South Louisiana gets much of the praise, with popular destinations like New Orleans, Lafayette, Baton Rouge, and Lake Charles. But North Louisiana is full of charming towns. This guide will focus on the best things to do in each.
For this guide, North Louisiana means the destinations north of Alexandria. Shreveport is not included, but has its own weekend guide.
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Alexandria and Pineville
Alexandria and its sister city, Pineville, are the ninth-largest cities in the state, set along the Red River. It was previously the home of the Caddo people and the site of an important trading route. Alexandria also has the area’s only international airport.
What to Do
Alexandria Museum of Art– Set in a former bank building, this museum opened in 1998 with exhibits from Louisiana artists. Admission is free. 933 Second Street, Alexandria
Kent Plantation House– Completed in 1800, the Creole-style home was built through a Spanish land grant and is the oldest structure remaining in this part of the state. 3601 Bayou Rapides Road, Alexandria
Kisatchie National Forest– The sprawling forest contains over 600,000 acres with miles of trails to admire waterfalls and caves. There’s also a historic sawmill and a World War II military base.
Where to Eat
The Diamond Grill– Set in a former 1930s jewelry store building, the fine dining restaurant is the best place around for steaks, seafood, and Cajun dishes. 924 3rd Street, Alexandria
Pamela’s Bayou in a Bowl- Enjoy traditional Louisiana fare like gumbo, baked chicken, and daily specials. 2049 North Mall Drive, Alexandria
Quebedeaux’s Boudin & Cracklins- For a taste of authentic Cajun meats, head to this strip mall eatery. They serve pork cracklins, boudin balls, and Southern favorites like tamales and fried chicken. 3710 South MacArthur Drive, Alexandria
Where to Stay
Courtyard by Marriott Alexandria– The modern chain hotel has top-notch amenities like a fitness center and pool, an in-house Starbucks, and free high-speed Internet. 3830 Alexandria Mall Drive, Alexandria
Hotel Bentley– First opened in 1908, the historic hotel reopened after a full restoration in 2016. It has 93 luxurious guest rooms, an in-house restaurant, and a bar. 200 Desoto Street, Alexandria
Rentals- Take advantage of Airbnb properties like this light-filled cabin in Kisatchie National Forest.
Monroe and West Monroe
Monroe and West Monroe are known as the home of the hit show Duck Dynasty. The small town has a street known as Antique Alley, which is lined with not only antique shops but also restaurants and boutiques.
What to Do
The Biedenharn Museum & Gardens– Named for one of the first independent bottlers of Coca-Cola, this museum has exhibits on Coke memorabilia and historic Bibles and manuscripts. 2000 Riverside Drive, Monroe
Chennault Aviation & Military Museum– Named for a World War II general, the military museum honors the Air Force Navigation School, established here in 1942, and local military vets. 701 Kansas Lane, Monroe
Duck Commander Warehouse– The Robertson family business has a gift shop, where you can buy the Duck Commander calls and products. It’s just one stop on the Duck Dynasty tours. 117 Kings Lane, West Monroe
Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo– The 80-acre zoo is home to over 500 animals, including hippos, tigers, and alligators. 1405 Bernstein Park Road, Monroe
Masur Museum of Art– Located in the former Masur family home, the free-to-visit museum has works by Louisiana artists, including the famous “Blue Dog” series. 1400 South Grand Street, Monroe
Where to Eat
The Fat Pelican– This restaurant has Southern dishes like New Orleans-style barbecue shrimp, fried chicken, and burgers. 1812 Tower Drive, Monroe
Parish Restaurant– Run by a chef featured on the Food Network, this restaurant serves Louisiana cuisine and craft cocktails. 318 North 2nd Street, Monroe
Warehouse No. 1– Set on the water, this local restaurant has been a favorite since 1980 for its coastal and Southern food. Dishes include shrimp and grits, fried oysters, and catfish. 1 Olive Street, Monroe
Where to Stay
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott West Monroe– Convenient to the highway and local attractions, this hotel boasts free WiFi, Netflix, and complimentary breakfast. 606 Mane Street, West Monroe
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Monroe– This extended stay hotel has great amenities like free breakfast, free Internet, and full kitchen access. 4919 Pecanland Mall Drive, Monroe
Rentals- Stay in one of the area’s funky Airbnb rentals like the stylish houseboat on the Ouachita River or an Americana-inspired rental on the bayou.
