Top 15 Activities and Attractions in Hammond, Louisiana

In Southeast Louisiana’s Northshore region, the city of Hammond is located a short distance from the expansive swamplands nestled between Lake Maurepas and Lake Pontchartrain.

With its urban landscape adorned by majestic live oaks, this locality is an excellent venue to experience regional highlights such as Cajun cuisine and fresh seafood, alongside organized swamp excursions and alligator sightings.

The existence of Southeastern, the third-largest university in Louisiana, injects a youthful energy into Hammond.

This dynamic is particularly evident in the lively historic downtown, which hosts a variety of museums, galleries, community events, and a diverse range of dining and drinking establishments.

1. Downtown Hammond

Hammond has received national acclaim for its vibrant and well-preserved downtown district.

Dating back to the 1880s, many of the city’s historical structures are situated in this area, which is intersected by the Illinois Central Railroad tracks.

This district boasts an exciting array of cafes, bars, and restaurants, many of which cater to the youthful demographic from Southeastern.

The Hammond Historic District website offers a map for a self-guided walking tour featuring 20 notable stops, primarily along Thomas Street.

A thriving farmers’ market operates year-round on Saturdays, featuring over 60 vendors, alongside numerous local shops that provide art supplies, specialty foods, skating gear, flowers, gifts, clothing, fashion accessories, and antiques.

2. Cajun Dining

For those seeking traditional Cajun and Creole seafood specialties, Hammond offers a remarkable selection.

Numerous local establishments feature menus filled with delectable options such as boiled shrimp and crawfish (season permitting), seafood gumbo, fried catfish, shrimp or oyster po-boys, shrimp étouffée, crab cakes, blackened redfish, alongside an extensive array of other regional cuisines from red beans to boudin sausage.

Among the many noteworthy dining venues in Hammond are Don’s Seafood (1915 S Morrison Blvd), B&J Seafood (2504 W Church St), Cate Street Seafood Station (308 S Cate St), Blackened Brew (12 W Thomas St), and Chookie’s Seafood & Oyster Bar (45654 University Park Dr).

3. Joyce Wildlife Swamp Walk Nature Trail

Located ten miles south of Hammond, the Joyce Wildlife Management Area encompasses 35,000 acres of wetlands situated between Lake Maurepas and Lake Pontchartrain.

This area is home to a multitude of waterfowl species, ospreys, bald eagles, seasonal neotropical migrants, American alligators, among various other wildlife species, which make access challenging without a boat (tours are available).

However, on the northwest edge, visitors can explore a section of the protected area via a boardwalk established in 1990.

Taking time to enjoy the serene environment and review the educational signage, visitors can expect to spend about an hour on the Joyce Wildlife Swamp Walk, with ample opportunities to photograph various wildlife including turtles, snakes, alligators, and pink spoonbills.

4. Hammond Farmers’ Market

The ideal initiation for a weekend in Hammond is to visit the lively farmers’ market, a diverse year-round gathering of over 60 vendors at the Old Feed & Seed lot located downtown.

During the lengthy growing season, an impressive variety of locally sourced fresh produce is available, and regulations stipulate that all items sold must be cultivated or produced by the vendor, ensuring direct purchases.

Additionally, items for sale include plants, eggs, preserves, handcrafted soaps, fresh breads, king cake (in season), flowers, sauces, sweets, tea kits, creative arts and crafts, as well as an assortment of prepared meals including gumbo, tamales, and mirlitons.

While winter may see a slight decline in activity, there remains sufficient local commerce to sustain the market as a year-round operation.

5. Tangipahoa African American Heritage Museum

As one of more than two dozen sites within the Louisiana African American Heritage Trail, this museum showcases and honors the lives and contributions of African Americans throughout Louisiana’s Florida Parishes.

The museum features eight galleries that illuminate a wide range of subjects, including the Underground Railroad, contributions from African American inventors, and notable figures in entertainment, culture, and sports.

There exists an interactive genealogy lab established in collaboration with Southeastern Louisiana University, while Southern University is responsible for the primary gallery, which presents a comprehensive journey through African history, considered the cradle of humanity.

Additionally, the institution is recognized for its impactful series of 26 murals, each measuring 8×8 feet, which chronicle the history of African Americans from the harrowing Middle Passage through to the Civil Rights Movement.

6. Louisiana Children’s Discovery Center

A significant attraction in downtown Hammond is this interactive children’s museum, tailored for individuals up to ten years of age.

The Louisiana Children’s Discovery Center emphasizes hands-on and experiential learning through dynamic exhibits specific to the local environment, such as a music factory, veterinary clinic, shrimp boat, hot air balloon, Middendorf’s restaurant, dinosaur excavation site, climbing wall, and art station, among others.

Rooted in the culture of South Louisiana, these open-ended learning experiences promote problem-solving skills, enhance motor skills, and ignite creativity.

7. Mitchell’s Swamp Adventures

Bruce “The Alligatorman” Mitchell, recognized from History’s “Swamp People: Serpent Invasion,” operates this excursion service that explores the swamps, bayous, and waterways to the south of Hammond, situated between Lake Maurepas and Lake Pontchartrain.

