Adventure in Plaquemine Louisiana

There are many reasons local history buffs and visitors from other states will enjoy the city of Plaquemine.   Our Frugal Family Travelers certainly did and have been spying this little gem for quite some time in hopes of checking it off the bucket list.  The first stop on our journey centered around the Plaquemine Lock State Historic Site.   Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972, the lock represents a time in Louisiana history when steam boats and later the first air boats traveled from the mighty Mississippi River into Bayou Plaquemine to transport goods.  The  lock was an engineering marvel of its day, due to George Gothais, who in addition to the Lock in Plaquemine, designed the Panama Canal.  Despite the rich history of the lock, its doors closed for the last time in 1962, due the ever increasing size of ships traveling through its gate, as well as the need for a larger lock which came to fruition when the one in nearby Port Allen was constructed. Thankfully, the lock still stands today due to the tireless four year battle of Gary J. Hebert in an effort to preserve this site for future generations.   

In addition to the lock, your Frugal Family Travelers should consider visiting the Iberville Museum (housed in the courthouse ca. 1848), Saint John Evangelical Catholic Church,  as well as the market inside the old Train Depot.  

Also, make a note when traveling that this is close to Nottoway plantation as well as the Madonna Chapel, both nearby just off river road. Side Note: Madonna Chapel was touted by Robert Ripley as the smallest chapel in the world.  

Directions:

Plaquemine State Historic Site 57730 Main St, Plaquemine, LA 70764

Madonna chapel

Iberville Museum

For those looking to explore more Louisiana history and a place to make a splash with your Frugal Family Travelers, click the links below.  Here you will discover other nearby areas to combine with your visit to Plaquemine to create an entire vacation! 

  

Louisiana Rural Life Museum

Liberty Lagoon

Cost:  All activities featured in the post are free.  

Enjoy the pictures below which outline the places featured in the post! 

Historic Lock

Dr’s Office by Lock

Courthouse Museum

Antique Market at the Historic Depot 

World’s Smallest Chapel 

Catholic Church across from Lock

Disclaimer:

All content provided on Frugal Family Travelers blog is for informational purposes only. The owners of this blog make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site.  The owners of Frugal Family Travelers blog do not share personal information with third-parties and are not responsible for the republishing of the content found on this blog on other Web sites or media without permission.  As with all travel, operating days, times, costs, etc., should be verified before departing.   

Good times at Grand Gulf

Our Frugal Family Travelers were feeling a little stir crazy, not only from the pandemic, but also from Hurricane Zeta which blew through our town, leaving over 72,000 in our community without power and damage.   Fortunately though, we were blessed with beautiful weather after the storm passed!   The cool temperature, coupled with a desire to  break free from the house, thrust our crew, (complete with our newest Furry Frugal Family Traveler), into the van on an adventure to Grand Gulf Military Park in Port Gibson, MS.  This little gem of a place has been on the bucket list for quite some time.  We actually learned of it after visiting Natchez, MS a few years back when one of our guides on a tour told us that a church from the Ghost Town of Rodney, MS was actually moved to Grand Gulf.  He further explained that the church and other historic buildings were restored and open to the public. This recommendation prompted us to visit Rodney but until today Grand Gulf in Port Gibson remained unchecked. 

Upon arrival we stopped at the museum to pay a nominal entrance fee ($4 per adult and $1 for each child in k-12th grade).  Armed with a trail map, and information from the ranger, we hiked to each of the sights you will see in the pictures below.  It’s important to note that our Frugal Family Travelers enjoy both hiking and history, so this place provided the perfect mix. 

As we hiked to each of the buildings along the way we read the historic placards which explained the significance of each.   Our hike traversed through the woods, along bluffs, through a civil war cemetery, the river and an observation tower which provided amazing panoramic views of the rolling hills!  The last leg of the loop trail took us through the camping area, which is suitable for both RV and tent camping.   Readers may want to make a weekend of it by camping and then exploring  some other  nearby Frugal Family favorites such as Natchez, MS  and Rocky Springs. Finally, the loop brought us back to the entrance where we took time to explore the extensive civil war era items on display in the museum.

Overall, we had an amazing day as did our little furry friend at this pet friendly location.   Enjoy the pictures below which mark all of the places mentioned above and provide the visual piece to the story.  Let this inspire you and your Frugal Family Travelers to gas up the car and satisfy your wanderlust by exploring  a new place.  You won’t be sorry! 

Directions: 12006 Grand-Gulf Rd, Port Gibson, MS 39150 

Cost:  $4 Adults; $1 k-12th grade students 

Don’t forget: water, bug spray, picnic food or camping supplies, for those wishing to stay overnight!

Disclaimer:

All content provided on Frugal Family Travelers blog is for informational purposes only. The owners of this blog make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site.  The owners 

of Frugal Family Travelers blog do not share personal information with third-parties and are not responsible for the republishing of the content found on this blog on other Web sites or media without permission.  As with all travel, operating days, times, costs, etc., should be verified prior to departure. 

Road Trip to Poverty Point

Poverty Point has been on the bucket list for my Frugal Family Travelers for some time now.    However, life with teens and preteens can be quite chaotic so finding the time for excursions is a little more challenging these day.   With that being said, it is ALWAYS worth the effort when we do plan a weekend getaway or a day trip, as it satisfies the desire for wanderlust and provides the whole family with a much needed respite from an active life.  