Minden
Minden was founded in 1836 and has a population of over 13,000. The historic downtown has been featured in a number of television shows and films, including Dark Places. Hank Williams Sr. was married in Minden, and the town has its own Coca-Cola bottling plant.
What to Do
Bonnie and Clyde Ambush Museum- In nearby Gibsland, visitors can see where the criminal duo met their end. It features exhibits and artifacts on their crime spree. 2419 Main Street, Gibsland
Dorcheat Historical Association Museum– The museum in a former theater focuses on different elements of Webster Parish’s history, including the Civil War. 116 Pearl Street, Minden
Where to Eat
Bon Temps- Grab a sandwich at this lively deli inside a gas station, which has gumbo, crawfish pies, burgers, and po’ boys. 1341 Sibley Road, Minden
El Jimador Mexican Grill– The Mexican restaurant serves traditional dishes like chimichangas, burritos, and fajitas. 121 Homer Road, Minden
Geaux Fresh– This quick-service eatery has a little bit of everything, including wraps, sandwiches, and bowls. 801 Broadway Street, Minden
Where to Stay
Best Western Minden Inn– The budget-friendly hotel has complimentary daily breakfast, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and free WiFi. 1411 Sibley Road, Minden
Grace Estate- The lavish home has three guestrooms furnished in antiques with free WiFi and breakfast as well as a stunning terrace. 1114 Broadway Street, Minden
Huffman House Bed & Breakfast– The luxury bed and breakfast is set in a Victorian home in the heart of downtown. Rooms are comfortably furnished, and amenities include Southern-style breakfasts. 1108 Broadway Street, Minden
Natchitoches
The charming town of Natchitoches is over 400 years old, set on the Cane River. It’s often known as the main filming location for the classic film Steel Magnolias and as the site of the annual Natchitoches Christmas Festival.
What to Do
Fort St. Jean-Baptiste State Historic Site- This replica is based on a fort that was established nearby in 1714. Living history reenactors interpret what life was like there. 155 Jefferson Street, Natchitoches
Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame– The dual museum celebrates the state’s rich history of athleticism and covers the town’s 3,000-year-old history from native tribes to modern-day. 800 Front Street, Natchitoches
Historic homes– Like many other towns of its age, Natchitoches has historic homes now open as museums. The best time to see them all is during the Fall Tour of Homes.
Where to Eat
Lasyone’s Meat Pie Restaurant– If you only go one place for the traditional Natchitoches meat pie, make it this one. You can also have etouffee, gumbo, and other Louisiana classics. 622 2nd Street, Natchitoches
Maglieaux’s- Set on the Cane River, this beloved restaurant has both indoor and patio seating. Enjoy Cajun and Italian dishes like po boys, meat pies, and pasta. 805 Washington Street, Natchitoches
Merci Beaucoup- Decadent Cajun food is on offer at this restaurant, including a baked potato topped with crawfish etouffee and fried shrimp. 127 Church Street, Natchitoches
Where to Stay
Chateau Saint-Denis Hotel– Convenient to downtown, this hotel, named for the French explorer who settled Natchitoches, has comfortable rooms and suites with free breakfast, WiFi, and a fitness center. 751 2nd Street, Natchitoches
Comfort Suites Natchitoches– The comfortable hotel off I-49 is convenient for travelers with free breakfast, Internet, and a seasonal outdoor pool. 151 Hayes Avenue, Natchitoches
Rentals- Enjoy the cozy homes of the historic city available for rent on Airbnb, like the riverfront treehouse.
Winnfield
The small town of Winnfield has been home to outlaws like Jesse James and three Louisiana governors, Huey Long, Oscar K. Allen, and Earl Long.
What to Do
Louisiana Political Museum– Learn about the politicians of the state to come from Winnfield at this modest museum. Exhibits also focus on political journalists. 499 E Main Street, Winnfield
Where to Eat
Chaddy Shack– The local eatery serves catfish, burgers, and seafood. 1011 West Court Street, Winnfield
Embers Restaurant- Located inside The Winnfield Lodge, this restaurant has weekly specials like burgers, catfish, and chicken and dumplings. 700 West Court Street, Winnfield
Where to Stay
Evergreen Inn and R.V.– Spend your night at one of the area’s only accommodations. They also have a popular country cooking restaurant onsite. 1903 Maple Street, Winnfield
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