Louisiana, located in the southern region of the United States, is a state known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty. With its picturesque bayous, charming small towns, and bustling urban centers, Louisiana offers a unique blend of nature and culture. To help visitors and residents navigate this beautiful state, we have created a detailed map of Louisiana with cities and highways.
This map highlights Louisiana’s major cities, including New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and Shreveport, as well as its primary highways and roads. Whether you’re planning a road trip or simply want to explore Louisiana’s unique landscape and culture, this map is an essential tool. So, grab your map and get ready to discover all that Louisiana has to offer, from its world-renowned cuisine to its historic landmarks and everything in between.
Printable Louisiana Map With Cities and Highways
Cities
Abbeville
Abbeville is a charming city located in Vermilion Parish, Louisiana. It is situated 150 miles (240 km) west of New Orleans, 60 miles (97 km) southwest of Baton Rouge, and 21 miles (34 km) southwest of Lafayette. With a population of 12,257 at the 2010 census, Abbeville is the parish seat of Vermilion Parish and the principal city of the Abbeville micropolitan statistical area, which includes all of Vermilion Parish.
The city is also part of the Lafayette metropolitan statistical area and the larger Lafayette-Acadiana combined statistical area. Despite its relatively small size, Abbeville offers a range of cultural attractions, including historic landmarks, a delightful downtown area, and a vibrant local food scene.
Visitors can explore the city’s rich cultural heritage, enjoy outdoor activities, and experience the unique charm of Cajun country. With its warm climate, friendly locals, and rich cultural offerings, Abbeville is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Louisiana.
Alexandria
Alexandria is a vibrant city located in Rapides Parish, Louisiana. It is the ninth-largest city in the state and serves as the parish seat of Rapides Parish. The city lies on the south bank of the Red River, almost in the exact geographic center of the state.
Alexandria is the principal city of the Alexandria metropolitan area, which encompasses all of Rapides and Grant parishes and has a population of 153,922. Pineville is the neighboring city of Alexandria. The city has a population of 47,723, an increase of 3 percent from the 2000 census.
Alexandria offers a range of cultural attractions, including historic landmarks, museums, and a vibrant local food scene. Visitors can explore the city’s rich cultural heritage, enjoy outdoor activities, and experience the unique charm of Louisiana. With its warm weather, friendly people, and rich culture, Alexandria is an unmissable destination for anyone traveling to Louisiana.
Baker
Baker is a charming city located in East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana. It is part of the Baton Rouge metropolitan statistical area and had a population of 12,455 at the 2020 census, down from 13,895 at the 2010 U.S. census.
Despite its relatively small size, Baker offers a range of cultural attractions, including historic landmarks, museums, and a vibrant local food scene. With its great climate, affable locals, and cultural hotspots, Baker is an ideal destination for anyone traveling to Louisiana.
Bastrop
Bastrop is a historic city located in Morehouse Parish, Louisiana. It serves as the parish seat of Morehouse Parish and had a population of 9,691 at the 2020 census, down from 11,365 in 2010. The city has a rich cultural heritage, with a number of historic landmarks and museums that showcase the area’s unique history. The population of Bastrop is 76 percent African American, reflecting the city’s diverse cultural heritage.
Bastrop is included in the Monroe Metropolitan Statistical Area and is part of the Monroe-Ruston Combined Statistical Area. Visitors can explore the city’s rich history, enjoy outdoor activities, and experience the distinctive charm of Louisiana. With its sunshine, community spirit, and culture, Bastrop is a rewarding spot for anyone traveling to Louisiana.
Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge is a vibrant city and the capital of the U.S. state of Louisiana. The city is located on the eastern bank of the Mississippi River and is the parish seat of East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana’s most populous parish. Since 2020, it has been the second-largest city in Louisiana after New Orleans and is the 18th-most-populous state capital.
According to the 2020 United States Census, the city proper had a population of 227,470, while its consolidated population was 456,781 in 2020. Baton Rouge is the center of the Greater Baton Rouge area, Louisiana’s second-largest metropolitan area, with a population of 870,569 as of 2020, up from 802,484 in 2010. The city is the fourth most populous city proper in the Deep South region of the southeastern United States.
Baton Rouge offers a range of cultural attractions, including historic landmarks, museums, and a vibrant local food scene. Visitors can explore the city’s heritage, enjoy outdoor activities, and experience the unique charm of the area.
Bogalusa
Bogalusa is a charming city located in Washington Parish, Louisiana. It is the principal city of the Bogalusa Micropolitan Statistical Area, which includes all of Washington Parish and is also part of the larger New Orleans-Metairie-Hammond combined statistical area. The city’s name derives from the Choctaw language term bogue lusa, which translates into English as “dark water” or “smoky water”.
