The city of Mandeville was founded in 1834 by Bernard Xavier Mandeville, a distinguished and affluent member of society. After becoming a city in 1840, Mandeville quickly gained popularity as a summer retreat for wealthy New Orleans citizens seeking relief from the scorching heat. With 1,012 inhabitants, Mandeville had St. Tammany Parish's largest population in 1890.
Because of the scenic waterways, Mandeville had a steamship-ferry service that ran from New Orleans to the Northshore until 1936. Walking between New Orleans and Mandeville was made possible by the constant daily steamboat activity in the middle of the 19th century. Live entertainment would be provided on these steamships and at Mandeville's pavilions and dance halls. In Mandeville, there are still two structures that were popular for hosting jazz concerts at this time. Since the 1920s, Ruby's Roadhouse has remained open continuously. The Dew Drop Social and Benevolent Hall, later known as The Dew Drop Jazz and Social Hall, was founded in 1895 and played host to some of the greatest jazz musicians.
The Seven Sisters Live Oak, now regarded as the largest live oak tree in Louisiana and around 57 feet high, is a must-see while you're in Mandeville. You may want to explore other fascinating museums in Mandeville, including the Baptiste Lang Creole House Museum, the Children's Museum of St. Tammany, and the Mandeville Trailhead and Cultural Interpretive Center. Spend an evening at the Dew Drop Jazz & Social Hall for some fantastic jazz music, and end the day at Chafunkta Brewing Company with an icy beverage.
Campgrounds Near Mandeville, Louisiana
The Pelican RV Park, near Mandeville, offers spacious RV spots for $40 per night. The campsite has washrooms, free Wi-Fi, an on-site restaurant, gated security, and access to adjacent fishing spots.
Alternatively, stay at the lovely French Quarter RV Resort. Offering RV sites for between $120 and $155 a night, this park is a beautiful setting for upscale camping. Full-hookup sites are available, and visitors can access a clubhouse with exercise and laundry facilities, private bathrooms with showers, and a business office with laptops. In addition to having a covered pavilion, this RV park is just adjacent to Louis Armstrong Park. The French Quarter RV Resort's poolside bar is its best feature.
If you want to make the most of a vacation to the French Quarter in New Orleans, Three Oaks and a Pine RV Park is a great option. Public transit is accessible across the street from the park, so you can easily visit the historic downtown stores and sights or the Mardi Gras celebrations. Additionally, each site has a complete connection, free Wi-Fi, cable TV, and a 24-hour laundry service.
State Parks Near Mandeville, Louisiana
Near Mandeville, on the beaches of Lake Pontchartrain, lies Fontainebleau State Park, a former plantation. You can go hiking on the park's 11.4-mile nature walk or the 4.8-mile hiking route. You may identify many of the trees and plants on the nature trail with the aid of explanatory signage placed along the path. The park has a diversity of habitats for over 400 bird species since it is surrounded by water on three sides. Fontainebleau Birding Guides will help you identify the various species. The park's water play area is a fantastic place to cool down in the summer.
Bayou Segnette State Park, situated on the western banks of the magnificent Mississippi River, is another lovely natural sanctuary close to Mandeville. The park is a top spot for wildlife viewing since it is home to fascinating animals, including minks, raccoons, opossums, and American alligators. In addition, visitors enjoy picnics, hiking, fishing, and birdwatching. The park provides a stunningly beautiful environment with loblolly pines, old-growth sycamores, and the iconic river birch. The Louisiana cities of Jefferson and Westwego are also close to the state park so you have plenty to explore.
Bogue Chitto State Park, which spans 1,786 acres, is a great option near Mandeville. Fricke's Cave, which has beautiful sandstone spires, is one of the coolest highlights in the diverse park. Bogue Chitto State Park draws visitors with its many possibilities for outdoor recreation. Nature lovers may explore miles of multi-use paths on foot, bicycle, or horseback, while taking in views of Fricke's Cave's delicate spires. The Bogue Chitto River is perfect for water sports, including swimming in its mild waters, floating down the river on an inner tube, and kayaking. Anglers will enjoy fishing in the tiny lakes that dot the park's terrain.
National Sites Near Mandeville, Louisiana
New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park should be on your bucket list. It was created as a tribute to the city's musical heritage, which helped shape its fascinating and diverse culture and drew tourists from all over the world. The park has early jazz performers who had a legendary impact on the transition from somber, traditional music to thrilling, assertive sounds that encouraged dance. The park also features the Iroquois Theater and Frank Douroux's Little Gem Saloon, two prominent historical venues known for playing jazz music. The hotspots are recognized for having a major impact on the establishment of jazz as New Orleans' official musical style.
Visit Chalmette National Cemetery and Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve to learn about the people who helped to create Louisiana's history. The Chalmette Cemetery, one of the six locations that make up the park, is where thousands of soldiers who perished in wars ranging from the American Civil War to the Vietnam War are laid to rest. You will experience nature, history, and culture from 300 years of American history at the park.
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a fantastic alternative if you enjoy a little more adventure coupled with history. The park is located along a 444-mile route that extends from Natchez, Mississippi, to the south of Nashville, Tennessee. The original Natchez Trace was only a hunting track that served as a suitable location for Native Americans to camp. Over time, it developed into a heavily used hunting and commerce route that linked the Choctaw, Chickasaw, and Natchez tribes. Today, visitors to the Natchez Trace Parkway may go back in time and visit historic Civil War battlegrounds, old Native American burial mounds, and even the location of the mysterious death of renowned explorer Meriwether Lewis. From biking and hiking to horseback riding, the park has it all.
National Forests Near Mandeville, Louisiana
The De Soto National Forest, which protects a portion of the increasingly threatened Gulf Coast ecology, is the largest national forest in Mississippi and spans more than 500,000 acres. Nature lovers and thrill seekers are drawn to the area's stunning savannas and longleaf pine woods. The forest offers a variety of recreational opportunities, whether you like to hike or ride an ATV, you go fishing or canoeing, or want some quiet time to yourself.
Homochitto National Forest, situated on 190,000 acres across seven different counties in Southern Mississippi, showcases nature at its best. You may enjoy a variety of enjoyable activities here with your friends and family. Visitors adore the 12-acre Clear Spring Lake that is perfect for picnics, relaxation, astronomy, and wildlife viewing. Today, the neighboring Clear Springs Trail is regarded as one of the best mountain biking routes in the region. Okhissa Lake, a 1075-acre body of water in the Homochitto National Forest, is an excellent place for boating, fishing, picnics, and occasionally swimming. The Civilian Conservation Corps, which started reforestation in the region in the mid-1930s, is credited with creating a large number of the recreation areas in the forest.
The 178,541-acre Bienville National Forest, located in central Mississippi, spans four counties. With its hardwood and pine woods, several lakes, streams, and ponds, the Bienville National Forest provides outdoor activities, including birding, boating, camping, fishing, hiking, and horseback riding, as well as the chance to see species like deer and wild turkey. Since camping is available all year round, guests can pick the ideal season for their vacation from hot summers, temperate off-seasons, and mild winters.
