This Louisiana town was made for road trips
NATCHITOCHES, LOUISIANA–AUGUST 2022–Those looking for a one-of-a-kind road trip destination can find it in Natchitoches, Louisiana, a city that has been welcoming visitors for more than 300 years. Older than New Orleans, this is the oldest city in the Louisiana Purchase territory, established in 1714 as a settlement within the territory. Today, from its picturesque location in north central Louisiana, Natchitoches (pronounced Nack-a-tish) is easy to access via I-49, which connects to I-20 in Shreveport to the north and I-10 in Lafayette, to the south. Commercial air service is just an hour away at the Alexandria International Airport and the Shreveport Regional Airport.
This spot on the banks of Cane River Lake was originally founded as a French outpost for trade with Mexico. Historic routes such as El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail and the Jefferson Highway, the first paved international roadway, came through and this became a popular stop for travelers. That is certainly still true and today Natchitoches is more popular than ever for road trippers looking for a unique, authentic destination to explore.
El Camino Real
Early visitors traveled the El Camino Real de los Tejas, which has existed for more than 300 years. This 600-mile-long “King’s Highway” was designated as a National Historic Trail in 2004. The Spaniards and the French who first marked the trail were followed by early missionaries of multiple faiths and later by the likes of Sam Houston Stephen F. Austin, Jim Bowie and Davy Crockett.
The designated El Camino Real includes five historic sites on the Natchitoches portion of the route. The most prominent local site is where Natchitoches’ settlement stories are brought to life, Fort St. Jean Baptiste (155 Rue Jefferson, Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457; 318-357-3101). A state historic site, the grounds include a museum and replica of the original fort, built by the French in 1714. Eighteenth century life in the fort is depicted by historians and period-dressed interpreters.
Nearby sites include Los Adaes State Historic Site (6354 LA-485, Robeline, Louisiana 71469; 318-356-5555), a 14-acre site that was once the capital of Texas. It’s known as a place of uncommon cooperation among the French, the Spanish and the indigenous Native Americans during the settlement era. Visitors will also find St Anne Catholic Church and Rebel State Historic Site before reaching the prominent Fort Jesup State Historic Site in Many, Louisiana.
Jefferson Highway
The Jefferson Highway was America’s first north-south intercontinental roadway. It became a famous route through the central United States and was known as the “Pine to Palm Highway,” for the trees found at either end. Built as part of the 1910s National Auto Trail system, the route was named for President Thomas Jefferson and inspired by the east-west Lincoln Highway. It spans from Winnipeg, Canada southward to New Orleans. In Natchitoches and the surrounding area, today’s travelers can explore along Highway 6, which winds through rural areas and leads to sites such as the Los Adaes State Historic Site and the Rebel State Historic Site.
No Man’s Land
Western Louisiana was once a part of the area known as No Man’s Land. This area was created when no king or country claimed the neutral strip between the United States and Spanish territories. According to lore, it was home to outlaws, bandits and brave pioneers. Today, this area is celebrated by both locals and visitors for its cultural diversity, born of the unique mix of its original settlers.
There is no greater testament to that diversity than the food of the region. And there is no greater collection of road trip eateries than the No Man’s Land Gas Station Eats trail. Day tripping on this trail promises “a slice of Southern hospitality, tasty scenic landscapes and several big bites of what you came here for,” according to the locals. Natchitoches spots not to be missed are:
French Market Express (5109 University Parkway, Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457; 318-357-9002) for meat pies, plate lunches, yam cakes, cookies and pies.
3J’s Fourway (11028 Hwy 1, Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457; 318-379-2209) for daily lunch plates and the fish and pork chops served daily.
Exxon (100 LA-6, Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457; 318-357-1436) for burgers, salads, fish, meat pies and fresh breakfast.
If you go
Don’t miss Natchitoches’ picturesque waterfront downtown, a designated National Historic Landmark District. It features brick streets and comprises 33 blocks lined with unique local restaurants, retail and antique shops, bookstores, art galleries, historic homes and more. Lodging options here include an impressive list of Bed & Breakfast options, most in historic homes, as well as the Chateau Saint Denis Hotel (751 2nd Street, Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457; 888-900-9937), a French Creole-inspired 87-room boutique property and the Church Street Inn (120 Church Street, Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457; 318-238-8888), a 19th century landmark with 21st century amenities.