Summary
Located across the water from New Orleans, on the northeastern shore of Lake Pontchartrain, Slidell serves as a gateway for excursions into the enigmatic Honey Island Swamp.
Adjacent to Slidell, the Pearl River Basin encompasses some of the most pristine wetlands in the nation, ideal for guided tours that showcase American alligators and a diverse array of avian species in their natural surroundings.
Founded as a railroad camp during the 1880s, Slidell offers a plethora of activities, whether you are interested in fishing trips across expansive tidal regions, or simply indulging in some of the finest seafood available.
You can traverse the route of the historic railroad, stroll alongside the bayou in town, or explore a vibrant downtown district filled with restaurants and antique shops.
1. Honey Island Swamp
Heading eastward from Slidell will lead you into ancient wetlands, comprising a 70,000-acre area bordered by the Old Pearl River to the west and the Pearl River to the east.
Approximately half of Honey Island Swamp is safeguarded by the Pearl River Wildlife Area, which features a campground adjacent to the Old Pearl River on the periphery of Slidell.
This region of expansive bottomland forest, interspersed with hardwood and bald cypress trees, remains largely untouched by human activity and is nearly inaccessible without a boat to navigate its intricate bayous and streams.
Fortunately, numerous tour companies are available to provide guided excursions into the swamp, and further details regarding these services will be discussed later.
2. Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge
Located upstream from the Pearl River Wildlife Management Area is an additional 36,000 acres of safeguarded wetlands and bottomland hardwood forest within the Pearl River Basin.
The isolation of the Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge contributes to its status as one of the most undisturbed swamps within the United States.
During periods of elevated water levels in winter and spring, over 90% of this habitat may become submerged, creating a vast network of bayous, sloughs, and lakes that are home to threatened species such as the gulf sturgeon and ringed sawback turtle.
In dryer areas, you will find the lush growth of slash and loblolly pine forests, which support another endangered species, the gopher tortoise.
Much of the reserve is accessible only by boat, with numerous companies offering activities such as fishing, paddling, and birdwatching.
By road, you can access a fishing area and picnic pavilion located at the Pearl River Turnaround, while the Jim Schmidt Boardwalk at this site guides you through the floodplain cypress forest.
3. Swamp Tours
The optimal way to experience Honey Island Swamp is through a guided tour, whether via boat or by kayaking or canoeing.
Although this ecosystem may appear daunting and hazardous, your knowledgeable guide will assist in differentiating fact from fictional portrayals in media.
As you navigate between moss-laden cypresses, you can expect to observe numerous alligators, which typically keep their distance, unless enticed by food from your guide.
Depending on the season, other wildlife you might encounter includes great blue herons, ospreys, swallowtail kites, egrets, bald eagles, nutria, feral pigs, and pileated woodpeckers, although the famed Honey Island Swamp monster remains elusive.
Several local companies that offer tours include Cajun Encounters, Dr Wagner’s Honey Island Swamp Tours, Pearl River Eco Tours, and Honey Island Kayak Tours.
4. Mardi Gras
The Mardi Gras celebrations in Slidell feature smaller and more personal parades than those in New Orleans and draw significantly fewer tourists. This aspect may actually be advantageous if you are seeking an authentic Mardi Gras experience.
You can gauge the approaching season by the cinnamon-scented aroma of king cake permeating the area, with four bakeries in Slidell, some established for decades, producing this delectable treat.
The season commences weeks before Fat Tuesday, starting with the Krewe of Bilge boat parade and escalating to the Krewe of Selene, held the Friday night prior to Mardi Gras. The latter is an all-women’s parade, famous for throwing intricately crafted purses.
5. Cuisine
Slidell boasts an array of dining venues, yet it is the seafood offerings that attract patrons from afar.
With over 20 seafood restaurants in Slidell, many are situated in picturesque locations by the marina on Lake Pontchartrain or alongside Bayou Bonfouca, shaded by majestic bald cypress trees.
Menus feature bayou staples like gumbo, boiled crawfish (in season), crab and shrimp, alongside other favorites such as étouffée, oyster po-boys, and blackened dishes.
Seafood establishments in Slidell range from cozy family-run eateries to contemporary fine dining venues.
Highly recommended options include Kenney Seafood (400 Pontchartrain Dr), Palmettos on the Bayou (1901 Bayou Ln), Phil’s Marina Cafe (1194 Harbor Dr), and Peck’s Seafood Restaurant (2315 Gause Blvd E).
6. Olde Towne Slidell
Slidell features a charming downtown area where you can leave your vehicle behind for a few hours.
This is Historic Olde Towne Slidell, encompassing ten square blocks bordered by Front St to the west and Sgt Alfred St to the east.
A simple walk through this district reveals a diverse selection of restaurants, independent boutiques, a notable local history museum (details to follow), and appealing public spaces such as Griffith Park.
Be sure to admire the eight vibrant murals adorning the walls of Olde Towne Slidell, and set your sights on the Historic Antique District to the north, which houses six establishments specializing in antiques and collectibles within a single block.
7. Heritage Park
On the eastern side of Olde Towne Slidell lies a charming park adjacent to Bayou Bonfouca. Beyond being a classic spot for a picnic or a leisurely walk, Heritage Park features an amphitheater that hosts various events throughout the year.
To name a few, there are movie nights, outdoor concerts, Slidell’s annual Christmas light display, an Easter egg hunt, and, notably, the Slidell Heritage Festival, which occurs on the Saturday prior to the 4th of July.
