Some of Louisiana's most picturesque bayous and swamps are located right outside of Westwego, a west bank community that was originally a springboard for pioneers headed to the western frontier. Nestled beside Bayou Segnette State Park, Westwego is now the launching point for many swamp tours and bayou excursions. It's also just a short distance away from several plantation homes along the Mississippi River.

A trip to Westwego would not be complete without a tour of Bayou Segnette. This 580-acre state park offers picnicking, a wave pool, and boat cruises through a maze of lakes and bayous. The park is particularly popular for its overnight facilities which include carpeted cabins with screen porches, bedrooms, living areas, cathedral, ceilings, and loft space. One hundred camp sites and three dormitories are also available. Call (504) 736-7140 for reservations or more information.

Also close to Westwego are the Harvey Canal Locks that connect the Mississippi River to the Harvey Canal. Back in the 1800s the locks served as ferries to transport railroad cars from one side of the canal to the other. Workers would then reunite the railroad cars on land. This service may have sparked the name of the town. According to one local folk tale trainmen would shout "West We Go" as the railroad cars were reconnected and pulled out of the station.

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