Located in an area of pine forests, Bogalusa was developed as a company town in the early 20th century to provide worker housing and services in association with a Great Southern Lumber Company sawmill. In the late 1930s, this operation was replaced with paper mills and chemical operations.
Despite its industrial heritage, Bogalusa offers a range of attractions, including historic landmarks, museums, and a vibrant local food scene. With its warm weather, friendly residents, and rich culture, Bogalusa has plenty of delights in store.
Bossier City
Bossier City is a vibrant city located in Bossier Parish in the northwestern region of the U.S. state of Louisiana. It is the second-most populous city in the Shreveport-Bossier City metropolitan statistical area and had a total population of 62,701 in 2020, up from 61,315 in 2010.
Located on the eastern bank of the Red River, Bossier City is closely tied economically and socially to its larger sister city, Shreveport, on the opposite bank. Despite its close proximity to Shreveport, Bossier City maintains its own community college, Bossier Parish Community College.
Visitors can explore the city’s rich cultural heritage, enjoy outdoor activities, and experience the wonderful character of Louisiana. With its warmth, friendliness, and cultural offerings, Bossier City is a truly welcoming destination.
Chalmette
Chalmette is a charming census-designated place (CDP) located in southeastern Louisiana. It serves as the parish seat of St. Bernard Parish and is part of the New Orleans-Metairie-Kenner metropolitan statistical area. The 2020 U.S. census reported that Chalmette had a population of 21,562, rebounding from the 2010 census, which reported a population of 16,751.
However, the pre-Katrina population was 32,069 at the 2000 census. Chalmette is located east of downtown New Orleans and south of Arabi, towards Lake Borgne. The community was named after plantation owner Louis-Xavier Martin de Lino de Chalmette (1720–1755). Chalmette was appended to the family name after acquiring their Louisiana plantation, in honor of Louis-Xavier Martin de Lino’s paternal great-grandmother, Antoinette Chalmette (died 1711).
The name “Chalmette” in French means pasture or fallow land and traces back to the Proto-Celtic word “kalm.” Visitors can explore the city’s rich cultural heritage, enjoy outdoor activities, and experience the wonderful charm, climate, and community spirit of Louisiana.
Crowley
Crowley is an exciting city located in Acadia Parish, Louisiana. It serves as the parish seat of Acadia Parish and had a population of 11,710 in the 2020 United States census. Crowley is the principal city of the Crowley micropolitan statistical area, which includes all of Acadia Parish, and is also part of the larger Lafayette-Acadiana combined statistical area.
Visitors can explore the city’s rich cultural heritage, enjoy outdoor activities, and experience the unique charm of Louisiana. Crowley offers historic landmarks, museums, and a vibrant local food scene. With its array of rewarding attractions, Crowley is an essential destination for anyone traveling to Louisiana.
De Ridder
DeRidder is a charming city located in Beauregard Parish, Louisiana. It serves as the parish seat of Beauregard Parish, and a small portion of the city extends into Vernon Parish. As of the 2010 census, DeRidder had a population of 10,578.
It is the smaller principal city of the Fort Polk South-DeRidder CSA, a Combined Statistical Area that includes the Fort Polk South (Vernon Parish) and DeRidder (Beauregard Parish) micropolitan areas. The combined population of the CSA was 87,988 at the 2010 census.
DeRidder offers historic landmarks, museums, and a vibrant local food scene. With its sunshine, community spirit, and rich culture, DeRidder is waiting for you with open arms.
Eunice
Eunice is an enticing city located in both Acadia and St. Landry parishes in the U.S. state of Louisiana. The 2010 census reported a population of 10,398, a decrease of 1,101, or 9.5 percent, from the 2000 tabulation of 11,499. The St. Landry Parish portion of Eunice is part of the Opelousas-Eunice Micropolitan Statistical Area, while the Acadia Parish portion is part of the Crowley Micropolitan Statistical Area.
Eunice offers a variety of attractions, including historic landmarks, museums, and delicious local food. With its warm weather, friendly residents, and rich cultural offerings, Eunice is a must-visit hotspot in Louisiana.
Gretna
Gretna is a vibrant city located on the west bank of the Mississippi River, just east and across the river from uptown New Orleans. It serves as the parish seat of Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, and is the second-largest city in the parish. Gretna is part of the New Orleans-Metairie-Kenner metropolitan statistical area and had a population of 17,814 at the 2020 U.S. census.
Visitors can explore the city’s rich heritage, enjoy outdoor activities, and experience the beautiful charms of Louisiana. Gretna offers a range of attractions – historical, cultural, and culinary. With its climate, welcoming locals, and rich culture, Gretna is a perfect choice.
Hammond
Hammond is a bustling city located in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana. It is the largest city in the parish and is located 45 miles (72 km) east of Baton Rouge and 45 miles (72 km) northwest of New Orleans. The population was 20,019 in the 2010 U.S. census and 21,359 in the 2020 population estimates program.
Hammond is home to Southeastern Louisiana University and is the principal city of the Hammond metropolitan statistical area, which includes all of Tangipahoa Parish. It is also part of the New Orleans-Metairie-Hammond combined statistical area.
Visitors can explore the city’s rich cultural heritage, enjoy outdoor activities, and experience the unique charm of Louisiana. Hammond offers a range of attractions, including historic landmarks, museums, and a buzzing local food scene.
Houma
Houma is a vibrant city located in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana. It serves as the parish seat of Terrebonne Parish and is the largest principal city of the Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux metropolitan statistical area. The city’s government was absorbed by the parish in 1984, which currently operates as the Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government.
The population was 33,727 at the 2010 census, with an increase of 1,334 over the 2000 census tabulation of 32,393. In 2020, the population estimates program determined that 32,467 people lived in the city, but at the 2020 census, its population rebounded to 33,406. Many unincorporated areas are adjacent to the city of Houma.
The largest, Bayou Cane, is an urbanized area commonly referred to by locals as being part of Houma, but it is not included in the city’s census counts and is a separate census-designated place. If the populations of the urbanized census-designated places were included with that of the city of Houma, the total would exceed 60,000 residents.
Visitors will love exploring the city’s fascinating attractions, enjoying outdoor activities, and experiencing the unique charms that Houma has to offer.
Jennings
Jennings is a gorgeous city located in Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana, near Lake Charles. It serves as the parish seat of Jefferson Davis Parish and had a population of 10,383 at the 2010 census, with a small decline from the 2000 tabulation. Jennings is the principal city of the Jennings Micropolitan Statistical Area, which includes all of Jefferson Davis Parish.
It is also part of the larger Lake Charles-Jennings Combined Statistical Area. Jennings is part of the large, 22-parish Acadiana region of the state, with a large Francophone population, many descended from early Acadian settlers. Visitors can explore the city’s rich heritage, enjoy outdoor activities, and experience the unique charm of Louisiana.
Jennings offers a range of cultural attractions, including historic landmarks, museums, and a vibrant local food scene. With its warm climate, friendly locals, and rich cultural offerings, Jennings is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Louisiana.
Kenner
Kenner is a bustling city located in Louisiana. It is the largest city in Jefferson Parish and the largest incorporated suburban city of New Orleans. The population was 66,448 at the 2020 census, making it a thriving urban center in the region.
Visitors can explore the city’s rich cultural heritage, enjoy outdoor activities, and experience the unique charm of Louisiana. Kenner offers a range of cultural attractions, including historic landmarks, museums, and a vibrant local food scene. These factors combine to make Kenner an unmissable location for anyone traveling to Louisiana.
Lafayette
Lafayette is an exciting city located in the U.S. state of Louisiana and is the most populous city and parish seat of Lafayette Parish, located along the Vermilion River. It is Louisiana’s fourth-largest incorporated municipality by population, with a 2020 census population of 121,374, while the consolidated city-parish’s population was 241,753 in 2020.
The Lafayette metropolitan area was Louisiana’s third-largest metropolitan statistical area, with a population of 478,384 at the 2020 census. The Acadiana region containing Lafayette is the largest population and economic corridor between Houston, Texas, and New Orleans.
Lafayette offers a variety of cultural attractions, including historic landmarks, museums, and a vibrant local food scene. With its warm weather, friendly residents, and rich cultural offerings, Lafayette is a welcoming and rewarding destination.
Lake Charles
Lake Charles is a thriving city located in the U.S. state of Louisiana and is the fifth-largest incorporated city in the state. It serves as the parish seat of Calcasieu Parish and is located on Lake Charles, Prien Lake, and the Calcasieu River. Founded in 1861 in Calcasieu Parish, it is a major industrial, cultural, and educational center in the southwest region of the state.
As of the 2020 U.S. census, Lake Charles’s population was 84,872. The city and metropolitan area of Lake Charles is considered a regionally significant center of petrochemical refining, gambling, tourism, and education, being home to McNeese State University and Sowela Technical Community College.
Because of the lakes and waterways throughout the city, metropolitan Lake Charles is often called the Lake Area. Visitors can explore the city’s rich heritage, enjoy outdoor activities, and enjoy the amazing charm of Louisiana. Lake Charles offers a range of cultural attractions, including historic landmarks, museums, and delicious local food.
Minden
Minden is a charming city and parish seat located in Webster Parish, Louisiana. It is located twenty-eight miles east of Shreveport and is a popular destination for visitors seeking a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. As of the 2020 census, the city had a total population of 11,928.
Visitors can explore the city’s rich cultural heritage, enjoy outdoor activities, and experience the delightful character of Louisiana. With its warm climate, friendly locals, and rich cultural offerings, Minden is a fulfilling location in Louisiana.
Monroe
Monroe is a vibrant city located in the U.S. state of Louisiana and is the eighth-largest city in the state. It serves as the parish seat of Ouachita Parish and had a 2020 census-tabulated population of 47,702. Monroe is the principal city of the Monroe metropolitan statistical area, the second-largest metropolitan area in North Louisiana.
Visitors can savor the city’s deep heritage, enjoy outdoor pursuits, and explore the historic landmarks, museums, and charms of the city. Warm weather and a marvelous community spirit make this an unmissable city in the area.
Morgan City
Morgan City is a delightful small city located in St. Mary, situated in the Acadiana region. The population was 12,404 at the 2010 census. Known for being “right in the middle of everywhere,” Morgan City is located 68 miles (109 km) southeast of Lafayette, 64 miles (103 km) south of Baton Rouge, and 86 miles (138 km) west of New Orleans. Morgan City sits on the banks of the Atchafalaya River and is a popular destination for those seeking outdoor activities such as fishing and boating.
The town was originally named “Tiger Island” by surveyors appointed by U.S. Secretary of War John Calhoun because of a particular type of wild cat seen in the area. It was later changed for a time to “Brashear City,” named after Walter Brashear, a prominent Kentucky physician who had purchased large tracts of land and acquired numerous sugar mills in the area.
Morgan City was incorporated in 1860 and offers a range of cultural attractions, including historic landmarks, museums, and a vibrant local food scene. With its warm climate, friendly locals, and rich cultural offerings, Morgan City is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Louisiana.
Natchitoches
Natchitoches is a charming small city and the parish seat of Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana. Established in 1714 by Louis Juchereau de St. Denis as part of French Louisiana, the community was named after the indigenous Natchitoches people. The City of Natchitoches was incorporated on February 5, 1819, after Louisiana had become a state in 1812.
It is the oldest permanent settlement in the land acquired by the Louisiana Purchase. Natchitoches is home to Northwestern State University and is a popular destination for visitors seeking outdoor activities such as fishing and boating. Its sister city is Nacogdoches, Texas.
Natchitoches offers a range of cultural wonders, including historic landmarks, museums, and a wonderful culinary scene. With sunshine and friendly people, Natchitoches is a hugely satisfying location for all visitors.
New Iberia
New Iberia is a delightful city and the largest city in and parish seat of Iberia Parish in the U.S. state of Louisiana. The city of New Iberia is located approximately 21 miles (34 kilometers) southeast of Lafayette and forms part of the Lafayette metropolitan statistical area in the region of Acadiana. The 2020 United States census tabulated a population of 28,555.
New Iberia is a popular destination for visitors seeking outdoor activities such as fishing and boating. The city is served by a major four-lane highway, U.S. 90 (future Interstate 49), and has its own general aviation airfield, Acadiana Regional Airport. Scheduled passenger and cargo airline service is available via the nearby Lafayette Regional Airport located adjacent to U.S. 90 in Lafayette.
New Iberia offers an array of attractions, including historic landmarks, museums, and wonderful restaurants. With its warm climate, friendly locals, and rich cultural offerings, New Iberia is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Louisiana.
New Orleans
New Orleans is a world-renowned city located along the Mississippi River in the southeastern region of the U.S. state of Louisiana. With a population of 383,997 according to the 2020 U.S. census, it is the most populous city in Louisiana, the third most populous city in the Deep South, and the twelfth-most populous city in the southeastern United States.
Serving as a major port, New Orleans is considered an economic and commercial hub for the broader Gulf Coast region of the United States. New Orleans is also a region of French Louisiana, along with the Cajun Country. The city is famous for its distinctive music, Creole cuisine, unique dialects, and its annual celebrations and festivals, most notably Mardi Gras. The historic heart of the city is the French Quarter, known for its French and Spanish Creole architecture and vibrant nightlife along Bourbon Street.
The city has been described as the “most unique” in the United States, owing in large part to its cross-cultural and multilingual heritage. Additionally, New Orleans has increasingly been known as “Hollywood South” due to its prominent role in the film industry and in pop culture. Visitors will be thrilled by the city’s rich cultural heritage, gorgeous weather, characterful locals, and rich cultural offerings.
Opelousas
Opelousas is a marvelous small city and the parish seat of St. Landry Parish, Louisiana. Interstate 49 and U.S. Route 190 were constructed with a junction here. According to the 2020 census, Opelousas has a population of 15,786, a 6.53 percent decline since the 2010 census, which had recorded a population of 16,634.
Opelousas is the principal city for the Opelousas-Eunice Micropolitan Statistical Area, which had an estimated population of 80,808 in 2020. It is also the fourth largest city in the Lafayette-Acadiana Combined Statistical Area, which has a population of 537,947.
Visitors can explore the city’s rich heritage, enjoy outdoor activities, and experience the unique delights of Louisiana. Opelousas offers a range of attractions – historical, culinary, and cultural.
Pineville
Pineville is a lovely city located in Rapides Parish, Louisiana. It is located across the Red River from the larger Alexandria and is part of the Alexandria Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 14,555 at the 2010 census, having grown by 5 percent over the preceding decade.
Pineville is home to several large non-government employers, including Baker Manufacturing, Procter & Gamble, and Crest Industries. The city is also home to several major healthcare facilities, including the Central Louisiana State Hospital, the Pinecrest Supports and Services Center, the Huey P. Long Memorial Hospital (closed), the Alexandria Veterans Administration Medical Center, and the Alexandria National Cemetery.
Visitors can explore the city’s rich cultural heritage, enjoy outdoor activities, and experience the unique charm of Louisiana. Pineville offers a range of cultural attractions, including historic landmarks, museums, and a vibrant local food scene. With its warm climate, friendly locals, and rich cultural offerings, Pineville is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Louisiana.
Ruston
Ruston is a charming small city and the parish seat of Lincoln Parish, Louisiana. The 2020 population was 22,166. Ruston is located near the eastern border of the Ark-La-Tex region and is the home of Louisiana Tech University. The university brings a vibrant energy to the city, with its students and faculty contributing to the local culture and economy.
Ruston is the principal city of the Ruston micropolitan statistical area, which includes all of Lincoln Parish. Visitors can enjoy the city’s rich heritage, enjoy outdoor activities, and experience the amazing attractions of Louisiana. Ruston offers a range of cultural delights, including historic landmarks, museums, and an exciting local food scene.
Shreveport
Shreveport is a fascinating city located in the U.S. state of Louisiana. It is the third most populous city in Louisiana after New Orleans and Baton Rouge. The Shreveport–Bossier City metropolitan area, with a population of 393,406 in 2020, is the fourth largest in Louisiana, though 2020 census estimates placed its population at 397,590.
The bulk of Shreveport is in Caddo Parish, of which it is the parish seat. The city extends along the west bank of the Red River into neighboring Bossier Parish, with notable attractions such as Wright Island, the Charles and Marie Hamel Memorial Park, and Bagley Island.
The United States Census Bureau’s 2020 census tabulation for the city’s population was 187,593, though the American Community Survey’s census estimates determined 189,890 residents. Shreveport offers historic landmarks, museums, and a welcoming local food scene, along with a great climate, friendly locals, and rich cultural offerings.
Slidell
Slidell is a charming city located on the northeast shore of Lake Pontchartrain in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana. The population was 28,781 at the 2020 census, making it a small but vibrant community. Slidell is part of the New Orleans−Metairie−Kenner metropolitan statistical area, and visitors can easily access the city from nearby New Orleans.
The city is known for its beautiful location on the lake, which offers a range of outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. With its heritage, cultural institutions, food, and community spirit, Slidell is an essential destination for all visitors.
Sulphur
Sulphur is a charming city located in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana. The population was 21,809 in 2020, making it a small but vibrant community. Sulphur is part of the Lake Charles metropolitan statistical area, and visitors can easily access the city from nearby Lake Charles. The city is known for its rich history in the petrochemical industry, which has played a significant role in the city’s growth and development.
Tourists can enjoy the city’s industrial heritage, explore outdoor pursuits, and experience the amazing cultural charisma of Louisiana. With its warm weather and friendly residents, Sulphur is a perfect choice for anyone traveling to the area.
Thibodaux
Thibodaux is a charming city located in Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, along the banks of Bayou Lafourche in the northwestern part of the parish. The population was 15,948 at the 2020 census, making it a small but vivacious community. Thibodaux is the parish seat of Lafourche Parish and is a principal city of the Houma–Bayou Cane–Thibodaux metropolitan statistical area.
Thibodaux offers a range of wonderful attractions – historical, culinary, and cultural. With its welcoming climate, affable locals, and rich heritage, Thibodaux is an ideal option for all visitors to Louisiana.
West Monroe
West Monroe is a great city located in Ouachita Parish, Louisiana. It is situated on the Ouachita River, across from the neighboring city of Monroe, and the two cities are often referred to as the Twin Cities of northeast Louisiana. Its population was 13,065 at the 2010 census, making it a small but energetic community.
West Monroe is part of the Monroe Metropolitan Statistical Area and offers a range of cultural attractions, including historic landmarks, museums, and a delicious local food scene. The city is known for its beautiful location on the Ouachita River, which offers a range of outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming.
