Things to do & places to visit in Natchitoches, Louisiana, United States

Natchitoches city in Louisiana, United States. Timezone: America/Chicago, current date and time: Wednesday, May 08, 2024, 14:08.

Top things to do (22)

Top places to visit (22 attractions)

5.0 Carriage Tours (28 reviews)
- Worth it!
Sightseeing Tours

I found the tour longer and much more informative than expected. Our driver was delightful and clearly loved the town. Patrick, the horse, was amazing. He knew exactly what to do and was very friendly. See more..
5.0 Natchitoches Carriage Company (4 reviews)
- Cane River Carriage Company
Horse-Drawn Carriage Tours

Nice 20 to 25 minute ride through the historic town of Natchitoches, Louisiana. Adults $15 Kids$10 Under 5 free See more..
5.0 Escape Natchitoches (1 review)
- Great entertainment for students, families & more
Wednesday: Escape Games

Escape rooms are evidently becoming a big thing in the United States and the world for that matter. This was a unique, fun, real-world alternative to the ordinary "dinner and a movie" date night. There were 7 in our party and solving the puzzles to "escape" these rooms was mentally challenging, fun, and sometimes even funny. What a great way to try something new and engaging in a fun, safe environment. Great for team building, or even just a fun, new way to spend an hour or two during a night on the town. See more..
4.5 Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile Store (540 reviews)
- Best in town
Historic Sites

I have many Great Interior Pictures of this Actual General Store that Dates Back to 1863. Located on Scenic Cobble Stone Street with Red River Just across the Road. So many great pictures that is operational and filled with Old and New Merchandise. Old Cash Register over 147 years old. Listed with a National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of Interior. A Place all of America "Must See'" See more..
4.5 Historic District Shopping (368 reviews)
- A Beautiful Small Town
Historic Sites

We visited the Visitors Center first, then took our brochures and went to the StoryBrew Coffee Cafe, ordered our drinks and pastries and began planning our day. We left and walked down to the Beau Jardin and the Cane River Lake. We couldn't go into the Roque House, but got some pictures through the windows. Back up to the street, with brochure in hand, we began the Historic Natchitoches walking tour. We visited the Kaffie-Frederick, Inc. General Mercantile - the quintessential hardware store complete with an older man in overalls sitting on a large spool chatting with the store clerk! After the walking tour we drove over to the American Cemetery. We were amazed at how old some of the graves are, fortunately the grave markers were made of metal so they have not rotted or worn away. Later we got lunch at Lacyone's Meat Pies, then drove around to the homes from the movie Steel Magnolias. See more..
4.5 Fort St. Jean Baptiste (182 reviews)
- A little gem of history
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites

We popped in here to break up our long journey to Lafayette. I'm so glad we did. We arrived in and the staff was extremely friendly and helpful. They made you feel at home and our son (under 2) couldn't stop smiling. We had a great wander around the reconstruction of the old French Fort that stood in that site. Afterwards the staff put on the 12 minutes film about the the history of this site. Well worth a visit and full of history with a smile. See more..
4.5 Cane River National Heritage Trail (158 reviews)
- Great history
Hiking Trails • Scenic Drives • Scenic Walking Areas

Cane River National Heritage Area in northwestern Louisiana is a largely rural, agricultural landscape known for its historic plantations, its distinctive Creole architecture, and its multi-cultural legacy. Historically this region lay at the intersection of French and Spanish realms in the New World. Today it is home to a unique blend of cultures, including American Indian, French, Spanish, African, and Creole. The central corridor of the heritage area begins just south of Natchitoches, the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase, and extends along both sides of Cane River Lake for approximately 35 miles. The heritage area includes Cane River Creole National Historical Park, seven National Historic Landmarks, three State Historic Sites, and many other historic plantations, homes, and churches. What is a National Heritage Area? A National Heritage Area is a place recognized by the United States Congress for its unique contribution to the American experience. In a national heritage area, natural, cultural, historical, and recreational resources combine to form a cohesive, nationally distinctive landscape arising from patterns of human activity shaped by geography. These patterns make national heritage areas representative of the national experience through the physical features that remain and the traditions that have evolved in the areas. Continued use of the national heritage areas by people whose traditions helped to shape the landscapes enhances their significance. The Cane River National Heritage Area is one of forty-nine National Heritage Areas recognized by Congress for their significant contributions to the American experience. In partnership with the National Park Service, CRNHA, Inc. celebrates the nationally significant history of the Cane River region, preserving it for the benefit of current and future generations. See more..
4.5 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum (79 reviews)
- A Brand New Must See
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Developed and operated by the Louisiana State Museum system in partnership with the Louisiana Sports Writers Association and the City of Natchitoches, the 27,500-square-foot museum complex provides a permanent home for the Sports Hall of Fame and its collection of portraits and memorabilia celebrating the achievements of more than 300 Louisiana athletes, coaches and other sports figures. Located on the second floor, the Northwest Louisiana History Museum explores the evolution of unique cultural traditions from early native-American civilizations to the present. The building itself, designed by Trahan Architects of New Orleans, evokes the region’s rivers and plowed fields with sinuous molded stone interiors and earth-colored exterior sheathing. See more..
4.5 American Cemetery (22 reviews)
- oldest cemetery
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

This is the oldest cemetary in the Louisiana Purchase. It has graves of soldiers from the Revolutionary War. Very interesting place to visit. See more..
4.5 The Minor Basilica Of The Immaculate Conception (21 reviews)
- beautiful example of period Catholic Church
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Churches & Cathedrals

Beautiful Church in a peaceful setting. Still an active parish, for 100's of years, with an interesting Mausoleum and cemetery, to stroll through See more..
4.5 Grand Ecore Visitor Center (21 reviews)
- Hidden Gem!
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Visitor Centers

