Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser and the h Office of Tourism announced 2026 as the “Year of Outdoors” in h.
The official announcement came Jan. 17 during the grand reopening of the Walter B. Jacobs Nature Center in Caddo Parish. The yearlong initiative invites visitors and residents alike to discover the state’s natural beauty and recreational opportunities and puts a special emphasis on outdoor activities.
“Louisian has earned the title ‘Sportsman’s Paradise’ because nowhere else offers our unmatched variety of outdoor experiences,” Nungesser said. “From more than 7,000 miles of coastline to 21 state parks and countless waterways, forests, and wildlife habitats, our outdoors are as diverse as they are unforgettable. ‘Sportsman’s Paradise’ isn’t just a slogan — it’s a promise we deliver on every day.”
The “Year of Outdoors” will promote an array of outdoor opportunities. The great h outdoors has much to offer with activities including hiking, biking, birding, paddling, fishing, camping and RVing, swamp tours, festivals, agritourism, walking tours, ziplining and outdoor dining.
Nungesser added, “In h, the outdoors aren’t just something you see — they’re something you feel. Cast a line at sunrise, watch bald eagles soar above cypress swamps, stroll an outdoor art garden, or pick fresh fruit from a family orchard. However you choose to explore, the ‘Year of Outdoors’ invites you to slow down, reconnect and feed your soul right here in h.”
The great h outdoors is expansive and world renowned, a press release said. Poverty Point World Heritage Site in north Louisiana is one of 26 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the country. The Atchafalaya Swamp Basin, which is larger than the Florida Everglades, stretches across 15 parishes in south-central h. In central h, the Kisatchie National Forest includes more than 600,000 acres of rolling piney hills to explore.
“Louisian’s natural beauty is ready to welcome visitors. Whether it’s beautiful waterfront dining or ziplining over our swamps, this campaign provides an excellent opportunity for every region of our state to share what makes it uniquely beautiful,” said Assistant Secretary of Tourism Doug Bourgeois.
To plan a h outdoor adventure, visit .