Louisiana State Maps

These maps show Louisiana's Parishes, Cities, Federal Areas, Physiographic, and Ecoregions.

Louisiana State Parish Sizes Map

Smallest Parish in Louisiana State

West Baton Parish: 202 sq miles

Largest Parish in Louisiana State

Plaquemines Parish: 1172 sq miles

Mean and Median Area of Parishes in Louisiana State

Mean Area: 673.9 sq miles

Median Area: 589.4 sq miles

Major Cities of Louisiana State and Their Locations

Most major cities in Louisiana are strategically located near water bodies or key historical routes. Some examples include:

1. New Orleans

Located near the Mississippi River, New Orleans is the largest city and a significant cultural and economic hub.

2. Baton Rouge

The capital city of Louisiana is situated on the eastern bank of the Mississippi River and has a long history of trade and government.

3. Lafayette

Lafayette is located in the southwestern part of the state, known for its rich Cajun and Creole culture, and proximity to the Vermilion River.

4. Shreveport

Located along the Red River in northwest Louisiana, Shreveport is a center of industry and commerce, close to the Texas and Arkansas borders.

5. Monroe

Monroe is situated in the northern part of the state along the Ouachita River, known for its historical importance in trade and its regional economic role.

6. Lake Charles

Lake Charles, located in southwestern Louisiana, sits near the Calcasieu River and is a hub for the petrochemical industry and gaming.

7. Houma

Located in the southern part of the state, Houma is near the Gulf of Mexico and is known for its fisheries and oil industries.

8. Alexandria

Alexandria is located near the geographic center of Louisiana, along the Red River, and serves as a cultural and economic hub for central Louisiana.

9. New Iberia

New Iberia, located along the Bayou Teche in the southern part of the state, is known for its sugarcane industry and historic charm.

Topographic Tour of Louisiana

Louisiana's topography is dominated by low-lying plains and river deltas. Below are its key topographic features:

1. Coastal Plains

The coastal areas of Louisiana are known for marshes, swamps, and estuaries along the Gulf of Mexico. These regions are prone to flooding and are vital for fisheries and bird migration.

2. Mississippi River Delta

This area near New Orleans consists of wetlands, making it a vital habitat for wildlife and a key area for flood management. It plays an essential role in shipping and industry along the Gulf Coast.

3. Red River Valley

Located in the northwestern part of Louisiana, the Red River Valley features gently rolling plains, which have been historically important for agriculture and transportation.

4. Sabine Uplift

The Sabine Uplift, in western Louisiana near the Texas border, is a geological feature consisting of elevated land, home to forests and hilly terrain not common elsewhere in the state.

5. Bayou Teche

Bayou Teche is a scenic waterway that winds through south-central Louisiana, cutting through low-lying plains and providing a glimpse of the state's unique bayou ecosystem.

6. Atchafalaya Basin

The Atchafalaya Basin, the largest swamp in the United States, is located in south-central Louisiana. It is a key feature of the state’s landscape, known for its wildlife diversity, wetlands, and cypress forests.

7. Kisatchie Hills

In the north-central region, the Kisatchie Hills provide a contrast to Louisiana’s otherwise flat terrain. These rolling hills and forests are part of the Kisatchie National Forest and are known for their rugged beauty.

8. Chenier Plains

The Chenier Plains, located along the southwestern coast, are ancient sandy ridges that rise slightly above the surrounding marshes. They provide critical habitat for migratory birds and help protect inland areas from coastal erosion.

9. Blufflands

The Blufflands are a series of narrow ridges and bluffs located along the eastern part of the state, near the Mississippi River. These elevated regions are rare in Louisiana and offer a stark contrast to the low-lying plains.

Physiographic Regions of Louisiana

COASTAL PLAIN, EAST GULF COASTAL PLAIN

This region features flat, low-lying lands near the Gulf of Mexico with rich wetlands and estuaries.

