Prairieville, Louisiana Weekend Escapes: 10 Short Road Trips Nearby

on

10 Easy Road Trips from Prairieville, Louisiana: Fun Things To Do Nearby (But Out of Ascension Parish)

If you live in Prairieville, Louisiana and feel like you’ve done just about everything close to home, you’re not alone. Sometimes you just need to hop in the car, drive 30 minutes to an hour, and discover something new. So let’s talk about 10 short road trips from Prairieville that take you outside Ascension Parish and into nearby places like:
  • East Baton Rouge Parish
  • Iberville Parish
  • Livingston Parish
  • Assumption Parish
  • St. James Parish
  • St. John the Baptist Parish
All of these spots are close enough for a half-day or full-day trip. No packing for a week, no major planning—just gas up, grab a drink, and go.

1. LSU Campus & Lakes – East Baton Rouge Parish

Looking for an easy getaway that still feels lively? Head to Louisiana State University (LSU) in Baton Rouge. From Prairieville, it’s usually about a 25–35 minute drive, depending on traffic.
  • Walk the LSU Lakes: The trails around the lakes are perfect for a casual walk, jog, or bike ride. You’ll see runners, dog walkers, and students everywhere.
  • Stroll through campus: The big oaks, brick buildings, and tiger statues make it a fun area to wander.
  • Catch a game (in season): Football, baseball, or basketball—LSU game days are a whole experience.
If you go in the evening, the sunset over the lakes is worth the drive all by itself.

2. USS Kidd & Downtown Baton Rouge Riverfront – East Baton Rouge Parish

Want something a little more historic with Mississippi River views? Drive into downtown Baton Rouge and visit the USS Kidd Veterans Museum.
  • Tour a World War II destroyer: You can walk through the ship, see the bunks, bathrooms, and tight hallways, and imagine what life was like at sea.
  • Stroll the levee path: The paved trail along the river is great for walking or biking.
  • Explore downtown: You’ll find coffee shops, restaurants, and murals all within a short walk.
It’s an easy day trip from Prairieville and a nice mix of history, scenery, and local food.

3. Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center – East Baton Rouge Parish

If you’re craving nature but don’t want to drive hours into the wilderness, the Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center in Baton Rouge is a great choice.
  • Wooden boardwalks: Wander through cypress-tupelo swamp and hardwood forest without getting your shoes muddy.
  • Wildlife spotting: Look out for turtles, birds, frogs, and maybe even an alligator or two.
  • Indoor exhibits: The visitor center has educational displays and live animals.
It’s calm, quiet, and surprisingly peaceful for being so close to the city. Perfect for families, couples, or anyone who needs a break from traffic and screens.

4. BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo – East Baton Rouge Parish

Looking for a classic family-friendly outing? The Baton Rouge Zoo is a solid pick, especially if you have kids or visiting relatives.
  • See animals up close: Giraffes, tigers, birds, reptiles, and more.
  • Easy walking paths: The zoo is compact enough to see most of it in a few hours.
  • Good for hot days: Plenty of shade and rest spots along the way.
From Prairieville, you can usually be at the zoo in under an hour, depending on which side of town you’re coming from.

5. River Road Plantations – Iberville & St. James Parishes

If you enjoy history, architecture, or just pretty scenery, plan a road trip along River Road between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Several historic plantation homes sit along the Mississippi River in Iberville Parish and St. James Parish. Popular stops include:
  • Nottoway Plantation (Iberville Parish): One of the largest plantation homes in the South, with huge white columns and landscaped grounds.
  • Other nearby plantations on River Road: Many offer guided tours, exhibits, and on-site dining.
These tours often cover both the beauty of the homes and the hard truths of enslaved labor that built them. It can be a powerful, eye-opening day trip from Prairieville.

