DeRidder was founded in the 1890s, and you can see the southern town’s history through its architecture. With the Fort Polk army base in town, there are often tourists coming and going but expect friendly hospitality everywhere you go. Surrounded by the Sabine River, it’s a great place to enjoy nature and history.
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1. Take a tour of DeRidder's historic buildings
The first stop on your tour of DeRidder’s lovely architecture should be the Beauregard Tourist Commission. This large, stately building is home to several attractions, including the Gothic Jail (believed to be haunted) and the doll museum. The Gothic “Hanging” Jail, constructed in 1914, is one of DeRidder’s most famous attractions. Tour the jail, and you’ll see the famous site of many hangings - the top of a winding spiral staircase.
The Lois Loftin Doll Museum, housed in the Beauregard Parish Museum, will be your next stop. You might notice that the building looks familiarly like a railroad depot - it actually used to house a train stop. At this museum, you’ll see the Lois Loftin doll collection, which is made up of over 3,000 dolls! Next, stop by the Beauregard Parish Courthouse and the Beauregard Museum. These historic buildings tell the story of how DeRidder was formed.
As the Beauregard Tourist Commission is only open from 8:30 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday, be sure to plan your tour during the week.
Beauregard Tourist Commission
Address: 204 W 1st St, DeRidder, LA 70634
Website: Beauregard Tourist Commission
2. Browse the First USO & War Room Museum
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Continue your walk through history by stopping by the First USO & War Room Museum, located in DeRidder. Open 8 AM to 4 PM, Monday through Friday, the War Room Museum is actually a piece of history, itself. It was built in 1941 and was the first base of the United Services Organization (USO). In 1992, it was recognized as a piece of history by being placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
At the museum, you’ll be able to view many WWII artifacts and learn about Louisiana’s role in the war.
War Memorial Civic Center
Address: 250 W 7th St, DeRidder, LA 70634
Facebook: War Memorial Civic Center
3. Go fishing with Joe Joslin Outdoors
DeRidder is home to Toledo Bend Lake and the Sam Rayburn Reservoir, two legendary fishing holes. If you’d like to boost your chances of making a really impressive catch, book a tour with Joe Joslin Outdoors, who offers guided fishing tours of both locations. Joe Joslin is a man who wears many hats, including tournament angler, outdoor writer, and professional fishing guide. With his impressive resume, you can trust him to help guide you to the best catch of your life.
When you sign up for a tour, you’re encouraged to bring your own tackle and gear, as anglers tend to be most comfortable with what they’re used to. However, Joe Joslin Outdoors will provide rods and reels as well as tackle, for fishermen who do not bring their own gear. Tours cost 400 USD for a full day trip or 300 USD for a half-day, and the cost includes one or two people, so bring a friend! The tour is mainly focused on largemouth bass.
Even if you’re not a fan of fishing, take a stroll around Toledo Bend Lake and admire the scenery and wildlife.
Joe Joslin Outdoors
Address: 160 Country Lane, DeRidder, LA 70634
Website:Joe Joslin Outdoors
4. Take in art at the Goober Art Gallery and Real Art DeRidder
Goober Folk Art Gallery is full of local artist’s depictions of life in DeRidder. The owner, Joey Governale, says, “I get my ideas from living in Louisiana, where we are surrounded by critters that hop, fly, crawl and swim.” Open from Monday to Friday, from 9 AM to 12 PM and 1 PM to 5 PM, stop in and admire the character of this local art, which really captures the flavor of DeRidder.
When you’ve viewed the pieces at Goober Art Gallery, stop by Real Art DeRidder, at 108 West 1st Street. An art cooperative, Real Art DeRidder not only features a rotating showcase of local artists but hosts fun, interactive events and art classes, which are just 5 USD a session. If you’d like to bring a group to do a class or just want to stop by, visit Wednesday to Saturday, from 11 AM to 3 PM.
Goober Folk Art Gallery
Address: 216 Mahlon Street, DeRidder, Louisiana 70634
5. Kick up the spice at Cecil's Cajun Cafe
While in Louisiana, you’ve got to try the local cajun food, and there’s no better place than DeRidder’s Cecil’s Cajun Kitchen. Named after Cecil Doyle, a DeRidder football legend, it doesn’t get more hometown than this.
Locals love the spicy gumbo, crawfish tails, stuffed shrimp, and jambalaya. Order classic cajun sides like red beans and rice, try a variety of seafood or try a sandwich or burger. If you just can’t decide, the Cajun Sampler Platter might be for you, with a little bit of everything. Cecil’s Cajun Kitchen also offers fun cocktails and drinks. The restaurant also has live music from time to time, so be sure to check the website for a schedule of entertainment.
Open from 11 AM to 9:30 PM, Monday to Thursday and 11 AM to 10:30 PM on Friday and Saturday, Cecil’s is a great place to kick back and enjoy great food, drink, and entertainment.
Cecil's Cajun Cafe
Address: 120 W 1st St, DeRidder, LA 70634
Website: Cecil’s Cajun Cafe
Come to DeRidder as a stranger, leave as a friend
DeRidder offers a variety of hometown experiences that will acquaint you with the town’s vibrant community. From fishing with Joe Joslin or participating in an art class with local artists to hearing live bands play at Cecil’s Cajun Kitchen, DeRidder is a place to stop and stay awhile.
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