Beauty beckons on the shore of Lake Pontchartrain
Nestled on the northern shore of Lake Pontchartrain, Fontainebleau State Park spreads across about 2,800 acres of forests. Located at 62883 Highway 1089 in Mandeville, the property sits where an old sugar plantation once operated.
Today, people can still see the crumbling brick ruins of a sugar mill built in 1829 by Bernard de Marigny de Mandeville. Marigny founded the nearby town of Mandeville. Marigny named his plantation after a beautiful forest near Paris where the royalty of France once went for recreation.
“Historically, the area was home to numerous Native American tribes, including the Tchefuncte, Choctaw, Acolapissa and Houma as late as the 1700s,” said Jennifer Wallace, the park manager. “The property played significant roles in the development of New Orleans and the city of Mandeville. Fontainebleau Plantation produced sugar, bricks and lumber. Many of those bricks were used in the construction of old New Orleans. Today, Fontainebleau State Park works to conserve the history of the area as well as its bountiful natural beauty within its boundaries.”
Recreational activities
An old railroad track that once ran through the property now offers hikers a place to walk through the forests, part of the Tammany Trace Rails to Trails program. People can also go cycling and other recreational activities. Nature lovers might spot more than 400 species of birds and other animals that live in the park and the surrounding forests. Interpretive signs along the trail help people identify many of the trees and other plants.
“Whether someone is a nature lover, history buff or just wants to enjoy some sun and sand, Fontainebleau State Park holds opportunities for campers and day-use visitors alike,” Wallace said. “We have a little more than five miles of beautiful, shaded trails to take a walk in to see all the natural beauty of the park. People can walk through the Alley of the Oaks, with sprawling live oaks ranging up to 500 years old.”
On one side of the park, people can look across Lake Pontchartrain and watch boats sail. Bayou Cane and Bayou Castine mark the other boundaries, creating a convergence of diverse ecosystems for varied birds and other wildlife. People can fish in the lake or the bayous.
Fun on the water
On most weekends, visitors can take guided tours with an interpretive ranger. Children would also enjoy the 7,300 square-foot playground, the water playground and other amenities.
“The park has a sandy beach for visitors to come in and cool off in the lake,” Wallace said. “Smaller children can play in the splash pad. People can also enjoy picnicking, grilling or just hanging out. The park also partnered with vendors who offer kayaking and biking. People can rent a kayak or bring their own and paddle Bayou Cane on the eastern boundary of the park all the way to Lake Pontchartrain, just over a mile downstream.”
The park offers unimproved camping, primitive group camping and 96 premium pull-through campsites. Visitors can rent cabins or two large group camps. Each group camp sleeps up to 100 people. The park does not offer food service, but people can buy whatever they want or enjoy fine Louisiana cuisine in restaurants in Mandeville and other nearby towns.
“Fontainebleau State Park, like all of Louisiana State Parks, is here to both host visitors from the area and abroad as well as protect and conserve the natural beauty and history of our great state,” Wallace said. “We welcome visitors, both overnight and day-use guests, to come join us and enjoy what Louisiana has to offer.”
The park stays open all year long. For more information, call 985-624-4443 or 1-888-677-3668. Online, see www.lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/fontainebleau-state-park.
