Leesville is a small but mighty town in the western part of the state of Louisiana. Leesville radiates warmth and Southern charm, with a walkable historic downtown and many community-oriented parks and gathering spaces. The town is well known for being next to Fort Polk, a huge military training center where many members of the armed forces are stationed before deployment. Fort Polk is also the largest employer in Louisiana after the state government, and the population of the fort is three times the size of Leesville. Whether you are visiting someone stationed at Fort Polk or a popular attraction in town and staying in Leesville, you might wonder what there is to do in the area. Fortunately, Leesville has lots of fun activities, delicious restaurants, and relaxing parks! Read on for the best things to do in Leesville, Louisiana.
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1. Fall fun at pumpkin patches in Anderson Farms
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
happy friYAY, it’s almost the weekend and we can’t wait for you to spend it with us
Posted by Anderson Farms on Friday, October 19, 2018
There’s no better place to have ‘fall’ fun in Leesville than at Anderson Farms! This privately owned farm opens to the public during September and October for hayrides, corn and hay mazes, visits with farm animals, and of course pumpkins! The farmers plant hundreds of pumpkin seeds in the summer that are ready for picking during the autumn season. Choose from small gourds to pie pumpkins to huge pumpkins for carving. The colorful autumnal bounty creates the perfect background for pictures, and the farm even offers professional photography sessions.
Anderson Farms
Address: 400 Slagle Rd, Leesville, LA 71446
Website: Anderson Farms
Opening hours: Sat: 12pm - 6pm; Sun: 2pm - 6pm (Sep - Oct)
Price: 3 USD
2. Pay your respects at the Vernon Veterans Memorial Park
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Honor the fallen veterans from the Louisiana parish of Vernon by visiting the Vernon Veterans Memorial Park in Leesville. The memorial pays tribute to those who gave their lives during the two World Wars, the Korean War, and the Vietnam war. War heroes from recent conflicts are also honored here. Vernon Veterans Memorial Park even honors retired veterans who served their country and are still living in the area. The memorial is located right in the middle of downtown Leesville, so stop by as you stroll around town.
Vernon Veterans Memorial Park
Address: 303 S 3rd St, Leesville, LA 71446
Website: Vernon Veterans Memorial Park
Opening hours: Sunrise to sunset (daily)
Price: Free
3. View the wonderful artwork installations at Leesville Art Park
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Picking your child up from school today? Here's a thought...don't go straight home. Stop by the Leesville Art Park...
Posted by Leesville Art Park on Tuesday, August 28, 2018
Another peaceful outdoor space close to downtown Leesville is the Leesville Art Park. This park is only a few years old but is already a beloved part of the town. Colorful outdoor sculptures are placed throughout a lush green space. Enjoy the art installations while strolling along the path throughout the park or by sitting and relaxing on one of the many benches. Be sure to see Billie, a lively yellow sculpture from 1976 by artist Larry Leach, who served as the artist-in-residence for Leesville Public Schools.
Leesville Art Park
Address: 1201 Abe Allen Memorial Dr, Leesville, LA 71446
Website: Leesville Art Park
Opening hours: Sunrise to sunset (daily)
Price: Free
4. Learn about the town's history at the Museum of West Louisiana
Another spot to soak up some of the culture of Leesville is at the Museum of West Louisiana. This museum has fascinating and educational exhibits that teach visitors about the history of Leesville and the surrounding area. Some of the artifacts you’ll see on display include furniture, household items, quilts, and railroad memorabilia. The museum buildings themselves are also historical - the main museum is housed in an old railroad depot, but on site, you will also find the Shotgun Shack, a barn, and a church that served as the town school. The nearby Fort Polk housed German prisoners-of-war during WWII, and the museum also has paintings, that the prisoners created while they were imprisoned, on display.
Museum of West Louisiana
Address: 803 3rd St, Leesville, LA 71446
Website: Museum of West Louisiana
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 1pm - 5pm
Price: Free
5. Reserve a table at Hazel's Tea Parlor
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Hazel's Tea Parlor on Friday, April 20, 2018
If you’ve always dreamed of enjoying tea in a historic Victorian home, head on over to Hazel’s Tea Parlor. This charming eatery is located in a refurbished home which the owner renovated to fulfill her dream of owning a tea parlor. The menu features classic teatime offerings like tea, sandwiches, pastries, and fruits. Order items a la carte or on a tiered tea tray, ideal for sharing with a group. This is an ideal place to host a bridal shower, baby shower, or birthday party, so reserve your space today!
Hazel's Tea Parlor
Address: 700 S 3rd St, Leesville, LA 71446
Website: Hazel’s Tea Parlor
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 9am - 2pm
6. Stop by for a cup of coffee at Cuore Coffee
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Good morning! We're open and we have fresh baked scones this morning. Almond White Chocolate & Blueberry Scones!
Posted by Cuore Coffee on Monday, September 14, 2015
The best coffee in Leesville can be found at Cuore Coffee. This charming downtown coffee shop serves classic coffee and espresso drinks like lattes and cappuccinos but also offers unique and delicious flavors like butter pecan, birthday cake, and strawberry. If it’s a hot day, order from the cold drinks on their menu or get a smoothie or bubble tea. In addition to classic coffee shop food items like danishes and muffins, Cuore Coffee also offers tacos and burritos.
