Louisiana
Louisiana's Most Dangerous Waterway, Will You Be On It July 4th?
The July 4th holiday is upon us in Louisiana. School kids have been out in cities like Lafayette, New Iberia, Opelousas, and Crowley for more than a month. That means our mindset along the bayou is less about school days and more about sun days. That’s the sun as in fun in the sun as opposed to our weekly day of rest.
Woman in Bikini on Beach
The July 4th holiday falls on a Thursday. Not the best day of the week but at least it’s not a Wednesday. And for a lot of us, the Fourth of July means getting in or on the water. We love to take the boat out to our secret fishing spot and we also love to water ski.
But then again, there is something that is quite relaxing about just going with the flow. You know, taking a float trip down a scenic Louisiana waterway. We have our tubes, our friends, and our tubes for our drinks, and what could go wrong?
Bogue Chitto Tubing Center, Facebook
Drownings Are On The Increase in Louisiana
From 2020 to 2021 Louisiana saw an increase of 60% in the number of reported drownings. Many of these fatal mishaps occurred in backyard swimming pools or more structured bathing facilities. However, there were more than a few that happened in our state’s lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams.
This got us to wonder, what is Louisiana’s most dangerous body of water.
Louisiana Department Of Wildlife and Fisheries
At first blush, we contemplated the Mississippi River. It’s a very busy waterway and the opportunity for a mishap is quite plentiful. Fortunately, in order to pilot a vessel on the Father of Waters you have to be trained and licensed.
Then we contemplated the Gulf of Mexico. Every year we hear of fatal mishaps that involved the coastal waters of Louisiana. But the problem with the Gulf is where do you draw the line. If a cruise boat passenger sailing from Louisiana falls off the boat near Mexico, is that still a “Louisiana Gulf of Mexico” mishap?
Louisiana’s Most Dangerous Body of Water is 112 Miles Long
We did some snooping online and discovered through the website, Only in Your State, that the most treacherous body of water in Louisiana only covers a very short distance. To the untrained eye, the surface of the water looks to be calm and peaceful but the danger is lurking beneath the whiskey-brown shade of water that is slowly flowing by.
The body of water listed by Only in Your State as the most dangerous in Louisiana is the Amite River. The river is very popular with sportsmen, especially in the lower 30 some odd miles. So there is a lot of traffic in that part of the river but that’s not why the Amite earns the title of “Most Dangerous”.
Why Is the Amite River Louisiana’s Most Dangerous Body of Water?
The answer to that is two-fold. The river is dangerous because of the limited visibility. You can’t see more than a few inches underwater, that is if you could even stand to open your eyes. So, things that go into the water are seldom seen again. There are also a lot of hidden branches, trees, and debris that can snag a person’s foot while they are swimming.
The second and probably the biggest reason the Amite River is considered to be the “most dangerous” has to do with the popularity of the river. Not only do fishermen love the Amite but those who love a good float trip flock to the Amite River as soon as it’s warm enough to get in the water.
The sheer volume of people creates more opportunities for tragedy especially when you mix in abundant sunshine, coolers of alcohol, and a laissez-less bon temps rouler attitude.
Fortunately, most people who float the Amite River do so with a group. That means people looking out for people. If you do plan on floating this river or any body of water this summer, make sure you have a friend too. Never swim alone and don’t ever dive into water that you don’t know the depth of. Be safe and have fun and remember it is not the river that’s dangerous, it’s the actions of the people on the river that cause the problems.
11 Odd Things People Say When They Find Out You’re From Louisiana
Gallery Credit: Bruce Mikells
NEW ORLEANS, La (WVUE) – A new education center in the town of Jean Lafitte is giving visitors a chance to learn about south Louisiana’s coast.
Dave McNamara explores how the center combines history, culture, science, and a walk through a cypress swamp in the heart of Louisiana.
For more, visit the Heart of Louisiana archive here.
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Copyright 2026 WVUE. All rights reserved.
Luxury resort in Sarasota County ranked among South’s best new hotels
Luxury resort in Sarasota County ranked among South’s best new hotels
When you think of resorts, you probably think of hotels with expansive grounds, upscale amenities and all-inclusive packages.
While these types of resorts can surely be found in major-destination cities and foreign countries, Louisiana has its own resorts that are just as nice.
At Louisiana’s resorts, you can enjoy all the same amenities and stay at locations that are just as luxurious.
