Opelousas, LA Outdoor Activities

Rök Haus poses challenges for all levels of climber via wall surfaces that span from introductory routes to treacherous inversions, which summon strength and smarts from even the most accomplished scrambler. The friendly staff keeps a lookout for safety while competitive climbers try to navigate the central climbing boulder’s circuitous network of pathways, ensuring that the climbers do not seek guidance by bribing a local troll with Tootsie Rolls. Between ascents, climbers can take a break from the rigorous physical and mental exertion on one of the couches in the relaxation area adjacent to the climbing walls.

Today, Bocage Plantation's eight white columns and grand staircase gleam in the afternoon sun just steps from the Mississippi River. But the 175-year-old Greek Revival mansion hasn’t always looked this dapper. When Louisiana native Dr. Marion Rundell purchased the property in 2008, he supervised a careful restoration before beginning the mansion’s first public tours. The pathologist also decorated its interior with antiques and furniture from his personal collection, including Baccarat and Waterford chandeliers, old Paris porcelain vases, and paintings by Thomas Sully and Rembrandt Peale. A bed and breakfast with four rooms allows guests to bask in period atmosphere overnight.

The history of Bocage Plantation dates back to 1837, when wealthy planter Marius Pons Bringier had it built for his daughter and son-in-law. Architect James Dakin—best known for creating Baton Rouge's former state capitol building—designed the mansion, which now graces the National Register of Historic Places. The Bocage Plantations belongs to the prestigious group of Greek Revival and Creole plantations located along River Road, between New Orleans and Baton Rouge.

At Baker Range, Inc. cups of freshly brewed coffee accompany rented firearms and shooting lessons. Former Airborne Infantry Lieutenant of the 82nd Airborne Division and longtime lawman Gordon Hutchinson leads private lessons, where he dispenses tips on technique and safety. Instructor Shael Stringer heads up the range's security-training department. Required by the Louisiana State Board of Private Security Examiners, his training classes have steadied the hands or prehensile feet of thousands of security guards.

Originally built in 1930, Spring Hill Golf Course spans 6,665 yards of kempt fairways lined by mature trees and interspersed water hazards. The par 72 course snakes through the charming Spring Hill College campus, challenging golfers with subtle elevation changes, six ponds, and rogue professors interrogating passersby about the lost history of the mashie niblick. The driving range prepares golfers for their 18-hole odyssey, which begins with an unforgiving first hole—a 435-yard par 4 rated the course's most difficult.

PGA professional Shane Allen oversees the stately grounds, employing digital video analysis in lessons for juniors, adults, and caddies desperate to determine their most intimidating post-putt howl.

Course at a Glance:

• 18-hole, par 72 course
• Length of 6,665 yards from the farthest tees
• Course rating of 71.3 from the farthest tees
• Slope rating of 124 from the farthest tees
• Four tee options
• Scorecard

Spanish moss drops from the branches of Afton Villa Gardens’s 250 live oaks, brushing the shoulders of Apollo, Diana, and other faded statues of Greek gods. The vitality of the greenery stands in stark contrast to the remnants of past grandeur dotting the landscape. A Gothic Revival mansion stood in the center of Afton Villa Gardens 130 years ago, but crumbled in a 1963 fire. But signs of the estate remain: classical statues carved from Italian stone dot the 250 acres of fertile land, and the mansion’s brick foundation now supports English wallflowers, wild ferns, and exotic Post-it notes.

As the newest residents and caretakers, the Trimble family pays homage to the past not only by preserving the ruins, but by nurturing plants typical to 19th-century southern gardens and West Feliciana parish. Camellias and sweet olive border a formal boxwood parterre, and honeysuckle and silverbell compete for the affections of bumblebees beneath cherry trees. Visitors are welcome to tote along food and beverages to savor a picnic lunch on the idyllic grounds.

At Skate Heaven, wheels glide around a vibrantly decorated rink whose mural walls depict fiery planets, eggplant-purple clouds, and the star-studded blackness of space. This galactic arena sets the stage for guests to cruise around on traditional skates or rollerblades, racing furiously until someone runs out of petrol. In addition to skating, Skate Heaven entertains visitors with games of laser tag open to all ages and heights, making it ideal for octogenarian giraffes. As older siblings cavort around the rink or laser-tag arena, wee ones can tumble over bright cushions or crawl through transparent tubes in the soft play area.