See Fort Pike Constructed between 1819 and 1828, Fort Pike was one of five forts built to defend New Orleans. It was named for General Zebulon Pike, whose expedition reached the Rocky Mountains and the mountain peak which that also bears his name. Fort Pike is on Hwy 90, east of Slidell. The fort was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina, but is being restored and is open during the restoration.
Take a Honey Island Swamp Tour. See the real Louisiana swamp with a professional wetland ecologists as your tour guide. This boat tour of the nearly 70,000 acres of protected wildlife area that make up Honey Island Swamp. These areas allow you to see the resident and migratory wildlife, including alligators, bald eagles, waterfowl, herons, deer, black bear, raccoons, beaver, mink, and turtles. Make a reservation in person at Crawford Landing Road and prepare for a fun hour and a half in the swamps.
Tour Slidell Olde Towne. Established over a century ago, the Olde Towne area of Slidell features an authentic soda shop, restaurants and antique markets.
See the Slidell Antique District. Approximately fifteen unique antique shops are here for shopping and browsing in the Olde Towne area of Slidell. In April and October, the six-block area is transformed into a street fair, attracting dealers from a 5-state area.
Attend the Slidell Little Theatre. A non-profit community theatre, SLT has a reputation for a high level of artistic accomplishment, and has brought many wonderful shows to the North Shore. Comedies, dramas, musicals and other entertainment are presented live on stage, with many opportunities for actors and volunteers. Check the newspaper for offerings and times.
The city puts on several free concerts in the park near the Train Depot, a great place to see by itself. While on your way to a free concert, stop at the restored train depot that houses local artists' work.
Local people all say "Hello," and when they say, "Have a nice day," they really mean it. Bring your cameras, take a walk, and enjoy the southern hospitality and entertainment of a city that has risen above the effects of Katrina.
