Three days in Natchitoches, Louisiana
NATCHITOCHES, LOUISIANA–SEPTEMBER 2022–Louisiana’s oldest city sits on the banks of the Cane River Lake and has been welcoming visitors for more than 300 years. Today, Natchitoches, Louisiana, (pronounced Nack-a-tish), is known for Southern hospitality, Louisiana culture and a diverse collection of things to see and do. Travel to Natchitoches is easy 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.
A stay in Natchitoches starts with choosing from among the unique lodging selections. Bed and Breakfast and vacation rental options range from river-side lodging like the rustic Horseshoe Hills Cabins (240 Bayou Pierre Cutoff Road, Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457; 318-352-2920) to downtown antebellum homes like the Samuel Guy House Bed & Breakfast (309 Pine Street, Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457; 318-354-1080). Hotels and inns offer variety, too, from well-known national brands to unique inns like the newly opened boutique hotel, Chateau St. Denis (751 2nd Street, Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457; 318-951-4105).
After choosing just the right accommodations, visitors have much more to choose when planning their itinerary. Here are some suggestions of how to make the most of three days in Natchitoches.
Day 1: Downtown Diversity
There’s no better place to start than Natchitoches’ picturesque waterfront downtown. This 33-block National Historic Landmark District features brick streets lined with unique local restaurants, retail and antique shops, bookstores, art galleries, historic homes and more. The downtown businesses represent independent entrepreneurs who call this home. Outstanding among them is Kaffie-Fredericks General Mercantile (758 Front Street, Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457; 318-352-2525) the oldest general store in Louisiana, opened in 1863. The diverse collection of newer additions include the Natchitoches Art Guild & Gallery (584 Front Street Suite #102, Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457; 318-352-1626), which features the work of dozens of local artists including painters, sculptors, photographers and more.
Down the street, the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum (800 Front Street, Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457; 318-357-2492) is filled with unexpected treasures, beginning with its unique, award-winning design. Inside, is a collection of portraits and memorabilia celebrating the achievements of legendary Louisiana athletes and sports figures. In addition, the unique cultural traditions of the state, from early native-American civilizations to the present, are explored in permanent and changing exhibits.
Film buffs will love Natchitoches and will want to add the Natchitoches Film Trail to their afternoon itinerary. Perennial favorite “Steel Magnolias,” John Wayne’s “The Horse Soldiers,” “The Man in the Moon” starring Reese Witherspoon and “The Year Without Santa Claus” starring John Goodman are just some of the movies filmed here. Others may want to enjoy a free, guided Historic District Walking Tour (780 Front Street, Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457; 318-356-5555) or a carriage ride with the Cane River Carriage Company (102 Beauport Street, Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457; 601-807-9086)
Day 2: So Much to Explore
If taking to a trail to explore the wilderness is in order, the nearby Kisatchie National Forest is the perfect spot to spend a day. The Kisatchie Ranger District, just a 20-minute drive from Natchitoches, encompasses hundreds of acres of breath-taking vistas and wilderness. There are miles of trails for day hiking, biking and OHV adventure, as well as picnic and camping areas and more.
If a trip to the past is more appealing, the historic sites here will not disappoint. Fort St. Jean Baptiste (155 Rue Jefferson, Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457; 318-357-3101) tells the stories of Natchitoches’ settlement. The fort was established by the French in 1714 as an outpost on the (then) Red River. A replica of the original fort as well as a museum and interpretation from period-dressed docents brings the history to life.
A later era can be explored at the Cane River Creole National Historical Park (4386 Highway 494, Natchitoches, Louisiana 71456; 318-352-0383, ext. 316). This national treasure is comprised of Oakland Plantation and the outbuildings at Magnolia Plantation. Oakland is considered the most complete Creole plantation in the country. The buildings, equipment and personal items reveal much about the lives of early planters and enslaved workers.
Melrose Plantation (3533 Highway 119, Melrose, Louisiana 71452; 318-379-0055) is rich with stories of relationships, artists and changing times. The plantation, a National Historic Landmark, is home to nine historic buildings and a collection of work by world famous African American folk artist Clementine Hunter.
Day 3: Attractions for All Ages
For those who want to get out on the water, Cane River Paddle & Pedal Sports (Downtown Riverbank Beauport Station, Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457; 318-527-0066) offers rentals from the downtown riverbank. For a more relaxing river excursion, a trip on the Cane River Queen (103 Beauport Street, Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457; 318-663-7787) is a popular outing for families.
Gator Country Louisiana (380 Bayou Pierre Road, Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457; 318-354-0106) is the largest alligator park in Louisiana, home to more than 250 American Alligators. The seven-acre park includes areas for viewing and interacting with gators, as well as daily feeding shows. There is also a petting zoo, bird sanctuary, reptile house, jungle, tortoise exhibit and more.
A visit to Dark Woods Adventure Park (4343 University Parkway, Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457; 318-228-1725) offers a mix of adventures throughout the year. It is the home of Lost Treasure Mining Company, a year-round attraction for the young and young at heart. This low-tech, outdoor family attraction includes panning for gems along the rustic, 100-foot wooden running water mining sluice. The mine is joined in fall by Dark Woods Haunted Attractions, followed by Christmas in the Park each year.
Where to eat
Like most every other aspect of life in Natchitoches, the food has stories to tell.
Lasyone’s Meat Pie Kitchen (622 Second Street, Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457; 318-352-3363) is said to be home to the legendary Natchitoches Meat Pie. The recipes have been handed down through generations and illustrate the family’s deep Southern roots.
Cane River Commissary (4191 Highway 494, Natchez, Louisiana 71456; 318-238-6360) is a unique dining experience in the Cane River down river from Natchitoches. The restaurant, in an old commissary building, offers Creole favorites and is loved for its monthly first Saturday Zydeco Brunch.
Maglieux’s Riverfront Restaurant (805 Washington Street Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457; 318-354-7767) is a downtown favorite with offerings that blend the family’s Italian traditions and Louisiana’s Creole favorites.