Metairie Homepage

Hugging Harahan on three sides the unincorporated area of Metairie is home to many parks theaters and shopping areas. Once primarily a residential area Metairie has now grown into a thriving business center.

Metairie is also home to the longest bridge over water in the world the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway. The Causeway connects Metairie with St. Tammany Parish on the North Shore. Lake Pontchartrain which also borders the Jefferson Parish communities of Bucktown and Kenner is not really a lake at all because of its salt-water content. The 610-square mile body of water is joined with the Mississippi Sound and is technically an estuary. It is also the largest inland estuary in the United States.

The lake is also the site each summer of incredible acrobatic air shows staged by hundreds of thousands of purple martins birds who seem to dance in the air above the lake. On the Metairie side of the 24-mile causeway the Expressway Commission has created a place for avid birdwatchers to see the purple martins as they fly in huge formations. The performances occur at dusk peaking during the month of July.

Lafreniere Park

One of the favorite "green spots" of Jefferson Parish residents this 155-acre park located in Metairie is ideal for visitors who want to escape the crowds of the city and have a picnic or a game of softball. At the center of the park is the Pavilion a natural wood structure designed as a multi-purpose outdoor center. The Pavilion is used throughout the year for weddings parties Christmas caroling and much more. With its picturesque lagoons and landscaping the park is perfect for family recreation. It is accessible from Veterans Boulevard and at Downs Boulevard from David Drive.