Plan your stays with Booking.com
Why these 6 resorts are the best in Louisiana for 2026
Travel US News has ranked the six best resorts in Louisiana based on hotel class rating, property type and guest reviews.
1. L’Auberge Casino Resort in Lake Charles
L’Auberge Casino Resort in Lake Charles is the best resort to stay in Louisiana, with a guest rating of 8.7 out of 10. More than just a nice place to stay, this resort offers premiere casino games, plenty of shopping, golfing opportunities, a spa, relaxing cabanas and upscale restaurants. The hotel also has business and fitness centers, and the rooms are in the modern arts and crafts style.
2. Caesars in New Orleans
Caesars in New Orleans is the second-best resort in Louisiana and has a guest rating of 7.9 out of 10. This resort has a great location within the Central Business District, making it near all the top attractions in the Crescent City. Here, there are plenty of dining and gambling opportunities. The rooms are equipped with standard amenities and are in a Louisiana-inspired style.
3. Margaritaville Resort Casino in Bossier City
Margaritaville Resort Casino in Bossier City is the third-best resort in Louisiana, with a guest rating of 8.7 out of 10. Strategically located across the Red River from Shreveport, this resort offers plenty to do, like testing your luck at the casino, spending a day by the pool, relaxing at the spa, eating delicious food at one of the restaurants or enjoying live entertainment at the performance hall.
4. Bally’s Casino & Hotel in Shreveport
Bally’s Casino & Hotel in Shreveport is among the best resorts in Louisiana and has a guest rating of 7.6 out of 10. Bally’s offers plenty of casino games and dining opportunities, and you can keep the night going with drinks and dancing at one of the lounges. The hotel offers business and fitness centers and the rooms come with standard amenities, like flat-screen TVs and minifridges.
5. Nottoway Plantation Resort in White Castle
Nottoway Plantation Resort in White Castle is one of the best resorts in Louisiana, as it is among the 4.0 star hotel class. This historic antebellum plantation, originally constructed in 1859, includes nine Acadian-style cottages, a salon, an outdoor pool, a fitness center and tennis courts. Visitors can tour the plantation house itself and embark on a guided tour of the on-site museum.
6. Cypress Bend Resort, a Wyndham Hotel in Many
Cypress Bend Resort, a Wyndham Hotel in Many is among the best resorts in Louisiana, with a guest rating of 7.7 out of 10. This hotel features two restaurants, a golf course, fitness center indoor and outdoor pools, as well as a bar and lounge. Belonging to the 3.0 star hotel class, this casual resort is the perfect spot for a quick getaway, as it’s set on 600 acres on Toledo Bend Lake.
Presley Bo Tyler is the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for USA Today Network. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com
The Louisiana Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at July 6, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Powerball numbers from July 6 drawing
17-44-63-66-67, Powerball: 04, Power Play: 2
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 3 numbers from July 6 drawing
8-7-1
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 numbers from July 6 drawing
5-9-3-6
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 5 numbers from July 6 drawing
0-3-3-5-6
Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
All Louisiana Lottery retailers will redeem prizes up to $600. For prizes over $600, winners can submit winning tickets through the mail or in person at Louisiana Lottery offices. Prizes of over $5,000 must be claimed at Lottery office.
By mail, follow these instructions:
- Sign and complete the information on the back of your winning ticket, ensuring all barcodes are clearly visible (remove all scratch-off material from scratch-off tickets).
- Photocopy the front and back of the ticket (except for Powerball and Mega Millions tickets, as photocopies are not accepted for these games).
- Complete the Louisiana Lottery Prize Claim Form, including your telephone number and mailing address for prize check processing.
- Photocopy your valid driver’s license or current picture identification.
Mail all of the above in a single envelope to:
Louisiana Lottery Headquarters
555 Laurel Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70801
To submit in person, visit Louisiana Lottery headquarters:
555 Laurel Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70801, (225) 297-2000.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. This office can cash prizes of any amount.
Check previous winning numbers and payouts at Louisiana Lottery.
When are the Louisiana Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 10 p.m. CT Tuesday and Friday.
- Pick 3, Pick 4 and Pick 5: Daily at 9:59 p.m. CT.
- Easy 5: 9:59 p.m. CT Wednesday and Saturday.
- Lotto: 9:59 p.m. CT Wednesday and Saturday.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Louisiana editor. You can send feedback using this form.
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