaking. From a pedestrian bridge, you can observe the central wetland unit. Ancient cypress trees and native birds are also among the observatory’s natural attractions. This combination makes the site appealing if you want to experience the landscape from the water as well as observe plants and wildlife.

St. Bernard State Park covers 358 acres along the Mississippi River. Its amenities include man-made lagoons and a nature trail. The park is also a designated stop on the America’s WETLAND Birding Trail. A boat launch is located 0.1 miles from the park entrance and provides access to freshwater and saltwater fishing. For ecotours, St. Bernard Ecotourism offers a 27-seat excursion boat. This gives you several options: observing nature, spending time on the water, or taking a guided boat tour.

The San Bernardo National Scenic Byway

The San Bernardo National Scenic Byway runs for 29 miles along Louisiana Highway 46. It leads from the boundary between Orleans Parish and St. Bernard Parish to the fishing villages of Yscloskey and Delacroix Island. Historic plantation homes and a historic courthouse lie along the route. Roadside stands offer fresh produce and seafood. The byway thus combines scenic views with insights into architectural history and roadside stands that can serve as convenient stops for visitors.

The route is a focus in its own right for anyone who wants to explore St. Bernard Parish along a designated roadway. Its length and the stops mentioned provide a clear framework for the drive; historic buildings and roadside stands complement the parish’s natural attractions. If you include the byway in your travel plans, you can consider these experiences a distinct part of your stay, alongside the wetlands and historic sites.

Historic Sites and Distinctive Architecture

Chalmette Battlefield was the site of the Battle of New Orleans on January 8, 1815. The grounds are open to pedestrians year-round from sunrise to sunset. Since operating details may change, it is a good idea to check the latest information from the National Park Service before your visit. St. Bernard Catholic Cemetery offers a different historical perspective: it is the oldest still-existing burial ground in the greater New Orleans area.

Los Isleños Museum & Village is considered the last surviving testament to Spanish colonial Louisiana. In Old Arabi, two designated historic districts offer another perspective on architectural history: Old Arabi Historic District covers 150 acres, and Friscoville Street Historic District covers 160 acres. The defining architecture in Old Arabi dates predominantly from the 1880s to the 1920s. The styles represented include Italianate, Eastlake, Colonial Revival, and Bungalow. For architecture enthusiasts, the span of years is as informative as the contrast among the four distinct styles.

These sites offer different ways to explore the parish’s history: a battlefield tied to a specific date, a historic burial ground, the legacy of Spanish colonial Louisiana, and districts featuring architecture from several decades. You can choose the focus of your stay accordingly, rather than grouping all the sites under a single historical theme.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: St Bernard, Chalmette, St. Martin Parish, Acadia, Calcasieu Parish, Vernon, Washington, Sabine.

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