Bienvenue én Louisiane.

Come as you are. Leave different.

With its roots in both French and Spanish heritage, and a strong influence from the Acadians, known today as Cajuns, the state has a colorful history and a flair all its own. The language, the food, the music and the varying backgrounds of its people create a fascinating melting pot of cultures that cannot be experienced elsewhere. LSU is located in the heart of Louisiana’s capital, and New Orleans and Cajun Country are just an hour’s drive from campus.

Diverse population of over 4.6 million

State Capital is Baton Rouge

State bird is the brown pelican

State flower is the magnolia

Home to the world's largest bridge over water

Only U.S. state with no counties

Around Here You're never far from a good time.

The Big Easy

New Orleans, LA

The birthplace of jazz music

2 professional sports teams

Home to the largest municipal park in the U.S.

Home to the largest Mardi Gras celebration

Over 20 nationally registered historic districts

Ranked #7 best city in the world by Travel + Leisure

Let the good times roll

It is not an accident that Louisiana clings to the phrase "Laissez les bons temps rouler," meaning "Let the good times roll". Louisiana's music, food, history, and culture are known all over the world. It’s a place that has been marinated in its own traditions for centuries, with French, Spanish, African, and American influences. In Louisiana, history and lore don't merely live in books on a shelf; they're the fabric of everyday life.

Mardi Gras

For two weeks every year, hundreds of thousands of bead-draped Louisianians and their guests from all over the world hit the streets of New Orleans for days of fun and festivities at what is commonly referred to as “the biggest free party on earth”. As many as a half-million spectators have been estimated by officials to line the route of major parades.

Born on the Bayou

South Louisiana's bayous, the French name for slow-moving river, cover nearly 45% of the state. Perceived as beautiful and menacing, the ancient swamps have long captivated writers, historians and travelers. Modern-day explorers still have an intense curiosity about the beauty found in the untouched nature and groves of gnarled cypress trees dripping with lush Spanish moss. Voyagers encounter indigenous critters such as alligators peering just above the waters and hundreds of species of birds, and hear colorful lore about pirates and other inhabitants of the vast, winding waterways.

The Great Outdoors

With year-round hunting, fishing, golf and countless other opportunities for outdoor recreation, it is easy to see why Louisiana's nickname is "Sportsman's Paradise.” With thousands of hiking and biking trails, 22 State Parks, and one of the largest game preserves in the United States, Louisiana is the ultimate playground for all outdoorsmen.