Set in the leafy Uptown area of New Orleans and named after famed nature artist John James Audubon, the park is home to Audubon Zoo, a public 18-hole golf course, a riding stable and a nearly two-mile running/cycling track, among many amenities. The park, a favorite of two-wheel aficionados, joggers, golfers and bird watchers alike, was designed in the 1890s by John Charles Olmsted, son of renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, designer of New York's Central Park.
Parking and public transportation at Audubon Park
When visiting, the best places to park your car are on St. Charles Ave. at the park's north end, or along either side of Magazine St., which runs through the park's lower half. Alternatively, it's free to park along the roads in the park south of Magazine St., which form a one-way loop accessible via River Dr. on the park's west side.
If you're coming from the French Quarter, take the St. Charles Ave. streetcar at Canal St. and enjoy views of the Garden District as you travel. The trip takes about half an hour.
Best and worst time to go to Audubon Park
There's really no bad time to go. The park is busy most times of the year, even in the heat of summer, and particularly popular in the evening with students and other locals working out. Autumn and spring are great (and generally cooler) times to see flocks of egrets and whistling ducks on Bird Island, about half way up Audubon Park Lagoon, which is toward the park's east side.
Admission to Audubon Park
Park entrance is free. Be advised that the park closes at 10 p.m. daily and reopens at 5 a.m.
Admission prices for the zoo, part of the Audubon Nature Institute, are available at the Institute's website.
Must see/do at Audubon Park
Sit by the mighty Mississippi River on "The Fly", a local name for the portion of the park along the water's edge, and watch tug boats at work on the water as they push massive barges to and fro. That thrum reminds visitors and locals alike of the city's heritage and present-day existence as a working port.
Other places to visit near Audubon Park
Wander around the Tulane University and Loyola University New Orleans campuses and the Uptown/Carrollton neighborhood adjoining the two. You'll find many interesting spots for a bite to eat along Freret St. and Maple St., ranging from coffee spots to student pubs and sushi joints.
If you're heading back to the Central Business District and French Quarter, don't miss the Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium at the corner of Canal St. and N. Peters St., which is open seven days a week. It's also run by the Audubon Nature Institute.
Insider tip for visitors to Audubon Park
In hot weather, look for the "snowball" (shave ice) truck parked on Magazine Street. It can provide a refreshing way to cool off with a tasty treat!
Author's bio: Bill T. is a writer and photographer who has called New Orleans home for the last three years and is still exploring the city. He has previously written for newspapers and blogs.
The Audubon Gardens and Insectarium is not for the squeamish. Fat cockroaches, squirmy centipedes and slimy worms are a few of the insects on display in what was once the U.S. Customs House in New Orleans. But there's an upside -- you'll also witness amazingly beautiful butterflies in a serene free-flight setting and if you're lucky you may get a chance to see an insect undergo metamorphosis before your very eyes. There's lots of preserved and live bugs for your viewing pleasure and experts are on hand to offer facts and information to inquisitive visitors. It's not all about bugs though, be sure to stop by the Louisiana Swamp Gallery, a recreated wetlands habitat ... but watch the 'gators.
Parking and Public Transportation at the Audubon Butterfly Gardens and Insectarium
If you're staying in the French Quarter/Downtown area, you can easily walk to the Insectarium (we locals drop the full name). The Riverfront, St. Charles and Canal streetcar lines, as well as numerous direct and connecting buses provide service to the Insectarium. Metered and public parking lots abound and a few offer discounts with validation. A good option is the Jax Brewery parking lot; you'll pay about $5 with a validated ticket.
Best and worst time to go to the Audubon Butterfly Gardens and Insectarium
This popular attraction is a favorite destination for school field trips, so avoid mornings during the school year. You'll also want to steer clear during major events in the area like the French Quarter Festival -- unless you like long lines and sweaty crowds. For a better experience, try weekday afternoons, when the crowds tend to be thinner.
Admission to the Audubon Butterfly Gardens and Insectarium
You may be able to find printable discount tickets online or check your hotel for a travel guide which often has discount tickets or codes. Otherwise, expect to pay about $20 for adult admission, with discounts for children and seniors. Children under 2 get in free.
