Discover 3 Gorgeous Covered Bridges in Louisiana

For a state rich in history and unique architecture, it’s not surprising that Louisiana has plenty of amazing covered bridges that add spectacular views to The Pelican State. They aren’t as plentiful or as famous as covered bridges in some other states, but they are still some of the most quaint and picturesque. Against the backdrop of the Louisiana Bayou or other lush locations, these bridges are just the things that you want to visit in order to get a unique experience in Louisiana. What makes many of these bridges so special is that they are meant for walking rather than driving. You can really get a one-of-a-kind view of the bridge when you cross it on foot.

#1 Kiroli Park

The covered bridge in this park is actually part of a hiking trail that is open for walking, running, and hiking. It’s great for easy walking, even for young children and pets. The bridge is wide enough for large strollers and wagons as well as wheelchairs. It is on a boardwalk path that is accessible. The park also has a suspension bridge so you get two adventures in one visit. Both are for pedestrians rather than vehicles. This means that you can get up close and explore the actual structure as well as the plant and animal wildlife around the park.

You do need to pay a $1 entry fee or purchase an annual pass to access Kiroli Park. These fees help maintain the park and the many facilities in it. These include playgrounds, walking trails, pavilions, an observation tower, and tennis courts. There is also a dog park, an amphitheater, and numerous indoor and outdoor shelters that you can rent for special events.

Kiroli Park is in West Monroe, Louisiana. Together with nearby Monroe, the two cities have around 60,000 residents, although the vast majority live in Monroe. West Monroe is on the Ouachita River. Together the two cities in northeastern Louisiana are called the Twin Cities. The Ouachita is just over 600 miles long and passes through Arkansas and Louisiana.

#2 Garrison Gardens

This plant nursery also has a fantastic covered bridge for visitors to check out when they come. The owners call it the “dramatic focal point” of the garden. Located in Shreveport, the garden center really embraces the history and feeling of the city. The bridge was made out of reclaimed lumber from warehouses and other buildings on the riverfront in the historic part of town.

The garden center is open for visitors to see the bridge as well as explore the various plants on the property. In addition to providing plant sales, Garrison Garden also researches and cultivates new plants. They test varieties that are grown outside of Louisiana to see if they will thrive in the area and determine the best care instructions.

Shreveport is the third largest city in Louisiana by population. It is home to around 185,000 residents. Shreveport is located in northwestern Louisiana and is known for its nightlife, particularly special events and festivals. The city is also home to numerous casinos located on riverboats. The Red River goes through Shreveport. The river is good for everything from fishing to boating.

#3 Bee Bayou

While some of the longest bridges in Louisiana cover more than 20 miles, this short bridge is perfect for stepping back in time. The adorable covered bridge over Bee Bayou in Richland Parish is a true gem in a state with few covered bridges. It has a sign over the entrance that reads 50 Dollars Fine Over 5 MPH. Bee Bayou is near Rayville, the parish seat of Richland Parish. Rayville has around 4,000 residents.

Bee Bayou is a rural community in the northern part of Louisiana. The bridge is near Highway 80 and is only accessible via a private road. While it used to be open to the public, there are countless stories about people going across the bridge as young children. Some even shared on social media that they had gone on elementary school field trips to the bridge. It was also the subject of paintings, portraits, photography, and other pieces of art. It truly is a little-known gem that looms larger in memory than on any actual map.

Summary of Covered Bridges in Louisiana