Louisiana has only one working lighthouse, and this be it, on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain. Only a quick drive from downtown New Orleans, the New Canal Lighthouse Museum and Education Center lives on the first floor of the structure raised 19 feet about the level of the lake. The museum and its curators are all about conservation and the efforts taken to improve water quality and restore basin habitats following natural disasters. After perusing the museum and gift shop, the outdoor deck is a great place for picture taking. The south shore of the Lake is really beautiful, and being immersed in nature is a nice change of pace from the fast pace of the city.