A & W Outdoors

If you're a real nature lover and want to see animals from all over the world but don't have the time or resources to make the trip, the Global Wildlife Center is a total must-see! This is the largest totally free-roaming wildlife preserve of its kind in the world. The 900-acre center is home to over 4,000 exotic, endangered and threatened animals from all over the planet. You can actually feed and touch the animals when you take the guided safari tour. Just reach out and touch a fascinating world of nature.

Everybody likes Mike, especially since he's the official mascot for Louisiana State University. Hundreds of fans and nature lovers alike flock to see Mike in his natural habitat at the LSU Tiger Cage; visiting Mike has become one of the city's favorite attractions. Originally, Mike's habitat was a mere 2,000 square feet and very limited for an animal (and mascot) of his stature. His home has now been expanded to include an impressive 15,000 square feet and he now resides in what is considered to be an amazing recreation of a tiger's natural habitat. Also, the lair features plenty of oak trees and an Italianate tower that echoes the architecture of the LSU campus.

The Louisiana State Museum is just as good at preserving the area's culture as it is celebrating it. See various thematic exhibits on the diverse aspects of Louisiana's colorful history, industry and culture. See artifacts from the original Louisiana Purchase, a Civil War Submarine and an amazing 48-foot wooden shrimp crawler. See a captivating exhibit on the history and traditions of Mardi Gras as well as the various cultural influences that made the food here so spicy!