6. Atchafalaya Basin Area – Near Iberville & Assumption Parishes

If swamps, bayous, and wide-open water are your thing, you’re in the right part of Louisiana. The Atchafalaya Basin, the largest river swamp in the United States, is an unforgettable place to explore. From Prairieville, you can head toward areas near Iberville and Assumption Parishes where many outfitters offer:
  • Swamp tours and airboat rides
  • Kayak or canoe rentals
  • Fishing charters
Gliding past cypress trees draped in Spanish moss, spotting alligators sunning on the banks—it feels like you’ve stepped into a nature show.

7. Lake Maurepas & Nearby Swamps – Livingston Parish

Just a short drive east from Prairieville gets you into Livingston ParishLake Maurepas. Things to do around the lake and surrounding swamp areas:
  • Boating & fishing: Locals come out here to fish, boat, or just cruise around.
  • Swamp tours: Several tour companies operate in the area, especially near the passes leading into Lake Maurepas and Lake Pontchartrain.
  • Scenic drives: Even just driving along the water and through the marsh can be relaxing.
It’s a quieter alternative to more crowded touristy areas, but still full of classic south Louisiana scenery.

8. Antique & Small-Town Stroll in Livingston Parish

Sometimes you don’t want an intense adventure—you just want a slow, small-town kind of day. Parts of Livingston Parish offer that older, “step-back-in-time” feel. You can:
  • Hunt for antiques: Pop into antique stores and thrift shops for vintage finds.
  • Grab a plate lunch: Local cafes often serve classic southern comfort food—think fried catfish, gumbo, and po’boys.
  • Check out local events: Seasonal festivals, farmers markets, or holiday events are common in the parish.
If you like wandering without a strict plan, this kind of trip is perfect.

9. St. James Parish Bonfire Levee Tradition (Holiday Season)

If you’ve never seen the Christmas Eve bonfires on the levee along the Mississippi River, especially in parts of St. James Parish, you’re missing something special.
  • Huge wooden structures: Locals build giant bonfires—some are simple, some incredibly detailed.
  • Family tradition: On Christmas Eve, the levee comes alive with fire, food, and families lined up to watch.
  • Short seasonal road trip: From Prairieville, you can easily drive down, enjoy the evening, and be back home the same night.
If you’re planning winter activities from Prairieville, make this one part of your list at least once.

10. Swamp & River Experiences in St. John the Baptist Parish

Head southeast toward St. John the Baptist Parish for more classic Louisiana swamp and river adventures. In this area, you’ll find:
  • Swamp tours: Airboat or flat-bottom boat tours that get you close to gators, birds, and cypress forests.
  • River views: Scenic drives along the Mississippi River levee with views of boats and refineries mixed with historic spots.
  • Local food: Try boudin, cracklins, or a po’boy from a local stop along the way.
This is an easy day trip that feels like you’ve gone much farther from home than you really have.

Tips for Planning Your Prairieville Road Trips

To make the most of your short drives from Prairieville:
  • Check hours before you go: Museums, plantations, and nature centers may have seasonal schedules.
  • Pack for the weather: South Louisiana can be hot, humid, and buggy—bring water, sunscreen, and bug spray.
  • Start early: Morning drives mean cooler temps and fewer crowds.
  • Mix it up: Alternate between outdoor trips (swamps, lakes) and indoor ones (museums, exhibits) so you don’t burn out.
From Prairieville, you’re in a sweet spot: close to Baton Rouge, but also right by swamps, lakes, plantations, and small towns. It doesn’t take much time or money to have a new experience.

What’s Your Favorite Road Trip from Prairieville?

Have you taken any fun day trips from Prairieville to East Baton Rouge, Livingston, Iberville, Assumption, St. James, or St. John the Baptist Parishes?
  • Did we miss one of your favorite spots?
  • Do you have a go-to swamp tour, fishing hole, or small-town cafe?
Share your ideas in the comments so other locals and travelers can discover new places too. And if you found this list helpful, please share this post with friends, family, or anyone planning things to do near Prairieville, Louisiana. Your share might be the nudge someone needs to plan their next little adventure.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

Comments

Post a Comment