Great views of the Red River. Fabulous museum for such an off the beaten track location - almost too much information to be processed in one visit. Appropriate for children as well as adults. Free. See more..
4.5 Prudhomme-Rouquier House (16 reviews)
- Attended a wedding here
Historic Sites

Gorgeous house! It's the oldest home standing in its original place on the Westside of the river. Very popular for weddings and events. See more..
4.5 Los Adaes State Historic Site (8 reviews)
- Informative and Interesting
Wednesday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Military Museums • Speciality Museums • History Museums

Presidio Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Los Adaes, the symbol of New Spain in Louisiana, was once the capital of Texas and the scene of a unique cooperation among the French, the Spanish and the indigenous Native Americans. An area rich in archaeological finds, it thrives today as one of Louisiana's most intriguing National Historic Landmarks. The site is operated with a collaborative agreement between Cane River National Heritage Area, Louisiana State Parks, and Friends of Los Adaes Foundation. See more..
4.5 Magnolia Spa & Wellness (7 reviews)
- Magnolia Spa & Wellness is my happy place!
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spas

Magnolia Spa & Wellness has a small town feel with big city amenities. Everyone from the receptionist to the esthetician and the massage therapists create a welcoming and relaxing environment. Facials and massages are to die for. You are treated like royalty every time you visit! The back patio provides a wonderful spot for a spa party or luncheon, or just to sit and enjoy the tranquility! In a nutshell....Magnolia Spa is my happy place...and actually my second home! See more..
4.0 Gator Country Louisiana Alligator Park (128 reviews)
- Gators Everywhere
Amusement & Theme Parks

The Park has over 250 American Alligators to see. You follow the walkways and platforms to see them throughout this natural environment. There is an Alligator Show where they are feeding them and relating fun facts. You get to see Big Lou, 11.5 ft long, jump out of the water for his snack. There is a place where you can hold the smaller alligator and another place where you can hold snakes. They also offer the private Bayou Swamp Tour. They took us to Three Leagues Bayou to search for alligators. We saw egrets, blue heron, and cypress trees but the biggest thrill was spotting 4 alligators at different locations in the swamp. Two were on a log sunning and 2 were in the water. See more..
4.0 National Fish Hatchery & Aquarium (26 reviews)
- Great visit, thanks Brett!
Aquariums • Educational sites

We like fish hatcheries so decided to check this one out. The grounds have an aquarium, office, educational building and project buildings and 53 ponds where they raise catfish, largemouth bass, sunfish for stocking in Louisiana waters. The project leader/biologist, Brett was kind enough to offer to take us on a tour. He showed us the area where they spawn and develop the Louisiana pearlshell mussel and the area where they help restore Alligator snapping turtles. The aquarium is small but nicely done and it is cute how they name some of the fish and alligators in the displays. We walked around the ponds and saw many birds. A great place to learn about what hatcheries do. Call ahead to see if someone is available to give a tour. See more..
4.0 Cane River Boat Tours (14 reviews)
- Beautiful and relaxing
Boat Tours • Sightseeing Tours

Captain Paul and his boat tour was the perfect ending to a day spent with family and friends. The view of the riverfront lights was beautiful! I enjoyed the history and the best part was when he announced it was my son’s birthday and we all sang to him. So great! See more..
4.0 Natchitoches Christmas Festival (6 reviews)
- TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS PILGRIMAGE
Spent More than 3 hours Cultural Events

Made another day trip to see the Christmas lights in Natchitoches. Crowd was light, perhaps because a fine mist was falling. After eating I just wandered around for an hour taking in the people and the sights on Cane River Lake. Safe, cheap seasonal entertainment even for a 70 year old kid. See more..
4.0 Roque House (4 reviews)
- Beautiful surroundings on the riverfront
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Scenic Walking Areas

This was my second time visiting Natchitoches and the riverfront area. On my first trip, I was behind the house and didnt realize it was a historical landmark. I thought it was a building for maintenance work or a shed to hold supplies. The plaques and signs are in front of the house. On this 2020 trip, the house is off limits but seeing the plaque and sign this time, I spent more time looking at its architecture and pondering the decision to move it from the original site to its current location. The trees in front and directly behind it are beautiful. There are a few benches in the garden area behind the house. See more..
3.5 Cane River Queen River Boat (7 reviews)
- Pleasant 45 Minutes
Bar, Club & Pub Tours • Boat Tours • Private Tours • Day Trips

We spent a pleasant 45 minutes on a warm and sunny November afternoon cruising about a half mile in either direction from the boat dock. Captain Paul treated us to some interesting tidbits of history, and some blarney. Having taken a tour of the Fort Saint Jean Baptiste Historical Site earlier in the day, we wondered why, when we cruised past this site, not much mention was made of it. We also wondered why neither the Cane River Queen River Boat website not their ticket booth on Front street listed prices. We paid $22.00 See more..
3.0 Old Courthouse Museum (5 reviews)
- It is open!
History Museums
The Genealogical Library IS open, but call first....for the museum, go to the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame building on Front Street and go upstairs to the Northwest Louisiana Historical Museum See more..
3.0 Wall Rejuvenation (4 reviews)
- Swedish Massage & Hydra Facial fantastic!!
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spas
This place is 1st class!! I would highly recommend!! Derek is an awesome masseuse!! I had the 60 min swedish massage!! I also had one of the best (hydra-60 min) facials I have ever received... and I have had several over my lifetime! Sorry, I can't think of the esthetician name but she was young and very professional and I'm still receiving the benefits after two weeks!! Treat yourself to one of there services offered!! You want be disappointed!!!! See more..