New Orleans is a place rich in culture and educational experiences. There’s something new to explore around every cobblestone corner!
Famous for its vibrant live-music scene and spicy cuisine, this melting pot has much to offer your students. Here are a few must-see sites.
The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
This top-rated aquarium immerses visitors in an aquatic wonderland. Your students will love getting eye-to-eye with the 15,000 creatures that live there.
Activities offered include a walk along the 30 ft. Caribbean Reef tunnel to get a view of the sea life from a diver’s perspective. We recommend checking out the Gulf of Mexico exhibit for views of fully-grown sharks.
Photo courtesy Audubon Nature Institute
The Riverwalk Marketplace
At this unique mall comprised of converted warehouses, your students can shop to their heart’s content. Choose from more than 140 stores, which include specialty shops and fashion boutiques. If they’re hungry, they can grab a traditional Louisiana snack at the food court, which has a great view of the dock.
Don’t miss: You and your students can check out the Southern Museum of Food and Beverages, and learn about delicious Southern Cuisine.
Photo courtesy waymarking.com
Blaine Kern’s Mardi Gras World
Mardi Gras draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to the city each year. The lavish parade floats are a significant part of what makes it so special. Mardi Gras World handles over 80% of those floats!
You and your students can tour the 300,000 square foot working warehouse. Get a behind-the-scenes look at how these fabulous works of art are brought to life. This is where the Mardi Gras magic is made!
Photo by Jessep Bangham on flickr.com
The Interactive WWII Museum
The Interactive WWII Museum is the only one of its kind in the country. Here, your students can learn all about the worldwide U.S. amphibious operations from that time.
As Congress has designated it America’s official museum on World War II, the museum is a great place to get your students talking about history. They will enjoy exploring the thought-provoking exhibits and rich collection of artifacts housed here.
Image by Olivier Bruchez
The Historic French Market
Originally, this was a Native American trading post, more than 200 years ago. The Historic French Market is an important symbol of pride and progress to the people of New Orleans.
Your students can explore the different cultural traditions of the local area at the Market. Be sure to indulge in the wide array of tasty foods and interesting events it offers.
Courtesy New Orleans Easy Travel Guide
Washington Artillery Park
The cannon mounted in the center of Washington Artillery Park honors the local 141st Field Artillery Regiment of the Louisiana National Guard from the Civil War. This educational memorial provides an important written history of the group represented today by the Washington Artillery Association.
Also, this place is a great spot for your students to photograph the barges and paddlewheelers on the Mississippi.
Courtesy David Ohmer, flickr
Dinner and Jazz Aboard the Steamboat Natchez
Natchez, the last authentic steamboat on the Mighty Mississippi River, enables you and your students to take a memorable trip down the river, where you’ll enjoy a breathtaking view of the New Orleans skyline.
Enjoy a delicious buffet-style dinner in the slow and graceful way of a bygone era while listening to a live band performing the smooth sounds of jazz.
Courtesy Bernard Spragg, flickr
Cajun Pride Swamp Boat Tour of the Bayou
No trip to New Orleans would be complete without a visit to a mysterious bayou. Cajun Pride Swamp Tours offer your students a unique and intensely educational experience.
Homegrown Cajun captains guide you through the early days of swamp exploration. They show you the abundant flora and fauna in this magical place that people flock to visit from all around the world.
Photo by Robert Zunikoff on Unsplash
Student travel is important, and performance travel to NOLA matters! Travel for a Band Performance opportunity is an event you simply cannot miss!
Plan to take your band students and performance groups to NOLA:
