Fontainebleau State Park (OUTDOORS)
The crumbling brick ruins of a sugar mill built in 1829 by Bernard de Marigny de Mandeville, founder of the nearby town of Mandeville, suggest an interesting history for this site, and indeed there is. The wealthy Marigny developed this area across Lake Pontchartrain from New Orleans as a sugar plantation until 1852. The plantation income helped support his lavish lifestyle. He named his large landholding Fontainebleau after the beautiful forest near Paris, a favorite recreation area of the French kings.
The 2,800-acre park is located on the shore of Lake Pontchartrain. On a clear day, visitors can see the lake dotted with multi-colored sailboats of all sizes and types. The sandy beach also is a delight for sunbathers. An old railroad track that runs through the park has been converted into the Tammany Trace as a part of the Rails to Trails program. It is a wonderful route for cycling, hiking and in-line skating. After a full day of activities, overnight guests can enjoy the rustic charm of the campground or the scenic setting of the lakefront cabins.
The park's nature trail is a favorite of nature lovers. Interpretive signs along the trail will help you identify many of the common trees and shrubs. Always be on the lookout for birds and other animals, as over 400 different species live in and around Fontainebleau. Bordered on three sides by water – Lake Pontchartrain, Bayou Cane and Bayou Castine – and characterized by a convergence of diverse ecosystems, it has a multitude of habitats for birds.
Upcoming Shows
January 16-18, 2025 | Louisiana Cultures Camp!
Located at Fontainebleau State Park Group Retreat Venue, 1 Group Camp Road, Mandeville, Louisiana
During Louisiana Cultures Camp, people of different backgrounds come together to learn about each other’s cultures through: workshops (cultural sharing, music, dance, and language), informal jams and conversations, live music performances, and food.
The mission at Louisiana Cultures Camp is to honor traditions, ancestors, and cultures, while creating a welcoming space where individuals of all ages and experiences can connect with their roots, explore diverse cultures, and discover their own unique voices in harmony with others.
Jan 2026 Culture bearers will include: Dominican, Choctaw, Afro-Diasporic, Gospel, Creole, Cajun, Filipino, Arabic, Garifuna, Appalachian, Latin, and Vietnamese culture bearers.
Friday, January 16th Schedule:
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4pm: Check In Opens
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5-10pm: Dinner: Filipino Cuisine with Barbekyu Nola
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5pm: Welcome, Meet, and Make Workshop (Doug Fazzio, Choctaw)
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6:30pm: Land Acknowledgement and Historical Context (Scierra LeGarde, Choctaw)
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7pm: Bachata and Merengue Dance Workshop (Melissa Joy, Dominica Nola Dance Krewe)
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8-10pm: Fermín Ceballos + Merengue4Four (Femin Ceballos, Dominican)
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Ongoing: Jam sessions with Kamau Philips (Congo Square Preservation Society and FIYIYI Black Masking Indian group)
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Ongoing: Jam sessions with Lyle Werner (Old Time, Appalachian, Cajun-Creole, and Americana)
Tickets start at $31.72 (Friday Early Bird Day Pass) | $47.73 (Saturday Early Bird Day Pass) | $33.85 (Sunday Early Bird Day Pass) | $74.41 (Early Bird Weekend Pass) | $65.87 (Early Bird Tent Camping)
Full Schedule & More Information at https://www.louisianaculturescamp.org/
