Situated Between Baton Rouge And New Orleans Is A Charming Riverfront Treasure With Seafood And Festivals

Those familiar with the topography of New Orleans know that the Crescent City sits along both the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain. As one of the largest lakes in the United States (behind the Great Lakes), the northern edge of Lake Pontchartrain is full of small towns and hidden gems, including the often-overlooked treasure that is Madisonville.

Madisonville is surrounded by other beautiful destinations, with the underrated town just on the other side of Highway 190 from "Louisiana's lakeside retreat," aka the city of Mandeville. It's also just south of Covington, a charming city offering cute cafes and artsy vibes. Keeping up with its neighboring areas, Madisonville boasts the unique distinction of bordering both the lake and the Tchefuncte River, making it a delightful spot that's perfect for a weekend getaway.

However, it's not just Madisonville's proximity to water that makes it appealing. The town knows how to host a celebration, like the Wooden Boat Festival or the Mardi Gras Boat Parade. Madisonville is also home to some fantastic restaurants that can give even the gourmand-friendly New Orleans a run for its money. Overall, for quiet, laid-back lakeside and riverfront charm, Madisonville has you covered.

As with many Louisiana towns, Madisonville's roots trace back to French exploration and colonization of the region. French settlers congregated around the mouth of the Tchefuncte River as early as 1773 and called their village Coquille, meaning "shell." After the original settlers fled from fear of Native American attacks, the site was re-established by a man named Jean Baptiste Baham in 1783. After he died, residents renamed the town Madisonville to honor President Madison in 1811. The town was officially incorporated in 1817.

Since the beginning, the Tchefuncte River has been a big part of Madisonville's history and identity. Much of the town is built along the river, and some of the best eateries overlook the water. For example, at T Rivers Bar and Grill, boats can pull up to the restaurant and grab a bite or a pint while listening to a live show. For incredible seafood, the Anchor and Morton's Seafood Restaurant are both fantastic choices, featuring oysters, shrimp, and fresh catches of the day. There's also the Wakehouse, which floats on the river and serves Louisiana comfort food.

Boating is another essential part of Madisonville's culture, as evidenced by the Maritime Museum of Louisiana, which dives into maritime history for both Madisonville and the rest of the Pelican State. The museum hosts the annual Wooden Boat Festival in October, which features an impressive selection of historical and modern boats over two days of family-friendly fun. Also, in February, on the Sunday before Mardi Gras, the Krewe of Tchefuncte hosts a boat parade that ends at the Maritime Museum.

Since Madisonville is just across Lake Pontchartrain, it's only a 40-minute drive from the Louis Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans. However, if you live in the South and want to drive to Madisonville, it's conveniently located off of I-12. If you're planning on taking a road trip, you can explore other small towns in the area, including the world's "Strawberry Capital," the quaint Louisiana city of Ponchatoula.

As far as hotel options, Madisonville doesn't have anything within the city limits. Instead, if you prefer chain accommodations, you'll need to head up to Covington. That said, Madisonville does have a few vacation rental options along the river for a more unique travel experience.

Although eating fresh seafood and participating in boat festivals are certainly top reasons to add Madisonville to your bucket list, the city also has some incredible outdoor spaces. One of the most impressive spots is the Lake Pontchartrain scenic viewpoint, which is practically next to the historic Tchefuncte River Lighthouse. If you want to hang out by the river, check out Riverside Park, or head across the Tchefuncte and visit the Fairview-Riverside State Park for more hiking trails and amenities.