Life in Washington Parish
Washington Parish is located approximately 65 miles north of New Orleans, and is known for its family focus and inviting atmosphere. Its peaceful, central location, along with an affordable cost of living, make Washington Parish a great place to live.
Washington Parish’s economy is dominated by the manufacturing, healthcare, retail trade, and services sectors. Several business and tax initiatives have been created to further spur investment. Washington Parish has rail access and locations on major highways with easy access to Interstate Highways 55, 59, 10, and 12.
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Educational Opportunities in Washington Parish
Washington Parish is home to two public school systems, a charter school, and three private schools. These schools offer a quality education from Pre-K to 12th grade. The high schools offer college preparatory classes as well as programs designed to prepare students for the workforce.
Northshore Technical Community College
Northshore Technical Community College provides technical and academic program offerings, including career training and academic transfer opportunities in health sciences, industrial technology, business services, computer technology, and general education. Critical partnerships with business and industry provide direct job placement opportunities for graduates in all fields.
The Workforce Development Division provides various training ventures for our campuses, and business and industry stakeholders.
Immerse yourself in Bogue Chitto State Park
At Bogue Chitto State Park, visitors will experience a diversity of natural habitats on one of the most dynamic and scenic river systems in Louisiana. The 1,786-acre site includes small streams, cypress tupelo swamps, a hardwood forest, upland forests, and a rolling landscape. Overnight visitors will find accommodations from tent camping to RV camping to cabins overlooking the bluffs. For larger groups and family reunions, the park offers a group camp and a conference room.
Fourteen miles of equestrian trails wind through some of the most interesting topography of southern Louisiana, with the trailhead located near Fricke’s Cave. A day trip to Bogue Chitto State Park will be a full one, with a river perfect for canoeing or kayaking, 11 lakes stocked with a variety of freshwater fish, a water playground, numerous picnic pavilions, and an outdoor classroom.
Washington Parish Free Fair
The second oldest parish fair in Louisiana, also believed to be the largest free county/parish fair in the U.S., occurs annually during the month of October.
Where to Live in Washington Parish
Bogalusa
Originally a lumber town built by the Great Southern Lumber Company, Bogalusa– which derives from the Choctaw Indian term for “dark water”– offers a laid-back lifestyle in the piney woods of Washington Parish.
The birthplace of legendary blues icon Professor Longhair and Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Yusef Komunyakaa, “Bogie” celebrates its musical roots annually with the Bogalusa Blues and Heritage Festival, in addition to hosting Festival in the Park.
Franklinton
Boasting countless acres of farmland, Franklinton is home to the Washington Parish Fair, said to be the “world’s largest free fair,” drawing thousands for live performances and an extensive agricultural exhibit.
Proximity to the Bogue Chitto State Park also makes Franklinton an immensely popular regional destination for water sports, including boating and tubing.
Featured Parish Employers
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