Audubon Park

Historic Origins

Nestled in the Uptown neighborhood of New Orleans, Audubon Park spreads across 350 acres of lush greenery - a peaceful escape from the city's energetic streets. What's now a cherished park was actually a plantation back in the 18th and early 19th centuries, until the city purchased the land in 1871 and transformed it into a public space for everyone to enjoy.

In 1886, the park was named after John James Audubon, the famous naturalist who called New Orleans home during the 1820s. Pretty cool to think about walking the same grounds as such a legendary figure, right?

Looking south from the bridge across the lagoon

Photo: Ron Shafrir (CC BY 2.0)

Landscape Design

The park's beautiful layout didn't happen by accident. The Olmsted Brothers landscape architecture firm - kind of like the rock stars of park design in their day - influenced its development, with John Charles Olmsted creating a master plan in 1898. While not everything from his vision made it to reality, you can still see much of his original concept in the lagoons and central meadow that define the park today.

What truly makes Audubon Park special are its magnificent live oak trees. Some of these giants have been standing for over 250 years, creating gorgeous tree-lined paths around the park. With Spanish moss hanging from their branches, these trees give the park that quintessential Southern charm. If you're looking for a moment of peace, head to the Tree of Life, an especially impressive oak near the river that has become something of a natural sanctuary.

A flock of ducks gathers around a bench by the water's edge

Photo: 123 Chroma Pixels (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Recreation and Wildlife

The 1.8-mile paved jogging path that loops around the park works well for both fitness enthusiasts and those who prefer a leisurely stroll. The one-way design keeps everyone moving safely in the same direction - a thoughtful touch for all who use it.

The park's lagoons aren't just pretty to look at - they're teeming with life. Ochsner Island in the middle of the lagoon becomes a bustling rookery each spring, attracting all sorts of wading birds. Keep your eyes peeled for ducks, swans, egrets, and turtles as you wander through the park. The whistling ducks are particularly common and add their distinctive calls to the park's natural soundtrack.

The Audobon Park Lagoon is adjacent to the golf course

Photo: 123 Chroma Pixels (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Evolution and Attractions

Audubon Park has reinvented itself many times over the years. It was even the site of the World's Industrial and Cotton Centennial Exposition back in 1884-1885, and in the early 1900s, a zoo was established within its grounds.

Today, the Audubon Zoo remains one of the park's biggest attractions. But there's so much more to do here - from playing a round on the golf course to letting the kids loose on several playgrounds, or enjoying a match on the tennis courts or soccer fields. If you're into fitness, you'll appreciate the outdoor workout stations scattered along the paths.

Large trees provide shade

Photo: Scarlet Sappho (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Riverside Experience

Don't miss what locals affectionately call "The Fly" - a section of the park along the Mississippi River offering breathtaking views of the water. It's a great spot to catch a sunset, watch massive ships navigate the river, or simply enjoy a picnic while the mighty Mississippi flows by. There's something incredibly calming about sitting by the water as the day winds down.

Visitors feed white ibis right across from Bird Island

Photo: Rudi Riet (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Community Space

The park's location near Tulane and Loyola universities brings a youthful energy to the space, with students and professors often seen reading under trees or jogging along the paths.

From spreading out a blanket beneath the shade of century-old oaks to kicking a soccer ball around, Audubon Park offers something for everyone. Dog lovers will be happy to know their leashed four-legged friends are welcome too. Several covered pavilions and picnic areas with tables make it easy to plan anything from a solo lunch break to a full family reunion.

With clean restrooms, convenient water stations, and plenty of parking, Audubon Park is one of New Orleans' most treasured green spaces - a place where the city's rich history and natural beauty come together.