7 Best Things to Do in Slidell, Louisiana

By VacationIdea Staff on July 11, 2022 - Updated

George Howard/stock.adobe.com

Slidell was founded back in 1882 during the building of a major railroad from New Orleans, which would eventually run all the way to NYC. Slidell is located on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain in St. Tammany Parish and offers visitors an enticing glimpse of life on the Bayous. Slidell has an award-winning Main Street where you can soak of the atmosphere of the town. For outdoor entertainment you can go walking, cycling for skating along the wonderful (and accessible) 31-mile Tammany Trace, or go on a nature walk in Camp Salmen Nature Park. For a true taste of dining Bayou style you can visit Palmettos on the Bayou.

We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.

1.Olde Towne Slidell Main Street

Just about everywhere you go in the US you will find that the original Main Street of the town is the key to unlocking the history of the town. Slidell is no different and Olde Towne Slidell Main Street, filled with historic homes, unique boutiques and restaurants, antique stores and bars, lies at the heart of the town. A few of the highlights of the Main Street include Carey Street Park which hosts small community events and offers visitors a relaxing outdoor place to visit. Other regular events include outdoor Farm to Table dinners and a popular 4-day event called “A Taste of Olde Town, which showcases food and wine.

Olde Towne Slidell Main Street, Slidell, LA 70458

2.Camp Salmen Nature Park, Slidell, Louisiana

The Salmen Nature Park in Slidell has undergone many reincarnations since it was originally home to a trading post in the early 1800’s. Today visitors come to the 130-acre park to enjoy walking and hiking along a variety of trails which lead you through a habitat which supports a rich collection of natural plants, animals and birds. You can still see the original old trading post (which is undergoing renovations) and there are plans to open a small museum on the site to celebrate its history. One of the highlights of the park is the “Boundless Playground” which offers an exceptional children’s playground suitable for all children including those with special needs.

Camp Salmen Nature Park, 35122 Parish Parkway, Slidell, LA 70460, Phone: 985-867-9490

3.Tammany Trace, Slidell, Louisiana

Back in the early day in Louisiana, the railway brought life to St. Tammany Parish. Today, a portion of the original Illinois Central Railroad Corridor has been converted into a wonderful recreational facility as part of the Rails to Trails initiative. The Tammany Trace is a 31-mile tarred trail which crisscrosses St. Tammany, including urban, suburban and rural areas. The trail is suitable for walking, cycling, roller-blades, horse-back riding and is fully accessible to wheelchair users and buggies. The trace also links various wildlife areas and wetlands as well as protecting historic landmarks. Along the way you will come across no fewer than 31 bridges which offer excellent views of the bayous, rivers and streams.

Tammany Trace Trailhead, 2289 Hwy.190, Slidell, LA 70460, Phone: 985-781-1229

4.Slidell Little Theatre, Slidell, LA

The Slidell Little Theatre was founded by local volunteers in 1963 and has been entertaining the Slidell community and visitors every since. Locally famous for producing a wonderful variety of theatrical productions and concerts, the Little Theater is a true community project which depends on volunteers offering their services to choreograph performances, build stage sets and design costumes. Today the SLT has its own state-of-the-art home in Nellie Drive, where it presents numerous shows and charity events each year. Residents, including children, are encouraged to audition and to take part in bringing the performing arts to the St. Tammany community.

Slidell Little Theatre, 2024 Nellie Dr, Slidell, LA 70458, Phone: 985-643-0556

5.Palmettos on the Bayou, Slidell, Louisiana

Set on the edge of Bayou Bonfouca, close to the historic Roberts Landing, Palmettos on the Bayou is an obvious choice for visitors wishing to experience the essence of the Louisiana Bayou. The restaurant boasts a wonderful outdoor deck where you can enjoy your meal surrounded by the sights and sounds of this very special waterfront eatery. Look forward to feasting on Louisiana specialties like char-grilled oysters, crab cakes, summer corn and crab salad, freshly caught local fish, seafood and steaks. Palmettos is open for lunch and dinner Wednesday through Saturday and for brunch on Sundays, when you can enjoy live music to enhance your Cajun dining experience.

Palmettos on the Bayou, 1901 Bayou Lane, Slidell, LA 70458, Phone: 985 643 0050

6.Gallagher’s on Front Street, Slidell, Louisiana

Owner Pat Gallagher of Gallagher’s on Front Street is by no means new to the restaurant business – he opened his first restaurant in Folsom in 1978 and has gone from strength to strength. With over forty years of experience in the restaurant and catering trade, diners can look forward to enjoying wonderful food at any of Pat’s restaurants. The Front Street location is upscale and the food and service receives rave reviews. You can look forward to feasting on delicious local specialties like Louisiana Style Crab Cakes, Seafood Gumbo, a selection of perfectly cooked steaks and wonderful freshly-caught local fish and seafood.

Gallagher’s on Front Street, 2306 Front St, Slidell, LA 70458, Phone: 985-326-8350

7.The Original Italian Pie, Slidell, Louisiana

The Original Italian Pie restaurant franchise started when the first location opened in New Orleans in 1992. Originally dedicated to serving the best gourmet pizzas in town, the franchise soon branched out and started serving other Italian favorites. When you visit the Slidell branch of Italian Pie you can look forward to choosing Italian favorites from an extensive menu which kicks off with a delicious-sounding list of soups and salads. After this comes a selection of baked sandwiches before you even get to their famous gourmet pizzas. If you are not in the mood for pizza you can choose other Italian classics like Lasagna (three versions), ravioli and several other pasta choices. There are also a variety of wrapped and backed Mediterranean flatbreads.

The Original Italian Pie, 1319 Gause Blvd, Slidell, LA 70458, Phone: 985-661-0240