True Detective

True Detective

Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson on set in Louisiana for Season 1 of True Detective.  Credit: HBO

True Detective

Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson on set in Louisiana for Season 1 of True Detective.  Credit: HBO

True Detective Tree Oak Alley Plantation

Historical oaks and off-the-beaten-path Louisiana scenery abound in Season 1 of True Detective. Like this view from their filming time off River Road near Oak Alley. Credit HBO

Season 1 of the HBO cult classic, True Detective, follows two Louisiana detectives discovering that a cold case may be connected to other murders and disappearances. The show's popularity led visitors to venture into some of the more out-of-the-way places in the state (pro tip: please don’t go to Fort Macomb...it’s closed to the public).

Much of the climactic scenery of the season was filmed at various locations along the Creole Nature Trail, running parallel to the Gulf of Mexico and through the wetlands south of the city of Lake Charles. The trail connects a series of roads encompassing over 100 miles taking you to places where you can experience Cajun architecture, parks, beaches and prime fishing locations.

Address

Calcasieu and Cameron Parishes