Pearls of Lake Pontchartrain
Enjoy a relaxing excursion along the beautiful shores of Lake Pontchartrain, one of Louisiana’s greatest natural treasures. Explore three “pearls” strung along the lakefront: (1) beautiful Bucktown Marsh; (2) iconic Lake Pontchartrain Lighthouse; and (3) historic New Orleans Lakefront Airport. Each one is unique, yet all connected by the story of this great body of water that shaped New Orleans’s history, culture and way of life. Together they represent hidden treasures along the lakefront—forgotten with levees, hurricanes and time—that are now being rediscovered as a special place to enjoy nature, music, food and fun.
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Bucktown Marsh Boardwalk:
The Bucktown Marsh and Boardwalk, sponsored by Jefferson Parish, has recreated the marsh that once existed there before development and hurricanes changed the landscape. Made with natural and recycled materials, this ”living shoreline” reduces shoreline erosion and flooding, improves water quality, expands wildlife and fisheries habitat and creates new recreational opportunities. As we take a nature walk along the boardwalk, enjoy the rustle of marsh grass, the call of heron and egrets and spectacular views of the lake. Explore the wonders of this huge estuary shaped by the Mississippi River thousands of years ago.
Lake Pontchartrain Lighthouse:
Originally built in 1838, the Lake Pontchartrain lighthouse guided sailors, fishermen and now scientists who work to restore the lake and coast. Damaged by countless storms—and nearly destroyed by Katrina—it was lovingly rebuilt in 2013 by the Pontchartrain Conservancy as its headquarters. Listen to experts about the fascinating history of lighthouses along the lake and how the Conservancy has restored the health of the lake for boating, fishing and swimming. Learn of a massive land-building project that created the existing lakefront in early 1930’s, reshaping the marsh and celebrated shoreline resorts enjoyed by visitors for over a century.
New Orleans Lakefront Airport:
Stroll through this architectural wonderland of art deco design. Built by the finest artisans and master craftsman, enjoy priceless art that still graces a building that was ahead of its time. Beautifully restored after Hurricane Katrina’s destruction, the building also gives testimony to Louisiana’s leadership and innovation in the Golden Age of Aviation.
More Information:
As the tour concludes, we remember the “Pearls” that the tour strings together in this journey-
the living wetlands of Bucktown, the guiding light of Pontchartrain Lighthouse, and the soaring
spirit of the Lakefront Airport.
Each one tells a piece of the same story—how this remarkable lake continues to shape our
environment, inspire our creativity and remind us of both the fragility and the resilience of this
special place we call home.
Thank you for joining us! We hope you leave inspired by the beauty, resilient and magic of the
lake and the people who cherish it!
Rates:
- Experience price: $86
- Minimum number of guests at 14
- Call for smaller or larger group rates
- Motorcoach transportation, engaging and knowledgeable guides
Duration: 3 hours (1 pm to 4 pm)
Pick-up Location: Guests will be picked up at a central location convenient for them within the New Orleans area.
For more information about our VIP private group tours and rates, please contact The Great Delta Tours at: (504) 240-0010 | (888) 316-1338
