Wild animals gathered in a green outdoor wildlife setting

Village of Folsom

Folsom Louisiana

Discover rural farms and an engaging wildlife destination in the village of Folsom, Saint Tammany Parish.

A village with a rural character

History of Folsom


Folsom was founded in 1904 by George N. Fendlason. The village was named for Francis Folsom, the wife of President Grover Cleveland.

Its rural setting offers a different perspective on Saint Tammany Parish, with free-range chicken, cattle, and horse farms contributing to the local landscape.

A candid documentary view of wildlife at the Global Wildlife Center

Wildlife encounter

Folsom's Gem: The Global Wildlife Center

The Global Wildlife Center is a prominent attraction in Folsom, introducing visitors to animals from around the world.

Folsom offers visitors a quieter side of Saint Tammany Parish, where rural landscapes and small-town character shape the experience. Settled at the turn of the twentieth century, the village was named in honor of Francis Folsom and developed around farming traditions that remain visible in the surrounding countryside. Open land, working farms, and pastoral scenery give this community a distinctive identity, inviting travelers who want to explore beyond the Northshore's more familiar lakefront and downtown districts.

The rural setting of Folsom creates opportunities to see free-range livestock and working farms as part of the landscape. Cattle, horses, and chickens contribute to the village's agricultural character, offering a glimpse of everyday life in a community where the pace differs from larger parish towns. Seasonal markets and local events can further connect visitors with the area, while scenic drives through the surrounding countryside reveal the marshy and wooded terrain characteristic of this part of Saint Tammany Parish.

At the heart of the area's visitor appeal is the Global Wildlife Center, a prominent wildlife destination near Folsom. Here, the focus shifts from historic village streets to an engaging encounter with animals and natural habitats. The experience complements the surrounding rural scenery, showing how wildlife, wetlands, and open spaces coexist across the region. Visitors can pair the center with time spent in Folsom, gaining a fuller appreciation of the parish's blend of agricultural heritage, natural beauty, and family-friendly attractions.

Exploring Folsom is also a gateway to wider Saint Tammany Parish travel. Nearby lakes, fishing areas, and scenic byways extend the possibilities for boating, outdoor recreation, and leisurely sightseeing, while historic communities such as Covington and Mandeville provide additional layers of interest. The parish's mix of French, American, and European influences appears in its towns, architecture, festivals, and cuisine, creating a varied itinerary for visitors seeking both cultural discovery and connection with the Northshore landscape.

Explore the animals

Visit the Global Wildlife Center for a close look at its animal collection, making it a distinctive stop for visitors to Folsom.

More wildlife nearby

Saint Tammany Parish also includes Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, one of only eight wildlife refuges in Louisiana.

Explore Big Branch Marsh

Plan your visit

What to know about Folsom

  • Founded: 1904 by George N. Fendlason
  • Known for: free-range chicken, cattle, and horse farms
  • Signature attraction: Global Wildlife Center
  • Location: Folsom, Saint Tammany Parish, Louisiana

Continue exploring

Discover more of Saint Tammany Parish

Browse the parish's attractions and find more places to visit, wildlife areas, and riverside experiences.

View Attractions