The rich culture and special blends of sounds, spices, and people is incredibly diverse in the Jeff Davis Parish. Foodies, you can’t go wrong by savoring local dishes from the finest chefs in Louisiana. Head outdoors for an abundance of fishing or local birdwatching.
An educational attraction located in Jennings, Louisiana. This attraction allows all guests to get friendly with baby alligators.
Learn what it means to be an educational alligator ambassador. Head on down to hold baby alligators and educate yourself about this often misunderstood, prehistoric creature. Bring the whole family or a large group and get a lesson on everything alligator! From their habitat and their diets to how they grow and how they’re cared for in captivity. Be sure not to miss this fantastic attraction, Attraction of the Year winner in 2019 and recipient of the prestigious Louey Tourism Award.
Festival season in Louisiana lasts all year. There is always something to celebrate. The rural Mardi Gras, Courir de Mardi Gras, is quite a treat for visitors. It is a very different experience from the parades and balls that dominate the “city” Mardi Gras. With traditional dress, gumbo, and music it offers a rare view into a Louisiana tradition, Jeff Davis Parish style!
The Yellow Rails and Rice Festival is held in the Fall and is a one-of-a kind birding opportunity to see famous birds, only found in second crop rice fields. Another great festival is the Stearman Fly-In, held at Jennings airport in the fall. This brings in WWII biplanes from all over the country. Jeff Davis Parish is also the host of the Cajun Squeezebox Shootout, held at the historical Strand Theatre in downtown Jennings at high noon the Saturday before Mardi Gras. This one-of-a-kind accordion competition packs the Strand with competitors of all ages. Another great music competition is the Battle of The Bows Cajun Accordion Competition, also held at the Strand Theatre in the fall. Fall also brings the Last Resort Custom Car and Truck Show to the I-10 Park in Jennings.
Jeff Davis Parish is home to the Flyway Byway State Scenic Trail. Explore rivers, farmland, breathtaking terrain, and scenic swamp trails. Drive, canoe or kayak the waterways for a sighting of one of the many strange critters that inhabit these areas, including gators! Home to over 160 birds, Jeff Davis Parish is a birders paradise. A 55-mile-long scenic loop of driving trails will show you many of the natural treasures offered in Jeff Davis Parish such as the beautiful Lorraine Bridge. Experience the beauty and wonder of Louisiana's swamps and bayous as you glide through the waters in a boat. Along the way, you may spot alligators, turtles, and various species of birds.
Jeff Davis Parish, Louisiana is a great place to enjoy the great outdoors with a variety of activities such as hiking, biking, and more. The Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge, which has over 35,000 acres of wetlands and forests, is a great place to explore. With many opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching in the area, Jeff Davis Parish has something for everyone to enjoy in the great outdoors.
