Historic Churches...Theater..... Nature Preserve...Museums...National Heritage Area....Historic Landmark District....Music....Historic Cemeteries...National Forest....Historic Homes...State Commemorative Areas....Sports

At the Movies

NSU Theater NSU Music  NSU Football

Click here to see what is going on this week in Natchitoches!

For additional information, call the Natchitoches Tourist Commission at :  318-352-8072 or 1-800-259-1714.   Remember dates and times for certain events are subject to change.

Grand Ecore Visitors Center - From its 4,800 foot vantage, the J. Bennett Johnston Waterway Grand Ecore Visitor Center offers extraordinary views of the Red River from a bluff high above the water.  Learn about the waterway and the role of the Corps of Engineers in the development , preservation and enhancement of the water resources in the region.   Extensive exhibit of information on Civil War activities on the Red River with ties to the Civil War features on the site.  Located off La Hwy 6 at 106 Tauzin Island Road.  Just west of the Grand Ecore Bridge.   More information call 318-354-8770  

Cane River Green Market - April through mid November: every Saturday on the downtown river bank.  Fresh fruits and vegetables, homemade jams, relishes  and fresh baked goods along with arts and crafts.   9:00 AM -1:00 PM  

 

Kate Chopin House
Award winning author lived here between 1879-1884.  Chopin was a highly popular author during the 19th century .  The Awakening her last published work was not well received in her lifetime and fell almost into obscurity following her death in 1904.  Today The Awakening is recognized as one of the most widely taught American novels at colleges and universities throughout the country.  Recently Restored. Web Site

Cane River National Heritage Area
The Cane River National Heritage Area, established by Congress in 1994, is a largely rural, agricultural landscape know both for its historic Creole-style plantations and structures and is unique people and culture.  Located primarily in Natchitoches Parish, the Cane River Heritage Area includes: Five National Historic Landmark sites, three State Commemorative Areas, and many historic plantations, homes and churches.  Web Site  

 

St. Augustine Catholic Church 
This church congregation was established around 1803 by Augustine Metoyer, the Grandpere to whom many Cane River descendants trace their ancestry.   The unique cemetery behind the church contains French inscribed wrought iron crosses and tombs built like small houses.  Augustine Metoyer, Cane River folk artist, Clementine Hunter and author Francois Mignon are among those buried here. 

Briarwood - Caroline Dormon Nature Preserve
In the Northern sand hills of Natchitoches Parish, Briarwood is a wild garden.  Its appeal is to botanists and horticulturists all of those rare individuals interested in studying  and preserving native plants, particularly those indigenous to the South.  Web Site

 

Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Commemorative Area
Full scale replication of the first permanent European settlement in the Louisiana Purchase Territory.  Louis Juchereau de St. Denis supervised construction of the original fort, built in 1714 both as a center for French trading activities and as a deterrent to Spanish advances from Texas into French Louisiana.  The complex features unique double thickness palisade and contain 12 structures including the commandants  house and the chapel.  Monthly educational interpretive programs depict Colonial French and Indian life at the fort. Web Site

Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery Aquarium
The newly remodeled fish hatchery features sixteen tanks of native fish species highlighting river habits for the South Eastern United States.     Web Site

 

Natchitoches Parish Old Courthouse State Museum
The Natchitoches Parish Old Courthouse Museum presents the rich tapestry of Natchitoches Parish and its people.  Rotating exhibits depicting historical themes are presented quarterly. Exhibit Schedule Admission is $3 for adults and $2 for senior citizens, students and active military.  Web Site

St. Denis Walk of Fame
Honors stars form the movie "Steel Magnolias," as well as others who have made significant contributions to Natchitoches through sports, entertainment, the arts and cultural activities.  

 

Rebel State Commemorative Area
Home of the Louisiana Country Music Museum and grave for the Unknown Confederate Soldier, Rebel State Commemorative Area exhibits music and historical artifacts about the traditions of early Louisiana music.  The live show allow visitors to see, hear and enjoy the gospel, folk and string music that originated from Louisiana's heritage.  Web Site

 

Kisatchie National Forest
Longleaf Trail Scenic Byway - a Federally designated Scenic Byway in Forest offers access to numerous scenic overlooks, opportunities to view native wildlife, flora and fauna, camping and picnicking areas, hiking and horse back trails.   Web site

 

St. Augustine Church and Cemetery
The St. Augustine Cemetery, founded by Nicholas Metoyer in 1803, contains beautiful Catholic wrought iron fences with French inscriptions.  The above ground tombs reflect heritage of the Isle Breville.  Present church built in 1916.  2250 Hwy. 484, Melrose, La.  318-379-2521.  Free.

 

American Cemetery
In the Old American Cemetery, a visitor will read the names of Natchitoches pioneer families.  The cemetery is also the location of the second Fort St. Jean Baptiste built in Natchitoches.  Located on Second Street

 

Lemee House 
Natchitoches First Restoration.. Listen to the story of the secret hiding place, Lemees plot to purchase the bank, the restoration, town history and colorful "characters", alias Natchitoches folks.  310 Jefferson Street, Natchitoches, La  71457, 318-357-7907, Hours: Open Daily 10-12 or by appointment. Admission $2.00 per person.

 

Natchitoches Tour Company - Historic District Streetcar and Carriage Tours 
Daily tours of the National Landmark Historic District and sites used in filming Steel Magnolias. Web Site

 

Bayou Pierre Gator Park and Show
Come explore the unique, mysterious and exciting world of the American alligator.  The Park is a natural Cajun countryside, complete with Cajun music, genuine Cajun cuisine and an abundance of our world famous Louisiana joie de vivre!   One thing is certain, it will be an adventure your family won't soon forget!   Web Site