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July 7, 2011Looking for fun in the sun and a blast at the beach this summer?
We’ve got the place for you – Grand Isle State Park.
Nestled in the northeastern portion of the only inhabited barrier island in the state, Louisiana purchased the 150-acre park in 1968.
The park’s significance in history is clear to see, as it’s the last wild beach and one of the last remaining natural areas on the island.
But don’t let archaic terms like “wild beach” and “raw landscape” fool you – this is no Gilligan’s Island – this is a place for a once in a lifetime good time.
Fishing purists tout that close to 300 species of fish call the coastal waters of Grand Isle home.
Those fish always seem to be a bit hungrier and ready for action in the waters adjacent to the fishing piers of the state park, which makes these fertile grounds an annual favorite among the most ambitious anglers who are looking to embark on an evening fish fry.
Don’t believe us? Just look to the sky as beautiful Louisiana brown pelicans and seagulls roam and regularly swoop down to try and make a catch of their own in these fruitful waters.
As one wise fisherman once said – if you can’t catch a fish in Grand Isle, then maybe fishing just isn’t for you.
On the off chance that fish aren’t biting, all is not lost, either. Be sure to bring a few nets just for kicks, because history suggests crabs will be ripe for the picking on the beach’s shores.
But hungry fishermen aren’t the only ones who will have a good time at Grand Isle State Park – there’s fun to be had for everyone.
The park features the only pier in the entire state that sits above the Gulf of Mexico. On it sits an observation tower that allows interested onlookers an opportunity to see a bird’s eye view of the east end of Grand Isle and the ruins of nearby Fort Livingston and Grand Terre island.
This also provides nature lovers an opportunity to see the dozens of species of wild birds that call the island home, so be sure to bring your binoculars to avoid missing out on this eye-pleasing treat.
When the festivities of the day are over, visitors can always enjoy the park’s excellent location for splashing in the surf or in the beautiful lagoons.
Looking for your daily workout, as well? The state park features a 2-mile nature trail that past visitors tout as a favorite of the visit.
The park is also less than five minutes from the other hallmarks that make Grand Isle unique, like the butterfly dome and the hundreds of fishing rodeos that roll through virtually every weekend of the summer.
All of this fun in the sun must come at a steep price, right?
Wrong.
Day use rates to the park are just $1 per person per day. If you and your family hope to spend the night in one of the park’s 49 premium campsites, that’s also available at an affordable price of $26 per night.
If the kiddies want to rent a canoe or a paddleboat, those can be had for $5 per hour.
So pack your blankets, beach towels and suntan lotion and head out to Grand Isle this summer and head to the island’s state park.
Everything you need for a family weekend of fun awaits.