Cuore Coffee
Address: 810 S 3rd St, Leesville, LA 71446
Website: Cuore Coffee
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 6am - 7pm; Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sun)
7. Order Mexican food at Festival Tacos
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Come and try our new zarandeado fish
Posted by Festival Tacos on Friday, June 24, 2016
Eat delicious Mexican food and seafood at this festive restaurant in Leesville! They serve up Mexican staples like tacos, burritos, and quesadillas and have breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. If you’re a guacamole fan, be sure to order the party guacamole which has chunky pieces of avocado and tomato that go perfectly with the crispy tortilla chips.
Festival Tacos
Address: 11934 Lake Charles Hwy, Leesville, LA 71446
Website: Festival Tacos
Opening hours: Sun: 11am - 8pm; Mon - Thu: 11am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 10pm
8. Play laser tag at LJ's Arcade & Lazer Zone
Editor’s note: establishment is permanently closed
Leesville’s destination for fun and games is LJ’s Arcade & Lazer Zone! The arcade has tons of games ranging from retro video games to new releases. There is even a PlayStation media room. Strap on your gear and play a game of laser tag - it is a fun activity for both older kids and adults. If you’re in town for a special event, this is a great spot to book a birthday party.
LJ's Arcade & Lazer Zone
Address: 455 Entrance Rd, Leesville, LA 71446
Website: LJ’s Arcade & Lazer Zone
Opening hours: Fri: 5pm - 10pm; Sat: 11am - 10pm; Sun: 4pm - 8pm
Price: 8 USD
9. Experience the taste of Thai food at Thadapetch
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
One of the great things about Leesville is the availability of diverse food options that fill a craving for any cuisine! If you’re in the mood for Thai food, head over to Thadapetch, one of Leesville’s highest rated Thai restaurants. Feast on authentic Thai dishes like Pad Thai or pad kee-mao and wash it down with a Thai iced tea or iced coffee.
Thadapetch
Address: 1910 S 5th St # C, Leesville, LA 71446
Website: Thadapetch
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11am - 9pm (closed Sat & Sun)
10. Shop for a beauty product at The Glow Beauty Supply
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Get everything you need to pamper yourself at The Glow Beauty Supply. The store has endless options for hair products, makeup, manicure equipment, and more. Whether you’re replacing something you forgot to bring on vacation, or just want to treat yourself to a beauty souvenir, the experts at The Glow can help you find what you need.
The Glow Beauty Supply
Address: 1508 S 5th St, Leesville, LA 71446
Website: The Glow Beauty Supply
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 7pm (closed on Sun)
Price: Varies
11. Try the homemade donuts of Leesville Donuts
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Donut mania has reached Leesville, too! You won’t have to wait in a long line to try Leesville Donuts’ homemade delicacies, but they will be just as delicious. The flavors include classics like glazed and chocolate frosted donuts, as well as unique options like blueberry and raspberry donuts. If donuts aren’t enough for breakfast, the store also sells egg sandwiches, coffee, and juice.
Leesville Donuts
Address: 410 N 5th St, Leesville, LA 71446
Website: Leesville Donuts
Opening hours: 4am - 12:30pm (daily)
12. Unwind at the Leesville Leisure Pool
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Thttps://www.facebook.com/cityofleesville/photos/pcb.510249635830014/510249255830052/
here is no denying it gets hot in Leesville during the summertime. Cool off at the Leesville Leisure Pool. This public pool is an oasis during the Louisiana summer. It has a large pool with a water slide and three water spray structures for extra fun. The pool has varying depths so it’s suitable for children of many ages. However, if you don’t feel like swimming, there is a discounted fee for non-swimmers.
Leesville Leisure Pool
Address: Leesville, LA 71446
Website: Leesville Leisure Pool
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 5:30pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm
Price: 4 USD
13. Play golf or tennis at Leesville Municipal Golf Course
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Leesville Municipal Golf Course on Monday, April 24, 2017
Leesville Municipal Golf Course is great for golfers, but the park also has activities everyone will enjoy! The nine-hole golf course has a clubhouse and a refreshment stand where you can get snacks and drinks. Another popular sporting option is tennis, which you can play on the enclosed and paved courts. Kids can play on the playground, and everyone can enjoy the barbecuing facilities on the public grills set up in the park.
Leesville Municipal Golf Course
Address: 350 Country Club Rd, Leesville, LA 71446
Website: Leesville Municipal Golf Course
Opening hours: Fri - Wed: 8am - 6pm (closed on Thu)
Price: Free
14. Stroll along the paths of Dogwood Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Another community park in Leesville is Dogwood Park. This peaceful park features paved pathways for strolling, and they are lit when it gets dark, making this the perfect spot for an evening stroll. If you’re visiting with children, be sure to bring them to the chain climber where they can play. The park also features workout stations which are perfect for visitors jogging through the park and looking for an extra burst of activity.
Dogwood Park
Address: Belview Rd. Leesville, LA, 71446
Website: Dogwood Park
Opening hours: Sunrise to sunset (daily)
Price: Free
A small town with lots to do
You might think there isn’t much going on in a town as small as Leesville, but this list proves that there are lots of sights and activities to keep you occupied during your stay! If you venture outside of the city, there are also lots of attractions in the surrounding area too. Leesville is close to the southern end of the Toledo Bend Lake and Reservoir, the largest man-made lake in the south, where there is also a state park.
You can also check out the Fort Jesup State Historic Site, where you can tour a monument that has been standing since 1822. Leesville is close to lots of tourist attractions and there is plenty to do right within the town as well if you just want to relax and enjoy yourselves.
Frequently asked questions about best things to do in Leesville, Louisiana
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