Westwego
Westwego is a wonderful city located in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana. It is a suburban community of New Orleans in the Greater New Orleans metropolitan area and lies along the west bank of the Mississippi River. The population of the city of Westwego was 8,568 at the 2020 United States Census, making it a small but welcoming community.
Visitors can explore the city’s rich cultural heritage, enjoy outdoor activities, and experience the unique charm of Louisiana. Westwego offers a range of cultural delights, including historic landmarks, museums, and a buzzing local culinary scene.
Zachary
Zachary is a charming city located in East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana. It lies 16 miles (26 km) north of the city of Baton Rouge and had a population of 14,960 at the 2010 census, up from 11,275 in 2000. At the 2020 census, Zachary’s population increased to 19,316, making it a growing and spirited community.
Visitors can explore the city’s rich cultural heritage, enjoy outdoor activities, and experience the distinctive charm of Louisiana. Zachary offers a range of attractions, including historic landmarks, museums, and local food. With its warm weather, friendly residents, and rich culture, Zachary is an unmissable location for anyone traveling to Louisiana.
Highways
Route 61
US 61 in Louisiana is a major highway that runs from New Orleans to the Mississippi state line, where it continues to Natchez as a four-lane highway. The section of US 61 from New Orleans to Baton Rouge is known as the Airline Highway, named for its straight route in contrast to the winding Jefferson Highway.
Legend has it that former Louisiana Governor Huey Long advocated for the construction of the “airline” highway to provide him with a quick means of access from the capitol building in Baton Rouge to the bars and other pleasure establishments in New Orleans.
The highway has a rich history and has been the site of notable events, including a 1987 incident involving televangelist Jimmy Swaggart. Despite its reputation for “seedy motels,” the highway remains an important transportation artery in Louisiana.
Route 65
U.S. Highway 65 (US 65) is a major highway that spans 966 miles (1,555 km) from Clayton, Louisiana to Albert Lea, Minnesota. In Louisiana, the highway covers 100.77 miles (162.17 km) from the national southern terminus at US 425/LA 15 in Clayton to the Arkansas state line north of Lake Providence.
US 65 runs parallel to the west bank of the Mississippi River through the northeastern portion of Louisiana, traversing four parishes. The largest towns along the route are Newellton, Tallulah, and Lake Providence.
In Tallulah, US 65 intersects with Interstate 20, the principal highway across northern Louisiana, which connects to a bridge across the Mississippi River at Vicksburg, Mississippi. The Natchez–Vidalia Bridge was part of US 65 prior to 2005 when the designation was replaced by that of US 425 between Clayton and Natchez.
Route 71
US 71 is a major highway that begins in Louisiana, between Port Barre and Krotz Springs, at an intersection with U.S. 190. The highway follows a northwesterly course through Louisiana, passing through the communities of Alexandria, Montgomery, Coushatta, and Shreveport.
From its southern terminus to Shreveport, US 71 has largely been superseded by Interstate 49, which is planned to roughly follow the US 71 alignment as far north as Kansas City, Missouri. After Shreveport, US 71 follows a northerly course, crossing into Arkansas just north of Ida, Louisiana. US 71 is an important transportation channel in Louisiana, connecting major cities and communities throughout the state.
Route 79
US 79 is a major highway that joins US 80 near Greenwood, Louisiana, and the two routes are cosigned through Shreveport. US 79/80 crosses the Red River over the Texas Street Bridge and continues into Bossier City. The routes parallel Interstate 20 through the old Bossier City Entertainment District until Minden, where the two routes separate. US 80 continues eastward, while US 79 turns to the northeast toward Homer.
In Homer, the route resumes a more northerly direction, traveling through Haynesville before crossing the Arkansas border about 7 miles (11 km) south of Emerson, Arkansas. US 79 is a key transportation artery in Louisiana, connecting major cities and communities throughout the state and beyond.
Route 80
US 80 is a major highway that runs parallel to the newer I-20 for the entirety of its length in Louisiana. The highway enters Louisiana from Texas in Caddo Parish as a two-lane road and passes through the town of Greenwood where it meets US 79 coming north from Texas. US 79/US 80 then runs concurrently eastward from there to Minden.
The highway passes over I-220 without an interchange and enters the main part of the urbanized area. US 171 ends at US 79/US 80 at the intersection with Hearne Avenue. At Mansfield Road, the highway name changes to Texas Avenue and angles northeast through an industrial area. The road skirts the I-20/I-49 interchange and expands to four lanes for its final approach to downtown Shreveport.
US 79/US 80 passes through downtown Shreveport on Texas Street before crossing the Red River on the 1930s vintage Long–Allen Bridge and entering Bossier City and Bossier Parish. US 80 is an important transportation route in Louisiana, connecting major cities and communities throughout the state.
