Louisiana School Field Trips Acadiana Still Remembers

ACADIANA, La. - For a lot of us who grew up in Acadiana, there was one day on the school calendar that always stood out...the annual field trip.

It didn't matter if you were headed to a museum, a nature trail, or...anywhere at all really. Climbing onto a school bus with your friends meant you were in for an adventure, and those memories have a way of sticking with you.

We asked you on Facebook to share the school field trips you remember most, and the responses were packed with nostalgia. Some places are still welcoming students today, while other places are sadly no longer in operation.

One destination, however, caught nearly everyone by surprise.

A School Field Trip To Angola?

Believe it or not, several people remembered taking a school trip to the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola.

It's definitely one of the more unusual educational outings mentioned. Whether the goal was to teach students about the justice system or simply encourage them to make smart choices, it's a field trip few people seem to have forgotten, and we can see why.

Did you ever go on a field trip to Angola?

Rip Van Winkle Gardens

Located on Jefferson Island, Rip Van Winkle Gardens has long been one of Acadiana's favorite educational destinations.

Students can explore landscaped gardens, toured the historic Joseph Jefferson Mansion, check out the roaming peacocks, and learn about nearby Lake Peigneur's incredible history, including the famous 1980 drilling accident that transformed the lake forever.

The Children's Museum Of Acadiana

As we all know, "You learn by doing", The Children's Museum of Acadiana has introduced generations of kids to interactive exhibits that encourage creativity, exploration, and problem-solving.

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Pontchartrain Beach

Located along the shores of Lake Pontchartrain in New Orleans, the beloved amusement park operated from 1928 until 1983 and became a dream destination for Louisiana families.

Some lucky students even got to visit on school field trips for an unforgettable day filled with roller coasters, carnival games, and classic amusement park fun.

Shadows-On-The-Teche

Built in 1834, the beautifully preserved home offers students a firsthand look at Louisiana's antebellum architecture, Bayou Teche history, and the New Iberia area's cultural heritage.

Walking through the historic home made local history feel a lot more real than just reading about it in class, and that's pretty much the whole point.

Acadiana Park Nature Station

Acadiana Park Nature Station in Lafayette gives students an opportunity to hike wooded trails and learn about local ecosystems up close.

It's still one of the area's hidden gems for families looking to enjoy the outdoors.

The Lafayette Science Museum

A field trip to the Lafayette Science Museum sparked curiosity about science, space, and the natural world, and still does. Many people still remember going to the original planetarium behind the Heymann Performing Arts Center. Remember the echo circle?

Evangeline Maid Bread

Some field trips are remembered less for what you saw and more for what you smelled.

A tour of the Evangeline Maid Bakery in Lafayette treated students to the unforgettable aroma of freshly baked bread filling the air. Watching bread being made, and seeing the bakery's iconic rotating loaf, made this one of Acadiana's most memorable field trips.

TABASCO And Avery Island

School groups toured the world-famous TABASCO factory, and still do, to see how the iconic hot sauce is made before exploring the amazing Jungle Gardens, home to centuries-old oak trees, exotic plants, and those peacocks. You just have to keep a sharp eye on those peacocks.

Of course, students also also learned pretty quickly that freshly ground peppers can make your eyes water.

Whether you spent the day hiking nature trails, touring a historic home, exploring a museum, smelling fresh bread, or even visiting a prison, these experiences created memories that have lasted for decades.

What was your favorite school field trip growing up in Louisiana?

Louisiana’s 6 Best Private Schools Ranked

For many Louisiana parents, choosing the right school is one of the biggest decisions they'll make for their children. While public schools educate the majority of students across the state, private schools continue to attract families looking for smaller class sizes, college-preparatory programs, faith-based education, and specialized learning opportunities.

With hundreds of private schools operating throughout Louisiana, a handful consistently stand out for academic excellence, student success, college placement rates, extracurricular opportunities, and overall reputation.

U.S. News & World Report has released their list of what they say are the 6 best private schools in Louisiana

Gallery Credit: Michael Dot Scott