Patrons will experience thrilling rides in the same 20-foot Go Devil boat utilized by Bruce for alligator hunting. His impressive knowledge of the area is derived from years of experience preserving a livelihood within this ecosystem.

Expect engaging stories and historical insights as you encounter an extraordinary variety of wildlife, from alligators to turtles, snakes, frogs, nutria, and an impressive range of avian life that inhabits these wetlands.

8. Zemurray Park

Spanning just over 30 acres, this community park is conveniently located a short walk south of downtown Hammond.

A winding pond traverses the heart of Zemurray Park, frequented by waterfowl and bordered by a 0.7-mile walking trail.

Facilities include Hammond’s outdoor public pool, available throughout the summer, tennis courts, a charming miniature train, a dog park, a skate park, three baseball fields, and an excellent playground for young children.

The pond is stocked with bluegill, channel catfish, green sunfish, largemouth bass, rainbow trout, and redear sunfish, while the park also hosts Hammond’s annual Christmas light displays.

9. Gnarly Barley Brewing

Established in 2014 by two native residents of Southeast Louisiana, this craft brewery in Hammond evolved from a homebrewing endeavor initiated a few years prior.

Gnarly Barley Brewing has since grown into an acclaimed brand, distributed throughout the Greater New Orleans area, as well as the Northshore, Lafayette, Baton Rouge, and Houma.

The 14,000-square-foot facility in Hammond welcomes visitors for guided tours, while the open-air taproom provides insights into the brewery’s operations.

Year-round beer offerings include Skater Aid (Italian Pilsner), Jucifer IPA, Catahoula Common, and Korova Milk Porter, alongside an extensive selection of seasonal and limited edition brews.

The taproom operates seven days a week and hosts a calendar filled with live music, brewing workshops, yoga sessions, and food truck events.

10. Kliebert & Son’s Gator Tours

A captivating sight in Southeast Louisiana is the American alligator, and Hammond boasts proximity to an alligator farm that welcomes visitors for tours.

Kliebert & Son’s has been engaged in this business for over fifty years, operating between March and October. Guests can learn intriguing facts about these formidable creatures while observing demonstrations and having the opportunity to interact with baby alligators.

The farm also includes a variety of other animals, such as wallabies, emus, snakes, numerous turtle species, and a bird sanctuary featuring nesting herons and egrets.

11. Southeastern Louisiana University (Southeastern)

Established in 1925 and experiencing rapid expansion in the 1990s and 2000s, the third-largest university in the state is located just a few blocks north of downtown Hammond.

A visit to the campus is worthwhile, even for those not seeking admission. The grounds are dotted with exquisite live oaks, including the historic Friendship Oak, prominently situated in the central Friendship Circle.

The oldest building on campus, McGehee Hall, exemplifies Depression Gothic architecture and was completed in 1935, earning a place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.

Southeastern is home to 14 varsity teams competing as the Southeastern Louisiana Lions and Lady Lions in the Southland Conference.

Sports events take place at venues such as the 7,500-seat University Center arena for basketball and volleyball, and the 7,400-seat Strawberry Stadium for football.

12. Cate Square Park

For a refreshing break during your downtown Hammond visit, Cate Square Park occupies an entire city block, situated just north of the restaurants along Thomas Street.

Since 1861, this location has served as a sawmill, tannery, and shoe factory, all of which supplied the Confederate Army, established by C. E. Cate, who later contributed to the planning and development of the emerging city.

At the core of Cate Square Park lies a spacious open area, flanked by an oval, tree-lined path leading to a gazebo and a fenced playground designed for children.

13. Hammond Oak

If you appreciate the ancient live oaks that embellish Hammond’s scenery, a notable specimen can be found a few blocks east of downtown, situated on the 500 block of East Charles Street.

This tree, recognized by the Live Oak Society and marked with a historical plaque, is known as the Hammond Oak.

Underneath this moss-laden tree lies the grave of the city’s Swedish founder and namesake, Peter Hammond (1798-1870). Nearby are the burials of his wife, Caroline, their three daughters, and “a favored enslaved child.”

14. Hammond Square

The premier shopping destination in Tangipahoa Parish is located in the southern part of the city, accessible from I-12.

The Hammond Square mall has been a fixture since 1977, and after experiencing a period of decline, it underwent complete renovations in the late 2000s.

This facility is currently the second-largest open-air shopping center in Louisiana and features numerous national retailers, including JCPenney, Foot Locker, Old Navy, Kay Jewelers, Claire’s, rue21, Target, and more.

Additionally, the AMC Hammond Palace 10 is situated on the west side of the complex, along with a variety of dining options ranging from Olive Garden to Raising Cane’s.

15. Safari Quest Family Fun Center

Located on the route to Hammond Square from downtown, Safari Quest Family Fun Center features a stimulating array of attractions consolidated under one roof.

Foremost is an impressive Laser Tag Arena covering 3,000 square feet, which incorporates multiple levels, various bases, and even an observation deck for spectators.

A new addition is an indoor Ropes Course set eight feet high, showcasing challenging components such as netting, balance beams, barrels, and skateboard elements.

Combining this with the Watering Hole restaurant and a modern arcade, this venue provides a comprehensive day of family entertainment.