Must see/do at the Audubon Butterfly Gardens and Insectarium
If you dare, stop by Bug Appétit for a cooking demonstration unlike any you have ever seen and sample critter comfort food like chocolate chirp cookies and salsa with a little something extra added (hint: think six legs). Yes, the demonstrations include recipes with real bugs. Another favorite spot is the Terminix Immersion Theater, featuring a celebrity-voiced film, Awards Night, which pays homage to a host of superstar bugs. There's limited seating so you may have to wait but it's well worth it. Just prepare yourself for a few unbelievable and fun sensory surprises.
Other places to visit near the Audubon Butterfly Gardens and Insectarium
You can't turn around in this area without bumping into another great place to visit. After your trip, consider taking a ferry ride to the Westbank of New Orleans (Algiers) or stroll along Woldenberg Park and marvel at the muddy Mississippi. If you're up for a little shopping, try the newly renovated Outlet Collection at Riverwalk (formerly Riverwalk Marketplace), featuring over 70 stores offering deep discounts on many national brands
Insider tip for visitors to the Audubon Butterfly Gardens and Insectarium
Because the Insectarium is located in a federal building, visitors must go through a metal detector and have their purses and bags scanned. Check the website for a list of items you can't bring inside, including sharp items you might forget to remove from your purse, like a fingernail file.
Author's bio: Myra Faye Turner lives and writes from New Orleans. She has visited the Insectarium on many occasions and unlike her son Tyler, she has never tried the bug treats.
Tucked away in Uptown New Orleans, Audubon Zoo offers visitors of all ages an opportunity to see a menagerie of animals in their natural habitat. Expect to see typical zoo animals like elephants and bears and some Louisiana favorites like the alligator and nutria. Over two dozen attractions and exhibits await visitors to this expansive wildlife oasis that also hosts numerous festivals and special events year-round.
Best and worst time to go to Audubon Zoo
A favorite destination for visitors and locals alike, to get the best Audubon experience visit on weekday afternoons when crowds are thinner. Avoid going to the zoo during peak school field trip times, typically weekday mornings October through May.
Must see/do at Audubon Zoo
Learn about Cajun culture and see a live alligator feeding at the hugely popular Louisiana Swamp Exhibit. Head over to Cool Zoo splash park, the perfect place to chill during the "so- hot- I -could- fry- an-egg- on- the- sidewalk" days in the Big Easy. Make sure you hop aboard the Swamp Train for a behind the scenes narrated tour that winds through the zoo, stopping at three locations to disperse and retrieve passengers.
Admission to Audubon Zoo
You can expect to pay about $20 for general admissions to the zoo with discounts for seniors and children. Some attractions, like the Cool Zoo, Swamp Train and Dinosaur World, require additional fees. For about $15 you can purchase a POP (Pay one Price) Wristband, that allows unlimited admission to all of the paid attractions.
Parking at Audubon Zoo
The zoo offers ample free parking and can usually accommodate the normal flow of visitors during daily operations. During major events, if the paved lot is full, visitors are usually directed to park on several grassy spots on the property. There is also plenty of street parking available in front of the zoo on Magazine Street.
Public Transportation to Audubon Zoo
The zoo is easily accessible by taking the historic St. Charles Avenue Streetcar, where you can enjoy a breathtaking tour of the beautiful mansions along the route. In addition, three buses provide service to the zoo. Both the streetcar and bus stops are within a comfortable walking distance to the main entrance.
Food at Audubon Zoo
There's no shortage of food at the Audubon Zoo including several concession stands, quick snack options and three cafes sprinkled throughout the property. You'll pay about $5 for a snack and for about $10, you can have a decent lunch. Sit outside on the wooden deck overlooking the swamp at the Cypress Knee Cafe, located in the Louisiana Swamp area, and enjoy New Orleans-style cuisine or classic, kid-friendly favorites like burgers, hot dogs and fries. Be sure to stop by the Roman Candy wagon, a New Orleans gooey, taffy tradition since 1915.
Insider tip for visitors to the Audubon Zoo
If you're visiting during Mother's Day, the "Soul Queen of New Orleans", Grammy winner Irma Thomas, hosts an annual Mother's Day extravaganza, with good food, good music and free admissions for all mothers.
Author's bio: Myra Faye Turner writes from New Orleans and frequently visits the zoo with her adorable son, Tyler.
