According to ezhoushan.net, Ascension Parish is located in southeastern Louisiana, just east of Baton Rouge. It encompasses a total area of 363 square miles and has a population of over 115,000 people. The parish was officially established in 1807 and is named after the Ascension of Jesus Christ.
The parish offers an abundance of attractions for visitors to enjoy. From the historic plantations and museums such as the Galvez Town Historical Park, to outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, and bird watching at the Bayou Manchac Wildlife Management Area, there’s something for everyone. The parish also hosts a number of annual festivals including Mardi Gras, Jambalaya Festival, Gumbo Cookoff, and Louisiana Crawfish Festival.
The parish is also home to some famous people such as former NFL quarterback Jake Delhomme; actress Reese Witherspoon; recording artist Lil’ Wayne; actor John Goodman; and country music star Trace Adkins. Notable politicians from Ascension Parish include Governor John Bel Edwards and Senator Bill Cassidy.
Ascension Parish is an ideal destination for those looking to explore the unique culture and history that Louisiana has to offer. With its rich culture, diverse attractions, festivals, and famous residents it’s no wonder why this vibrant parish continues to be a popular destination for travelers from around the world.
Climate and weather in Ascension Parish, Louisiana
According to anycountyprivateschools.com, Ascension Parish, Louisiana has a subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. The area is known for its high levels of precipitation throughout the year, as it averages about 60 inches of rain annually. The average temperature in the summer months ranges from the mid-80s to low-90s, while winter temperatures range from the mid-40s to upper-50s.
The area is prone to storms and hurricanes due to its location on the Gulf Coast. During hurricane season, which runs from June 1st – November 30th, residents should take extra precautions and pay close attention to forecasts and warnings. Tornadoes are also possible in Ascension Parish as they occur frequently in Louisiana due to its geographic location.
The parish experiences long periods of sunshine throughout the year due to its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and Gulf Coast region. This makes it an ideal place for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, hiking, biking, and bird watching. Additionally, Ascension Parish has an abundance of natural beauty including wetlands, swamps, forests, rivers and bayous that make it a great spot for nature lovers.
Transportation in Ascension Parish, Louisiana
Ascension Parish, Louisiana is served by several transportation options. The two major highways that pass through the parish are Interstate 10 and Highway 61. Additionally, the parish is served by several local roads and bridges including LA 42, LA 30, LA 73, and LA 3125. Public transit in Ascension Parish is provided by Ascension Transit which offers bus routes throughout the area.
The nearest airport to Ascension Parish is Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport which is located about 25 miles away in Baton Rouge. The airport offers a variety of domestic and international flights to major cities such as Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston. Additionally, there are two sea ports located near Ascension Parish – Port Fourchon in Grand Isle and Port of South Louisiana in Laplace.
Ascension Parish also has a rail system that connects it to other parts of Louisiana and other states such as Arkansas and Mississippi. Amtrak provides passenger service between New Orleans Union Station and Baton Rouge with stops at Gonzales, Donaldsonville and White Castle. Freight railroads also operate in the area providing goods transportation for businesses throughout the parish.
For those looking to explore Ascension Parish without a car there are several taxi companies available as well as ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft which can be accessed via their respective apps on smartphones or tablets. There are also bicycle rentals available at various locations throughout the parish for those looking to explore on two wheels.
Cities and towns in Ascension Parish, Louisiana
According to countryaah.com, Ascension Parish, Louisiana is home to several cities and towns that offer a variety of amenities and attractions. Gonzales is the largest city in the parish and serves as its county seat. The city is known for its vibrant historic downtown with restaurants, shops, art galleries and more. Additionally, Gonzales hosts a variety of events throughout the year including festivals, parades, concerts and more.
Donaldsonville is another city in Ascension Parish located on the banks of the Mississippi River. The city has a rich history dating back to 1806 when it was founded as a river port town. Today, Donaldsonville offers visitors a range of attractions such as historic homes, museums, art galleries and more.
The small town of Sorrento is located in the southeastern corner of Ascension Parish along Highway 61. Sorrento prides itself on being “the gateway to Cajun Country” with its abundance of local restaurants featuring traditional Cajun cuisine. Additionally, visitors can enjoy fishing at nearby Lake Verret or take a stroll down Main Street to admire the unique architecture found throughout town.
Other towns in Ascension Parish include Prairieville which boasts an abundance of parks and green spaces; White Castle which has an interesting railroad history; Geismar which is home to one of Louisiana’s oldest churches; St. Amant which has several historical sites; Galvez which features several community events every year; and Gonzales Bayou which offers excellent fishing opportunities.
No matter what someone may be looking for – culture, history, outdoor activities or just some relaxation – they can find it in Ascension Parish. With its various cities and towns each offering something unique there truly is something for everyone here.