St. Bernard State Park

Eighteen miles southeast of New Orleans, 358 acres where woodland meets wetland along the Mississippi River. The land was donated to the state in 1971 by Lynn Dean, former state senator and local businessman, and his wife Jackie. For 34 years it operated as the only state park in the St. Bernard/Plaquemines Parish area, though attendance ranked among the least visited in the state.

A series of artificial lagoons connected by nature trails. The park is minutes from the Chalmette Battlefield, site of the Battle of New Orleans in 1815 — the last major battle of the War of 1812, when New Orleans was the largest port in the Southern United States. St. Bernard Parish was among the hardest-hit areas when Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005. Storm surge from the levee failures severely damaged the park. It remained closed for more than a year.

The park reopened December 19, 2006, with a ceremony that included then Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu, local dignitaries, local choirs, hayride tours, coffee, hot chocolate and cookies. Now in full operation for camping, birdwatching and day use. Fifty-one improved campsites, picnic pavilions, and barbecue grills. A waterpark and playground. Open daily. Three dollars. 501 St. Bernard Parkway, Braithwaite.