Scattered throughout the park beneath a canopy of huge oak trees, you will find numerous picnic tables, as well as a group pavilion, a playground, and comfort stations. Spend a relaxing afternoon on the river or venture out into the water for lively outdoor recreation.

1/4-mile nature trail (ADA accessible)

When you enter the park, you will notice a large home facing the water. This is Otis House, originally built in the 1880s as the family home for sawmill owner William Theodore Jay. It was later purchased and renovated in the 1930s by Frank Otis, serving as his summer home until his death in 1962. Mr. Otis left the property to the State of Louisiana to be developed into a recreational site for visitors. The house was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999.

The Otis House Museum is open for tours between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Children (3 and under) and seniors (62 and over) are admitted free. Call 985-792-4652 for group tour information.

Fontainebleau State Park (South of I-12 and southeast of Mandeville on US 190) - Located on 2,800 acres on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain, the park offers 130 improved campsites, 180 unimproved campsites, nature trails, 3 group camps, a lodge, a swimming pool and beach, a playground, and the ruins of a plantation brickyard and sugar mill situated among an alley of towering oaks.

Fort Pike State Historic Site (Adjacent to "Old Spanish Trail" US 90 approximately 23 miles east of downtown New Orleans) - This historic masonry fort was completed in 1827 to defend New Orleans. Stroll through arched casemates and stand overlooking the Rigolets as sentries once did, enjoy living history programs, visit the museum, or picnic at the pavilion.

Tammany Trace (Koop Drive, Mandeville) - Thirty-one miles of Louisiana's only "rails-to-trails" site is open from Mandeville to Abita Springs. It is a popular spot for bicycles, horses, runners, skaters, and walkers.

New Orleans and the Historic French Quarter Visit downtown New Orleans, museums, casinos, Aquarium of the Americas, the Riverwalk, or take a cruise on the Mississippi River.

Louisiana State Museum (French Quarter, New Orleans) - One of New Orleans' top ten attractions, the State Museum is comprised of the Cabildo, Presbytere, 1850 House, and the Old U. S. Mint.

Tickfaw State Park (27225 Patterson Road, Springield) - Located 32 miles east of Baton Rouge off I-12 on 1,200 acres along three miles of the Tickfaw River, the park offers 14 vacation cabins, 30 campsites, 20 tent campsites, a group camp, a nature center and gift shop, picnic tables, pavilions and a canoe launch.

Bayou Segnette State Park (7777 Westbank Expressway, Westwego) - Minutes from New Orleans and situated where woodlands meet marsh, the park offers 20 waterfront cabins, 98 improved campsites, a group camp, wave pool, conference center, playgrounds, picnic tables and pavilions, a large boat launch, and abundant wildlife.

Antique Shopping in Ponchatoula - "America's Antique City."

Pearl River Wildlife Management Area (2 miles east of Slidell in St. Tammany Parish) - This 34,896-acre area is managed for wildlife and includes a cypress-tupelo swamp and hardwoods. Visitors may enjoy fishing, canoeing, boating, birding, crawfishing, hunting, a nature walk, and a rifle range.

Louisiana Scenic Bayou Byway Winding through a 13-parish area north of Lake Pontchartrain, this route takes the visitor to many unique and popular attractions including Fontainebleau and Fairview-Riverside State Parks.

Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge (Off LA 41, north of I-49) - Boat launches and a canoe trail are avail- able for access to the refuge. Fishing, hunting, and camping are allowed.

Swamp Tours Contact local guides for tours of Honey Island Swamp.

Joyce Wildlife Management Area (2 miles south of Ponchatoula off I-55) - This area is primarily a cypress- tupelo swamp with a small tract of fresh marsh. Hunting, birding, and wildlife observation are popular activities and a boardwalk offers excellent viewing opportunities.

Fairview-Riverside State Park (119 Fairview Drive, Madisonville, LA 70447; 985-845-3318 or 1-888-677-3247) is located two miles east of Madisonville in St. Tammany Parish on LA 22. The park includes picturesque moss-draped oaks and woodlands on the bank of the Tchefuncte River. Camping, canoeing, fishing, picnicking and relaxing are some of the favorite activities at Fairview-Riverside State Park. To reserve a campsite or the picnic pavilion, call 1-877-CAMP-N-LA toll free (877-226-7652).