Route 84
US 84 is a major highway that travels through several towns and parishes in Louisiana. After leaving Logansport, the highway travels through Stanley and then northeast into Mansfield, where it merges for a brief stretch with US 171. It continues east, crossing under I-49, until it reaches Grand Bayou, where it turns to the southeast, merging with Louisiana Highway 1 (LA 1).
After approximately two miles, it turns back again to the east, where it merges with US 71 in Coushatta and stays with that highway until Clarence. US 84 then heads northeast towards Winnfield, where it merges for a short time with US 167. It turns to the northeast towards Joyce, then begins a long stretch to the southeast, passing through Tullos, where it intersects US 165, through the parish seat of Jena, and continues in that direction until it crosses into Catahoula Parish.
The highway bears east through Jonesville until Ferriday, where it merges with US 425. It then heads southeast through Vidalia where it crosses the Mississippi River into Natchez, Mississippi. US 84 is an important transportation artery in Louisiana, connecting major cities and communities throughout the state and beyond.
Route 90
US 90 is a major east-west highway that runs through southern Louisiana for 297.6 miles, serving Lake Charles, Lafayette, New Iberia, Morgan City, and New Orleans. While much of US 90 west of Lafayette and east of New Orleans has been supplanted by Interstate 10 for all but local traffic, the section between Lafayette and New Orleans runs a good deal south of I-10.
The stretch between Lafayette and New Orleans is planned as a southern extension of I-49 and is signed as “future corridor I-49”. This part of the highway is important to the offshore petroleum industry, as it connects the cities of Lafayette and New Orleans to the port cities along the coast.
US 90 replaced almost all of the Louisiana section of the San Diego–St. Augustine Old Spanish Trail, and was also designated Louisiana Highway 2 until the 1955 renumbering. A long section of the old road, from Lafayette to northeast of Raceland, is now LA 182. US 90 is a vital transportation channel in Louisiana, connecting major cities and communities throughout the state.
Route 165
US 165 is a major highway that follows a diagonal north-south route through Louisiana, passing through several towns and communities. From its southern terminus in Iowa at US 90 near Lake Charles, US 165 passes through the casino town of Kinder, where it intersects US 190. Just south of Alexandria, it merges with US 71 and they join through the west side of the city, across the Red River and into Pineville.
A new four-lane bridge is being built beside the aging OK Allen Bridge, and at that time, US 165 will be completely four-laned for most of its traverse of Louisiana. Going on through the Kisatchie National Forest, the rest of the highway to Monroe is forest land, farmland, and small towns. Crossing I-20 in Monroe, the highway proceeds to Bastrop and crosses the Arkansas line a few miles north of the town.
Due to the Louisiana DOT TIMED Project, US 165 is now a four-lane divided highway from Iowa to Bastrop. US 165 passes near three federal prisons: USP Oakdale and two near Pollock. Also, near Oakdale is the ruins of Camp Claiborne, an abandoned WWII military post. US 165 is an important transportation artery in Louisiana, connecting major cities and communities throughout the state.
Route 167
US 167 is a major north-south highway that runs through the center of Louisiana for roughly its entire length, passing through several towns and communities. The route runs 241.05 miles from the national southern terminus at Louisiana Highway 14 Business in Abbeville to the Arkansas state line at Junction City.
US 167 passes through two of the state’s metropolitan areas, Lafayette and Alexandria. Between those cities, the highway overlaps the southern 23 miles of Interstate 49 from Lafayette through Opelousas before making a diversion through rural Evangeline Parish to serve the small city of Ville Platte.
US 167 follows a combination of I-49 and the Pineville Expressway through Alexandria and Pineville, crossing the Red River via the twin-span Purple Heart Memorial Bridge. US 167 remains a surface four-lane highway through northern Louisiana and is the primary north-south route through Winnfield, Jonesboro, and Ruston. US 167 is a chief transportation route in Louisiana, connecting major cities and communities throughout the state and beyond.
Route 171
US 171 is a major north-south highway that spans 177.44 miles in a north-south direction entirely within the state of Louisiana. It is the only route within the United States Numbered Highway System currently located entirely within Louisiana. The highway stretches from the junction of US 90 and Louisiana Highway 14 in Lake Charles to the junction of US 79/US 80 and LA 3094 in Shreveport.
Along its route, US 171 passes through several towns and communities, including DeRidder, Many, and Mansfield. The highway is an important transportation artery in Louisiana, connecting major cities and communities throughout the state.
Route 190
US 190 is a major highway that crosses the Sabine River and enters the western portion of Louisiana in swampy bayou terrain three miles west of Merryville, Louisiana. Merryville is the location of the old Coushatta Indian village. From Merryville, the highway heads north by northeast to the community of Junction, Louisiana, where Louisiana Highway 111 and US 190 intersect and is the site of a roadside marker and the joining of two Indian trails.