For those who may not know, Poverty Point is a United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site located in Pioneer, Louisiana.  The 402 acre property, which operates as the Poverty Point State Historic Site, contains earthworks built by indigenous people between 1700 and 1100 BC.   Here visitors can enjoy hiking a trail, which outlines all of the various mounds and structures once present, or discover the history, through prearranged tours by a site ranger.  For those with limited mobility, access to the larger mound can be accessed by car.   Our Frugal Family Travelers particularly enjoyed viewing artifacts at the museum which had been excavated from the site.  However, the biggest adventure by far was the hike to the top of the largest mound!    The view was breathtaking and awe inspiring while thinking about the monumental task it was for the indeginuous people to build such a structure during that time period.   

For all of the reasons stated above and may more, your Frugal Family Travelers should plan a trip here.  Not only will you learn a great deal about the past, but you will leave with a renewed spirit having spent time out in nature. 

Directions:   

6859 Hwy. 577 Pioneer, LA 71266

(To learn more about UNESCO and the selection process for inclusion visit Click HERE.  It’s a great organization that is responsible for elevating knowledge of endangered sites and what they do to preserve them for future.  

Picturesque Views Not Soon Forgotten

When the land for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was obtained, land owners were often granted leasing agreements for their property.  In most cases these agreements spanned the lifetime of the owner, the last of which expired in Elkmont in 2001.   Click here to view photographs and read the detailed history of this area.  

If you are planning a visit to the smokies, consider experiencing the beauty and rich heritage of Elkmont on foot.   To do so, start at either the lower or upper parking area  adjacent to the Elkmont campground.  At the lower parking lot you will find the trailhead for the Little River and at the upper lot the Jake’s Creek.  Either of these trails can be hiked in or back out, if you so choose.  However, our Frugal Family Travelers suggest starting at either of the trails listed above and then using the Cucumber Trail as a connector for the two to form a loop!  The Cucumber trail is clearly marked so there is no chance of missing it along the way.  This option provides great views of the mountains, creeks, a fun stream crossing and lots of history along the way.  It’s a moderate hike of approximately 7 plus miles, so pack plenty of water and snacks, especially if hiking with children.  If your visit is during the summer months you may want to plan ahead with suits in order to cool off in one of the streams.

Don’t forget to explore Historic Daisy Town while at the upper parking area near the trail head for Jake’s Creek.  The National Park Service is currently restoring buildings in this historic place as popularized by early 20th century Americans wishing to escape urban living. 

Be sure to view the video below so see what a great time was had at Elkmont.    Satisfy your wanderlust and plan a visit to this picturesque spot that has managed to become one of our new favorite places in the Smokies!!! 

Click here to read our Smoky Mountains Travel Guide!

Cool Off While Kayaking the Coosa then Soak in the History

Perhaps you are from the NOLA area, desiring a quick adventure with little drive time.    Perhaps you are one of our readers outside of the region, desiring  a trip down south to discover some of the diverse history mixed with a splash of outdoor fun.  Regardless of which of the two statements above fits your situation, read on, as this post may be just the adventure your Frugal Family Travelers are seeking this summer!

Outdoor Whitewater Adventure.......

The Coosa River in Wetumpka, AL (right outside Montgomery) is known to locals but, unfortunately, not to many in the NOLA area.    We stumbled upon it while searching for a whitewater river adventure, not far from home.  Side note: If you are a frequent reader of the Frugal Family Travelers blog , you know we enjoy kayaking.  However, on this excursion, we desired a float trip that packed an adrenaline rush NOT invoked by the typical gator sitings  on our Louisiana bayous.   

Coosa River Adventures Outfitters was just the place to make this come to fruition: (click here for more information)

*Reservation were easily made over the phone.   

*The River outpost was conveniently located adjacent to the Coosa, with shuttle service to the take out point.   *All gear and safety instructions were  provided.   

*The atmosphere was great for families of all types!!  

*The owner was extremely friendly and has been in business well over twenty years!

*The staff were extremely helpful and friendly! 

*The float itself was packed with excitement, with some class II and III rapids, as well as moments for respite on sandy shores and rock islands, in the middle of the river.   

(Pictured above: A waterfall that flows into the river!  This is a great place to stop and swim and picnic.   It can also be accessed from Corn Creek Park!)

Jordan Dam on the Coosa River 

Things to pack:

**Sunscreen!   

**Soft side coolers are perfect for the kayak!

**Ziplocks or water bags for items and food.  

**Bottled water!  

**Cheap sunglasses...they may float down the river if you tip over!!!

**Trash bags! 

**Hat!!!!!  

**Water shoes!!!!

**Carabiners to attach items to the kayak! 

Cost:

**Check the website for a variety of pricing options based on your needs.  

Directions:

Click here for google map and directions.  

History......

Our Frugal Family Travelers have visited Montgomery in previous years!   However, on this trip, we arrived later in the afternoon, when many museums had already closed.   Due to this, we opted to spend our time by completing a self guided Civil Heritage Walking Tour with the map we obtained from the visitors center at Union Station, near the river (see map below).  We highly suggest a stop at Union Station when you first arrive.    Not only is it rich in history but an attendant at the center will supply you with formation suited for your stay!   Make sure you check the operating hours for each of the museums listed.  

Sites along our walking tour......

Union Station:

Riverboat Park: 

St John’s Episcopal:


Court Square Fountain and State Capitol in background:


Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church:






For hikers........

Swayback Trail

Disclaimer:

All content provided on Frugal Family Travelers blog is for informational purposes only. The owners of this blog make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site.  The owners 

of Frugal Family Travelers blog do not share personal information with third-parties and are not responsible for the republishing of the content found on this blog on other Web sites or media without permission.  As with all travel, operating days, times, costs, etc., should be verified prior to departure.

Coosa River Adventure