COASTAL PLAIN, MISSISSIPPI ALLUVIAL PLAIN

This region, shaped by sediment from the Mississippi River, supports extensive agriculture and diverse ecosystems.

COASTAL PLAIN, WEST GULF COASTAL PLAIN

This region features slightly higher elevations compared to the east, with forests and wetlands near the Texas border.

Notable Federal Lands: Some of the Largest and Most Fascinating Destinations in Louisiana

1. Kisatchie National Forest

This is the only national forest in Louisiana and offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking and camping. It features rugged terrain, rolling hills, and scenic vistas.

2. Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge

Located near the Atchafalaya Basin, this refuge is vital for protecting Louisiana's unique wetland ecosystems and wildlife. It is a key habitat for the Louisiana black bear and other native species.

3. Sabine National Wildlife Refuge (NWR)

Sabine NWR, located in southwestern Louisiana, is one of the largest coastal marsh refuges in the country. It provides critical habitat for migratory birds, alligators, and other wetland species, as well as fishing and bird-watching opportunities.

4. Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge (NWR)

Tensas River NWR, located in northeastern Louisiana, is known for its bottomland hardwood forests. It offers a glimpse of Louisiana’s rich wildlife and is a popular spot for hunting, bird-watching, and environmental education.

5. Delta National Wildlife Refuge (NWR)

Situated at the mouth of the Mississippi River, Delta NWR encompasses over 40,000 acres of marshland. It provides critical habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds, and other species dependent on Louisiana’s coastal ecosystem.

6. Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge (NWR)

Located near New Orleans, Bayou Sauvage NWR is one of the largest urban wildlife refuges in the United States. Its wetlands are home to a diverse range of species and offer visitors opportunities for bird-watching, fishing, and nature exploration.

7. Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve

This park, located near New Orleans, includes cultural and natural resources that tell the story of Louisiana’s history. The preserve features wetland ecosystems where visitors can hike, canoe, and observe wildlife, while the park showcases the region’s cultural heritage.

8. Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge (NWR)

The Upper Ouachita NWR is located in northern Louisiana and is known for its floodplain forests, lakes, and streams. It provides critical habitat for waterfowl and offers outdoor recreation opportunities like fishing, hunting, and bird-watching.

Ecoregions of Louisiana

1. Coastal Plains and Flatwoods, Lower Section

This ecoregion includes flat, wet lowlands, making it ideal for rice and sugarcane farming. The region is dominated by wetlands, bayous, and marshes, supporting a variety of wildlife and plant species.

2. Coastal Plains and Flatwoods, Western Gulf Section

Characterized by forests, wetlands, and grasslands, this section supports diverse plant and animal life. Longleaf pine forests are common, and the area is known for its wildlife diversity, including migratory birds.

3. Mississippi Alluvial Basin Section

The Mississippi River’s floodplain forms this section, providing rich soils for agriculture and essential habitat for wildlife. This region is critical for waterfowl migration and is one of the most fertile agricultural areas in the state.

4. Upper Gulf Coastal Plain Section

Located in northern Louisiana, this region features gently rolling hills and upland forests. It is known for its hardwood and pine forests, as well as agriculture, including cotton and soybean farming.

5. Red River Alluvial Plains Section

Formed by the Red River’s floodplain, this section is characterized by fertile soils and is an important agricultural region for crops such as cotton, corn, and soybeans. It also provides habitat for a variety of wildlife.

6. South Central Plains Section

This ecoregion, known for its pine forests and hardwood bottomlands, is located in the northwestern part of Louisiana. Timber production and wildlife conservation are key components of the landscape, along with recreational opportunities like hunting and fishing.

7. Mississippi Valley Loess Plains Section

This section, located near the Mississippi River, is characterized by its loess soils, which are wind-deposited. These fertile soils support hardwood forests and agriculture, including corn and soybeans, while also providing important habitat for wildlife.