Roughly divided into two halves – the uplands to the north, and the alluvial marshlands to the south – Louisiana offers abundant opportunity for fun and exploration. Nature-lovers have rivers, lakes, forests and streams in which to try world-class fishing, biking, paddling, hiking and wildlife-watching. Sports fans can catch a game at the Superdome – home to the Saints NFL team, and one of the world’s largest buildings. Shoppers have some of the best markets and malls in the country, many offering a tax refund to overseas visitors.

As with many American states, the best way to see as much as possible is to rent a car. One of the most memorable drives to take is along the River Road, which follows the banks of the Mississippi River to Baton Rouge, 100km upstream, and passes many of the old plantation homes on the way.

Once owned by wealthy French colonialists, the homes make for a fascinating insight into how life used to be in Louisiana. It was outside these mansions that slaves would load and unload sugar or cotton onto the steamboats. At the Laura Plantation, you can take a tour of the house and read the vivid accounts of the estate, from the point of view of the slaves who once lived and worked here.

Another must-visit is Poverty Point in Northeastern Louisiana. This series of prehistoric earthworks and mounds date back to between 1650 and 700 BC, and archeologists believe they may have formed an ancient settlement or religious centre built by the Native Americans. Poverty Point is now a World Heritage Site and US National Site.

Louisiana has a high degree of biological diversity, and operates some 22 state parks, 17 state historic sites and one state preservation area. In the state’s only national forest – the 243,000ha Kisatchie National Forest – flatwoods and longleaf pines support many rare animal and plant species, including the red-cockaded woodpecker and the Louisiana pine snake. Around Lake Pontchartrain, to the south, are protected wetlands, slow-moving bayous and America’s largest network of swamps, harbouring wildlife such as alligators and egrets.

You can take a swamp tour from one of the many landings in the Atchafalaya Basin, but be sure to choose one that takes you far into the backwaters, where you can see plenty of wildlife, and possibly a gator or two.

Louisiana has more Native American tribes than any other Southern state. And one of the most memorable activities you can take part in is a Native American-Indian pow-wow. The Tunica-Biloxi Pow Wow takes place at the tribal reservation in Marksville, where dancers in colourful dress move around the ring to a steady drumbeat that is highly mesmerising.

If all that exploring has got you looking for that ideal Southern souvenir to take home and remind you of your trip, head to the Garden District in New Orleans, especially Magazine Street, which has six miles of antique shops, stores and clothing boutiques that stock all manner of products, from trinkets to handicrafts and one-off pieces.

For food shoppers, the orchards, plantations and markets often sell delicious goods, which make great souvenirs – if you don’t eat them first. Head to the old Farmers’ Market, just off Decatur St in New Orleans, for spices, sauce and fresh produce. Louisiana is also famous for making Tabasco, so if you don’t pick up your hot sauce at the market, you can take a trip to Avery Island to see how the real deal is made, and buy a few bottles to take home.

A more mainstream shopping experience can be had at The Louisiana Boardwalk in Bossier City – the largest outlet mall in Louisiana, with more than 70 stores stocking well-known brands. In New Orleans, there’s the newly renovated Outlet Collection at Riverwalk – an outlet mall that runs along the Mississippi River in the CBD.

The great news for international visitors is that sales tax refunds are made at nearly 900 tax-free stores statewide, and most major shopping centres in New Orleans and Baton Rouge are tax-free zones.

Louisiana Boardwalk gives a sales tax refund on purchases up to $500 in cash and over $500 by cheque. The sales tax refund is provided on tangible items purchased at participating tax-free stores and taken out of the US. Not to be confused with duty-free shops in airports, Louisiana Tax Free Shopping can be found at such names as Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s, JCPenney, Gucci and Gap, so you’re sure to find something to suit you.