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Students Love Louisiana

For students, there’s no place like Louisiana.

Many destinations around the country have key characteristics or signature attractions, but few offer the variety of exclusive experiences that Louisiana does. The state boasts its own ethnic groups, ecosystems, food and music, as well as an array of great museums. For students, a trip to Louisiana offers the chance to discover world history, see alligators up close and enjoy a variety of arts and science experiences.

Louisiana communities large and small have distinctive opportunities for student groups, with such wide-ranging attractions as the National World War II Museum in New Orleans and the variety of swamp tour adventures in Lafayette. Students can safari through an endangered animal preserve at the Global Wildlife Center in Folsom and marvel at the underwater inhabitants of the new Shreveport Aquarium. And in Baton Rouge, the Louisiana Art and Science Museum showcases classical painting, Egyptian mummies and more.

Make sure to include stops at these attractions on your next student tour of Louisiana.

Remembering the War

Today’s students are three generations removed from World War II, which means their understanding of this conflict and its impact on the world comes chiefly from history books. To help drive the lessons home and give students an immersive experience, many educators bring student groups to the National World War II Museum in New Orleans.

The expansive museum is home to more than 250,000 WWII artifacts and includes more than 9,000 personal accounts given by soldiers of various nations. Visitors discover the artifacts, along with an array of high-tech, interactive exhibits, in two main sections of the museum, one dedicated to the war in Europe and another focused on the Pacific theater.

Travel planners can choose to let students explore on their own or can opt for one of several docent-led programs offered by the museum. These experiences include an in-depth look at a veteran’s story, an examination of a WWII airplane and a focus on one battle. Other programs can include STEM-related topics and performance opportunities for student groups.

www.nationalww2museum.org

Brian Jewell

Brian Jewell is the executive editor of The Group Travel Leader. In more than a decade of travel journalism he has visited 48 states and 25 foreign countries.