US 190 heads east to DeRidder, where it runs concurrently with US 171 south and passes several sites on the National Register of Historic Places. US 190 runs concurrently with US 171 to Ragley, where US 190 parts with US 171 heading east. From Ragley, the two-lane highway heads nearly due east almost parallel to I-10 until Opelousas.
US 190 crosses the northern reach of the Atchafalaya Basin near the Morganza Spillway en route to Baton Rouge. From Baton Rouge, US 190 passes through several towns and communities, including Denham Springs, Albany, Hammond, Robert, Goodbee, Covington, and Mandeville, before reaching the eastern terminus at Slidell. US 190 is an important transportation channel in Louisiana, connecting major cities and communities throughout the state and beyond.
Interstates
Interstate 49
Interstate 49 (I-49) is a major interstate highway that spans 244.021 miles in a north-south direction in Louisiana, connecting the state’s two east-west interstates at two of its metropolitan centers. It runs from I-10 in Lafayette to the Arkansas state line north of Shreveport, largely paralleling the older US Highway 71 corridor.
Along the way, I-49 serves several cities, including Opelousas, Alexandria, and Natchitoches, and intersects several cross-state highways such as I-20, US 190, US 167, US 165, and US 84. I-49 was an intrastate interstate highway until December 12, 2012, when the designation was officially approved for an upgraded portion of US 71 in Missouri running from Joplin north to Kansas City.
A southern extension of the route from Lafayette to New Orleans is planned along the US 90 corridor, making I-49 an even more important transportation artery in Louisiana.
Interstate 12
Interstate 12 (I-12) is a major interstate highway located entirely within the state of Louisiana. It spans a total of 85.59 miles in an east-west direction from I-10 in Baton Rouge to an interchange with both I-10 and I-59 in Slidell.
Along the way, it passes through several cities, including Hammond, Ponchatoula, Denham Springs, Covington, and Mandeville. I-12 parallels the older US 190 corridor and traverses the North Shore of Lake Pontchartrain in the southeastern portion of the state. The interstate serves as both a northern bypass of the New Orleans metropolitan area and an alternate route for I-10, which serves the city of New Orleans itself.
In 1993, the Louisiana State Legislature designated I-12 as the Republic of West Florida Parkway. Louisiana is in the process of widening I-12 to three lanes in each direction in locations such as Covington and Mandeville where the interstate is still two lanes in each direction.
Interstate 55
Interstate 55 (I-55) is a major interstate highway that spans 964.25 miles from LaPlace, Louisiana, to Chicago, Illinois. Within Louisiana, the highway travels 66 miles from the national southern terminus at I-10 in LaPlace to the Mississippi state line north of Kentwood.
The route is located in the southeastern portion of Louisiana and parallels the older U.S. Highway 51 corridor. While passing through the city of Hammond, I-55 intersects two of the state’s major east-west routes, I-12 and US 190. It also serves the smaller city of Ponchatoula, as well as the towns of Amite City and Kentwood.
I-55 is a major highway through the New Orleans metropolitan area and serves as an important hurricane evacuation route for the region. The southern 23 miles of I-55, consisting of a twin-span viaduct through the Manchac swamp, was completed in 1979 and is one of the longest bridges in the world.
Interstate 10
Interstate 10 (I-10) is a major transcontinental interstate highway that runs across the southern part of Louisiana for 274.42 miles from Texas to Mississippi. It passes through several major cities, including Lake Charles, Lafayette, and Baton Rouge. I-10 dips south of Lake Pontchartrain to serve the New Orleans metropolitan area before crossing Lake Pontchartrain and leaving the state.
The highway is an important transportation artery in Louisiana, connecting major cities and communities throughout the state and beyond. On August 29, 2005, the I-10 Twin Span Bridge was severely damaged by Hurricane Katrina, rendering it unusable. The bridge was later repaired and replaced with two higher elevation spans in 2009 and 2010, ensuring the continued functionality of I-10 in Louisiana.
Interstate 20
Interstate 20 (I-20) is a major interstate highway that spans 1,539.38 miles from Reeves County, Texas, to Florence, South Carolina. Within Louisiana, the highway travels 189.84 miles from the Texas state line west of Greenwood to the Mississippi River, which it crosses into Vicksburg, Mississippi.
I-20 traverses the northern portion of the state, serving the metropolitan areas of Shreveport-Bossier City and Monroe, as well as the smaller cities of Minden and Ruston. It entirely parallels the older U.S. Highway 80 corridor through Louisiana. The route is mirrored by I-10, which traverses the southern portion of the state.
The two are connected by I-49, the state’s major north-south interstate highway. I-20 is an important transportation artery in Louisiana, connecting major cities and communities throughout the state and beyond.
