The Audubon Louisiana Nature Center is one of our favorite places to visit when we need a little bit of nature without having to travel too far. This great New Orleans attraction has nature trails, and the Exhibit Hall has been completely rebuilt and upgraded.
Nature Trails
There are three trails of varying lengths. Our favorite, the Adventure Trail, is a primitive trail and is about 1.5 miles.
To fully enjoy the trails, you will definitely need to bring bug spray and sunscreen. If you stay fairly quiet on the trails, you may have the opportunity to see wildlife.
Remember, the animals are in their natural habitat. Make sure to be kind and only leave your footprints behind.
Walking Trails are open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Exhibit Hall
The interactive exhibit hall is a great place to explore and discover. There are Naturalist Interpreters available to teach you about the exhibits.
My boys really enjoyed meeting and learning about the praying mantis. The staff was delightful and passionate about passing on their knowledge to the children.
The Exhibit Hall is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 am-4:30 pm.
Ranger Chats
Catch a live demonstration or chat with knowledgeable rangers. Ranger Chats are offered on Mondays and Tuesdays at 10:30 am and 1:00 pm.
There are gardening demonstrations on Wednesdays at 11:30 am, and Sundays at 9:00 am.
Naturalist Strolls are available on Thursdays and Fridays at 9:00 am, and 11:30 am and Sundays at 2:30 pm.
Planetarium
We always enjoy a planetarium show. This is available for an additional fee. Planetarium shows run at least 45 minutes but allow one hour.
Schedule and selection are subject to change.
Tickets are available on-site, in the Interpretive Center, during regular hours (Wed-Sun: 10:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.). Adult tickets are $7.50 non-members / $6.50 members (plus tax), child tickets are $6.00 non-members / $5.00 members (plus tax). Cash is not accepted. Here is the current schedule:
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
2:30 PM: The Universe in Our Backyard, featuring a selection of short films.
Saturday and Sunday:
10:30 AM: The Universe in Our Backyard, featuring One World, One Sky
1:30 PM: Flight of the Butterflies (with brief night sky exploration)
3:30 PM: The Universe in Our Backyard, featuring Universe.
A Few Tips For Visiting the Audubon Nature Center
There is no food for sale on site. However, you can bring your own food. Just be sure to clean up after yourself.
There is no charge for admission, except for field trips. Want more information on field trips? Email educationprograms@auduboninstitute.org.
The nature center has its own parking lot with free parking available to guests.
Location and Driving Directions To the Audubon Louisiana Nature Center
The Audubon Louisiana Nature Center is located at 11000 Lake Forest Boulevard, New Orleans, LA. Next to Joe Brown Park.
Driving directions:
From New Orleans, take I-10 East and exit Read Blvd.
Turn right onto Read Blvd.
Turn left onto Lake Forest Blvd.
The entrance to Audubon Louisiana Nature Center will be on your right.
History of the Audubon Louisiana Nature Center
The Louisiana Nature Center opened its doors in Joe Brown Park on March 23, 1980. The center offered a scenic interpretation of the Mississippi River Delta and Louisiana Coastal Zone. In 1993, the Nature Center’s board agreed to merge with Audubon Nature Center. They renamed the attraction “Audubon Louisiana Nature Center.’’ The center welcomed about 85,000 annual visitors, including 45,000 students, served by outreach programs.
In August 2005, Hurricane Katrina left the Nature Center under six feet of water for more than a month. The storm also was responsible for severely damaging the center’s forest and ruining its structures. The Nature Center has remained closed since the storm. Audubon’s leadership collaborated with FEMA \, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, city and state government, and community leaders to map out a restoration strategy. This is how we got the new and improved Audubon Louisiana Nature Center we see today.
The Audubon Louisiana Nature Center also has upcoming events and educational programs. Be sure to check them out.
Also, check out our Facebook Live from a tour of the Audubon Louisiana Nature Center!
Do you remember visiting the Audubon Louisiana Nature Center as a child? What is your favorite memory?
