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Fontainebleau State Park
Click Map for Printable Version (PDF file) The crumbling brick ruins of a sugar mill built in 1829 by Bernard de Marigny de Mandeville, founder of the nearby town of Mandeville, suggest an interesting history for this site, and indeed there is. The wealthy Marigny developed this area across Lake Pontchartrain from New Orleans as a sugar plantation until 1852. The plantation income helped support his lavish lifestyle. He named his large land holding Fontainebleau after the beautiful forest near Paris, a favorite recreation area of the French kings. The 2,800-acre park is located on the shore of Lake Pontchartrain. On a clear day, visitors can see the lake dotted with multi-colored sailboats of all sizes and types. The sandy beach also is a delight for sunbathers. An old railroad track that runs through the park has been converted into the Tammany Trace as a part of the Rails to Trails program. It is a wonderful route for cycling, hiking and in-line skating. After a full day of activities, overnight guests can enjoy the rustic charm of the campground or the scenic setting of the lakefront cabins. The park's nature trail is a favorite of nature lovers. Interpretive signs along the trail will help you identify many of the common trees and shrubs. Always be on the lookout for birds and other animals. Over 400 different species live in and around Fontainebleau. The Fontainebleau Birding Guide is a good resource for enthusiasts to identify the numerous species of birds found in the area. Bordered on three sides by water--Lake Pontchartrain, Bayou Cane and Bayou Castine--and characterized by a convergence of diverse ecosystems, it has a multitude of habitats for birds.
NOTICE: Fontainebleau State Park hosts the annual Mandeville Seafood Festival during the Independence Day holiday weekend; scheduled for July 4-8 in 2012. All visitors to the Festival area, including those staying at Fontainebleau State Park, will be assessed the Festival admission fee. Cabins/Lodges/Group Camp: Basic cookware, cooking utensils, dinnerware, silverware, towels and linens are provided. Bring your own food and personal supplies; group camp visitors will also need to bring their own towels and linens. (click here for facility layouts)
Camping: (map of sites 1-3,79-98) (map of sites 4-23,49-60) (map of sites 61-78) (map of 'old' campground, sites 99-143)
Additional Information About Overnight Facilities Water Playground - Louisiana State Parks' water playgrounds operate 8
a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, from April 1 through September 30. Please contact the park
directly, to confirm that the playground is open or for additional information.
Trails at Fontainebleau State Park:
Nearby Attractions:
Fort Pike State Historic Site
(adjacent to Old Spanish Trail on Old US 90, approximately 23 miles east of
downtown New Orleans) - This historic masonry fort was completed in 1827 to
defend New Orleans. Stroll through arched casemates and stand overlooking the
Rigolets as sentries once did, enjoy living history programs, visit the museum
or picnic at the pavilion.
Fairview-Riverside State Park (2
miles east of Madisonville on LA Hwy. 22) - Nestled among magnificent live oaks
and situated on the cool clear waters of the Tchefuncte River, this gem of a
state park features 81 improved campsites, excellent fishing, canoeing and
picnicking. A nearby boat ramp offers access to the park and Lake Pontchartrain.
Town of Mandeville (I-10 to US 190 north of New Orleans, on the
north shore of Lake Pontchartrain) - Take the longest bridge over water in the
world to scenic byways, swamp tours, antiques, shopping, festivals and trails.
Town of Madisonville (LA 22 northwest of US 190 on the
Tchefuncte River) - Nostalgic river town of Tchefuncte River with great
restaurants, antiques, boating and specialty shops.
Town of Covington (I-12 to US 190) - A charming town of
specialty shops, antiques, scenic byways, festivals, trails, campgrounds and
B&Bs. A short drive from New Orleans and the Gulf Coast.
St. Bernard State Park (18 miles
southeast of New Orleans at Poydras) - Located on the Mississippi River, just
minutes from New Orleans, the park features 51 improved campsites, a covered
pavilion with grill, picnic tables, playground, swimming pool and nature trail
in a tranquil and quiet setting.
Bayou Segnette State Park (7777
Westbank Expressway, Westwego) - Minutes from New Orleans, the park offers 20
waterfront cabins, 98 improved campsites, a group camp, wave pool, conference
center, playgrounds, picnic tables and pavilions, a large boat launch, and
abundant wildlife.
Tammany Trace (Koop Drive, Mandeville) - Thirty-one miles of
this "Rails-to-Trails" conversion are open from Slidell to Abita Springs. The
Trace is a popular spot for cyclists, horseback riders, runners, skaters and
walkers.
New Orleans and the Historic French Quarter - Visit downtown
New Orleans' museums, casinos, Aquarium of the Americas, the Riverwalk, or take
a cruise on the Mississippi River.
Louisiana State Museum (French Quarter, New Orleans) - One of
New Orleans' top ten attractions, the State Museum is comprised of the Cabildo,
Presbytère, 1850 House and the Old U.S. Mint.
Antique Shopping in Ponchatoula - "America's Antique City."
Swamp Tours - Contact local guides for tours of Honey Island
Swamp.
Pearl River Wildlife Management Area (2 miles east of Slidell
in St. Tammany Parish) - This 34,896-acre area is managed for wildlife and
includes a cypress-tupelo swamp and hardwoods. Visitors may enjoy fishing,
canoeing, boating, birding, crawfishing, hunting, a nature walk and rifle range.
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