Location: Natchitoches
Top Things to do in Natchitoches
- 1. Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile Store
- 2. Cane River Creole National Historical Park
- 3. Cane River National Heritage Trail
- 4. Historic District Shopping
- 5. Fort St. Jean Baptiste
- 6. Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum
- 7. Carriage Tours
- 8. Natchitoches Alligator Park
- 9. National Fish Hatchery & Aquarium
- 10. Grand Ecore Visitor Center
What to do and see in Natchitoches, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Natchitoches (/ˈnækətəʃ/ NAK-ə-təsh; French: Les Natchitoches) is a small city and the parish seat of Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana, United States. Established in 1714 by Louis Juchereau de St. Denis as part of French Louisiana, the community was named after the indigenous Natchitoches people.
Restaurants in Natchitoches
1. Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile Store
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 404 reviews
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'"
Reviewed By 681gwenc
Great place!! I always find unique and vintage gifts here. They have cat eye marbles in lots of sizes and colors, rubber boots for children in every size, cast iron in lots of shapes. Toys from the 50’s and 60’s then upstairs there’s lots of...MoreThank you so very much for such a nice review. Our extensive marble selection is always a hit with the kids (big and small). We appreciate your business and hope you visit again soon.
2. Cane River Creole National Historical Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
Attractions at this historical park include the land and buildings of the Oakland and Magnolia plantations.
Reviewed By Michael B
I hate to give a poor review to an NPS site, but this one deserves nothing more. Overall, the site is moderately curated. Each structure could use more context for those on the self-guided tour, which is almost everyone since the THREE rangers can only manage one tour each day.
The three rangers also have been unable to remove, remediate, or even mark the fire ant hill directly on the path next to the plantation house. My toddler was a few steps ahead, and we discovered the ants when she began to scream. I wouldn't expect the rangers to deal with every ant hill on the property, but one directly on the path at the main structure is their responsibility.
We met one of the rangers when she stepped out of the plantation house to scold my child for trying the door. Once again, a sign indicating that all guests should check in at the store first would have avoided this.
For a site open for twenty-two years with three rangers on site, it just seems that more could be expected. In this case, sadly, expectations were not met.
3. Cane River National Heritage Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 117 reviews
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.
Reviewed By lovesitaly96 - sacramento,california
Lovely drive along the Cane River and two plantations managed by the Nationsl Forest Service. Spnd a relaxng afternoon and stop at Magnolia plantation and see all the outbuildings that kept a plantation running, The house is open at 1pm only for tours; but the rest can be viewed at any time.
4. Historic District Shopping
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 283 reviews
Reviewed By sally8363 - Vidor, Texas
Natchitoches has a great downtown area with lots of cool shops. Some are more pricey. Some are very reasonable. There are antiques, and then there are brand new things. There are lots of clothing stores and all kinds of cool places to eat. Of course, seeing the Christmas lights is great.
5. Fort St. Jean Baptiste
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 137 reviews
Reviewed By michella0527 - Hammond, Louisiana
A great learning experience about the beginning of Natchitoches. The fort built to scale with people to answer questions and inform you of how the people lived within the walls of the fort. 15 minute video inside the information center. Very informative.
6. Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 65 reviews
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.
Reviewed By Vic W
Knowing we were going to Natchitoches this was on my list of places to visit. And it did not disappoint. Upon entering we were met by a very friendly staff member. And the price was very reasonable. Less than $20.00 for my wife and I....MoreSo glad you enjoyed your visit to the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum! Thank you for the feedback on the exhibits. We are always looking for ways to improve the visiting experience.
7. Carriage Tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By KingFish00 - KingFish00
The tour guide had an excellent grasp on the knowledge of so many buildings in town. You can tell he genuinely enjoyed his work. In my opinion he undercharges for the service he delivers. Over an hour tour of his time and he didn't charge as much as he should have. If you have any interest in history this is the ride to take. You won't be disappointed.
8. Natchitoches Alligator Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 101 reviews
Reviewed By g m - Bossier City, Louisiana
The park is nice, honestly it could be so much nicer with a little upkeep. You get to see alligators young to old. The feeding show is really fun to watch, and listening to the narration I learned a few things about the alligators. Alot of goat's and a couple emu's that you can feed. The food can be purchased at the gift shop. It's a little pricey to get in about $9 for adults and $6 for children. There is a fairly good sized gift shop. A snack bar on site as well. Plan on about 2 hours.
9. National Fish Hatchery & Aquarium
Overall Ratings
4 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By DennisBTR - Atlanta, Georgia
This is a small place, but is very interesting. It has a small series of aquariums that have various fishes and explains the purpose of the hatchery.
We also looked at the various hatchery ponds and were given a brief guide by one of the volunteers.
It's very low key but interesting and worth 30 minutes of your time. Best of all --- it's free.
10. Grand Ecore Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By jtchapman - Houston
The Corps of Engineers has a very nice visitor center here on a bluff overlooking the Red River. It was flooding while we were here. The interpretive displays tell the story of the area and explain the project to make the Red River navigable all the way to Shreveport. I leaned, which I didn't know, that there are five locks and dams on the Red to make that happen. Worth an hour visit north form Natchitoches.
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