The park includes amenities such as an inclusive playground, splash pad, seven shelters, a large gazebo, a free boat launch/marina, and a scenic walking path along the waterfront, furnished with benches for relaxation.
8. Fishing Charters
The Northshore region is a prominent destination for fishing charters, with numerous operators based in St. Tammany Parish.
Slidell offers an advantageous location with easy access to Lake Pontchartrain, along with various other water bodies including the Rigolets strait, Lake Catherine, Lake Borgne, and Biloxi Marsh.
This rich aquatic environment houses an impressive variety of fish species, including, but not limited to, ample trout, redfish, and flounder, as well as tarpon, bluegill, crappie, and largemouth bass.
Primarily departing from Slidell’s Rigolets Marina, local charter captains possess extensive knowledge of these waters, and excursions are generally structured as half-day experiences, ensuring you can often catch your limit.
9. Tammany Trace Bike Trail
A great way to take in the natural splendor of the Northshore while keeping dry is by cycling along this remarkable rail trail, which follows the route of the former Illinois Central Railroad.
Slidell is positioned at the eastern terminus of the Tammany Trace Bike Trail, which is the state’s first rail trail, paved and extending for 31 miles to downtown Covington.
Much of the trail meanders through a ravine adorned with tall pines and draped oaks along the lakeshore, with numerous scenic detours available.
Consider making stops at the Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, featuring a visitor center, the 2,800-acre Fontainebleau State Park, and Abita Springs, known for its farmers’ market and regular jazz performances held at the preserved station adjacent to the trail.
Additionally, the Covington trailhead includes a museum and another farmers’ market that operates on Wednesdays during the growing season.
10. Camp Salmen Nature Park
Adjacent to the eastern trailhead for the Tammany Trace Bike Trail lies a 130-acre natural area positioned on Bayou Liberty, rich in intriguing history.
Dominated by ancient oaks, this locale was part of Spanish land grants and was named after a trading post and ferry crossing established along Bayou Liberty.
Today, Camp Salmen serves as a nature observatory filled with native flora and fauna, presenting a chance to experience the swampy landscapes familiar to early settlers.
You can explore the trails, which feature winding stretches of boardwalk while learning about the park’s history at locations such as Salmen Lodge (circa 1830). If you possess a kayak or canoe, there is a paddling trail on Bayou Liberty equipped with a launch point within the park.
11. Slidell Museum
For a deeper understanding of Slidell’s history, visit the local history museum housed in the former Slidell Town Hall & Jail, constructed in 1907. This two-story exhibit space is a premier attraction that transports visitors back to Slidell’s early history as a railroad camp in the 1880s.
Key figures from the city’s history, such as banker Frédéric Émile d’Erlanger (1832-1911), who named Slidell after his father-in-law, John Slidell (1793-1871), the Confederate commissioner to France, are highlighted.
Another notable personality is Fritz Salmen (1854-1934), the founder of a local shipbuilding industry that subsequently contributed to the war efforts during World War II.
The museum features more than 800 pieces of Mardi Gras memorabilia alongside intriguing artifacts such as period costumes, a historic baby scale, a super 8 camera, and a preserved Ediphone with its wax recording cylinders.
12. Slidell Little Theatre
This cherished community theater has entertained audiences in St. Tammany Parish for over 50 years. Established in 1963, Slidell Little Theatre has produced more than 350 mainstage performances.
Offering six productions annually at this intimate venue, which seats 200, the theater also features Young Actors Theater (YATs) for children aged 4-18 during summer and Senior Actors’ Theater (SATs).
Gifted volunteers from diverse backgrounds collaborate to deliver quality performances in dramas, musicals, and comedies.
At the time of writing, the mainstage season included popular productions such as Mamma Mia!, Matilda, Clue, and Moon Over Buffalo.
13. Northshore Beach
Situated between Slidell and Mandeville to the west, Fontainebleau State Park encompasses a significant portion of the Lake Pontchartrain shoreline.
One of its highlights is Northshore Beach, just a ten-minute drive from downtown Slidell. This public beach offers complimentary access to a tranquil section of coastal shoreline.
This scenic spot allows you to unwind on the sand or grass, gaze over the expansive estuary, and refresh in the clean waters.
Facilities include picnic tables, two shaded pavilions, and close proximity to excellent seafood establishments like Phil’s Marina Cafe and Middendorf’s if you wish to enjoy a picnic.
14. Fritchie Park
This appealing community park spans 176 acres in southern Slidell. Fritchie Park is particularly noteworthy in late April as it hosts the annual All-You-Can-Eat Crawfish Cook-Off.
Such events are quite common, with several occurring in the Northshore alone, but few rival the magnitude of this cook-off, boasting over 50 competing teams each year, preparing an astounding 25 tons of delicious crawfish.
Throughout the rest of the year, Fritchie Park serves as a recreational area featuring a baseball field, two softball fields, an 18-hole disc golf course, and nature trails.
The park is also home to the Camellia City Bark Park, which includes play pools, a water station, and separate off-leash zones for different-sized dogs.
15. John Slidell Park
Located at the intersection of I-59 and I-12, John Slidell Park is another picturesque recreational area shaded by towering pines. The ample canopy makes this park a favored destination year-round, even during the hot summer months.
Among its amenities are baseball and softball fields, playground equipment designed for different age groups, volleyball courts, and a basketball court located within the gym.
The primary allure of the park is its dense forests, interwoven with trails ideal for tranquil walks and complemented by open green spaces for picnics.
