These Louisiana Parks Ranked Among the Most Calming in America

LAFAYETTE, La. (KMDL-FM) - In a world filled with nonstop alerts, busy calendars, and hours spent staring at screens, many Americans are finding relief in something surprisingly simple: nearby green space. From beachside lawns and shaded city parks to riverwalks and public gardens, these everyday outdoor areas are increasingly serving as modern “micro-escapes” — places people go not for entertainment, but to slow down and reset.

How the Survey Ranked America’s Most Restorative Parks

To find out which spaces offer the greatest sense of calm, A Mission for Michael, a mental health provider, surveyed 3,006 people nationwide. Participants were asked to name the urban parks, gardens, riverfronts, and public green spaces that help them feel relaxed, grounded, and mentally refreshed.

READ MORE: Acadiana Campground Named One of the Best in the U.S. for 2026

The results produced a ranked list of the most restorative city green spaces in the U.S. — locations woven into daily life that, according to respondents, quietly play a meaningful role in supporting mental well-being.

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Which Louisiana Parks Made the National List

While no Louisiana spots made the top 10, there were three parks that did get mentioned, and one is right here in Lafayette.

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Here are the three Louisiana locations that were voted among the top "green getaways" in the country, with a brief description courtesy of A Mission for Michael. (The number represents the overall national ranking.)

#16 - Audubon Park, New Orleans

Spread across roughly 350 acres along the Mississippi River, the park is defined by its ancient live oaks, open lawns, and a 1.8-mile paved loop known locally as “The Fly,“ where walkers and joggers settle into an easy rhythm. Lagoons and shaded stretches soften the surrounding streets, creating natural buffers from traffic and noise.

#120 - Betty Virginia Park, Shreveport

In Shreveport's South Highlands neighborhood, Betty Virginia Park offers a welcoming slice of green that feels both spacious and calming. The roughly 23-acre public park features broad, well-kept lawns shaded by mature trees, a paved walking loop that draws locals for easy strolls or jogs, and picnic areas that naturally invite lingering. A playground and shaded picnic shelters add points of activity, yet there's still plenty of open space where people can sit on a blanket or bench and just let the day slow down.

#132 - Moncus Park, Lafayette

Moncus Park feels intentionally open and uncluttered, which makes slowing down feel natural rather than forced. Wide paths and open green areas encourage wandering without a destination, while the layout keeps things feeling calm even when others are around. Residents often come here to decompress after work, stretch out a walk, or spend time outdoors without distraction — a modern urban park that prioritizes ease and breathing room.

To see the complete list of top spaces to connect with nature in each state, click here.