Ten Things To Do in Tangipahoa Parish

Welcome to Tangipahoa Parish, located in the Northshore area between Baton Rouge and Covington and home of Hammond, Ponchatoula, Amite City and more. These towns have delicious food and antiques glore, along with must-experience (and taste!) festivals. Here's our recommendations for ten things to do in Tangipahoa Parish. 

1. Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival

Typically held in April each year, the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival is unquestionably the sweetest event you’ll find in Tangipahoa Parish. In fact, Ponchatoula is known as the Strawberry Capital of Louisiana. At this festival, you and the family can enjoy rides, witness the procession of the Louisiana Strawberry Queen and King, hear awesome live music and — of course — taste sweet berries. There’s a strawberry auction, strawberry eating contests and carnival-style game booths and festival foods.

2. Kliebert & Sons Alligator Tours

See what Louisiana’s wild side looks like on a tour at the unique Hammond home for alligators, turtles and more. Kliebert’s is dedicated to conservation, and on your tour, you’ll learn about what makes these fascinating reptiles worth protecting. At the end of your visit, pop into the gift shop to pick up some one-of-a-kind gator gear.

3. The Tangipahoa African American Heritage Museum and Veterans Archives

Step inside the The Tangipahoa African American Heritage Museum and Veterans Archives and learn a lesser-known side of Louisiana culture. The museum documents the contributions of African Americans through more than 20 original murals — one of the largest collections of its kind in the South — as well as eight art galleries, artifacts and an exhibit specifically about African American war heroes. 

4. Joyce Wildlife Management Area

If you’re looking for a true Louisiana backcountry experience, look no further than Joyce Wildlife Management Area near Hammond and Ponchatoula. The 42,292 acres that make up this preserve encompass cypress-tupelo swamps where visitors can see nature at its most primal. Fishing and boating are year-round activities, and this preserve is also a birdwatcher’s paradise. Look for migrating birds in the spring and year-round residents that include hooded mergansers and a variety of ducks. Walk the Swamp Walk Boardwalk to find these and other critters on your adventure. 

5. Gnarly Barley Brewing Co.

Relax like the locals with a cold, crisp pint of locally brewed beer. Well, one way is with a cold, crisp, locally brewed beer. Gnarly Barley is one of Louisiana’s most beloved breweries, and it’s headquartered right in Hammond. Catahoula Common, an American lager named after the Louisiana state dog, is a favorite on the menu. Other brews include Korova Milk Porter and Jucifer IPA. Gnarly Barley’s tasting room is open to the public, and its team of brewmasters offer behind-the-scene tours of the facility every. Stop by the gift shop for brews to take home and share.

6. Low Road Brewing

Another brewery? As we say in Louisiana, “yeah, you right!” Low Road Brewing is a newer addition to Louisiana’s ever-expanding craft beer scene. Try sips of suds on tap in their tasting room, which includes everything from fruity blonde ales and Hazy IPAs to Imperial stouts and Irish-style red ales. Plus, you can pop in for a tour of the brewery Mondays through Friday at 2 p.m.

7. Southern Swamp Byway

The Southern Swamp Byway is a driving trail that’s part of the Louisiana Trails & Byways network, which take visitors through some of the state’s less-visited parts to discover another side of the Bayou State. Start near Manchac Swamp, home of the famous Middendorf’s Seafood Restaurant) and drive into the heart of Tangipahoa Parish. Stop at local attractions along the way, like the Manchac Wildlife Management Area and the Collinswood Museum in Ponchatoula.

8. Global Wildlife Center

You don’t have to leave the country to experience this safari! The Global Wildlife Center boasts 4,000 animals on 900 acres of terrain. Hop on a guided wagon tour for a chance to see (and feed!) reticulated giraffes, zebras, red kangaroos, bison, camels and even a llama.

9. Ponchatoula Antique Stores

Ponchatoula, also known as "America's Antique City," is an official stop on the Louisiana Antique Trail. It’s a must-stop for fans of cool vintage goods, which you’ll find at stores such as CJ’s Antiques & Collectibles and Roussel’s & Co.

10. Liuzza Produce Farm

Ever wanted to know what farm life is really like? You can satisfy your curiosity at Liuzza Produce Farm, located near the Tangipahoa Parish seat, Amite. At this working farm, the whole family can pick produce to take home, see and pet animals and spend some time in the kid-friendly Ag-Venture Land. 

Looking for more recommendations? Reach out to the Tangipahoa Parish Convention & Visitors Bureau for more information.