Welcome to Minden, Louisiana. The iconic red-bricked Minden Main Street is the most distinct landmark of the old-fashioned town of Minden, Louisiana. Built in 1835, it still is the center of commerce and activity in the city despite several changes that happened over the years. Registered as a National Historic Place, it’s also a Cultural Products District and Main Street Community of Louisiana. The street is filled with vintage structures like churches, banks, shops, and Victorian homes. Historians will enjoy exploring the museums and Germantown Colony which are reminders of its 19th-century German settlements. The delightful hometown charm of Minden has made it the favorite filming location for several movies and Hollywood productions. The town is the entryway to several outdoor recreational activities and locations like lakes, camping grounds, and trails. With so many things to do in Minden, Louisiana that we’ve listed below, you’ll need a few days to try them all!
1. Stroll down Germantown Colony Museum
The Germantown Colony Museum is a relic of the original rustic homes of the first German settlers in this isolated area in Northern Louisiana near the Interstate 20. The settlers were led by the Countess von Leon after her husband died during the 19th century and she persevered in establishing a community made up of purely Christians called Harmony Society. The first families still live close by with the original buildings and a cemetery still present on the property.
Germantown Colony Museum
Address: 200 Museum Rd, Minden, LA 71055, USA
Website: Germantown Colony Museum
Opening hours: Thu - Sat: 10am - 3pm (closed Sun - Wed)
2. Learn about North Louisiana's history at the Dorcheat Museum
Dorcheat Historical Association Museum is a collection of memorabilia depicting North Louisiana’s history and culture from the 19th to the 20th century. It’s parallel to Minden’s Main Street and a block away from US Highway 80. It opened in 2008 and was named after the stream that connects Arkansas to Lake Bistineau. The building it currently occupies was formerly the 1950s Joy Theater. It contains pioneer artifacts, American Civil war material, clothing and furniture, a log cabin, and a model of the Dorcheat Bayou steamboat, exhibits about local theaters, and souvenirs from the Coca-Cola Bottling Company.
Dorcheat Historical Association Museum
Address: 116 Pearl St Minden, Louisiana
Website: Dorcheat Historical Association Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 10am - 1pm, 2pm - 4pm (closed Sat - Mon)
3. Play video poker at the Quick Draw Truck Stop & Casino
Founded in 1991, the Quick Draw Truck Stop & Casino is more than a truck stop where motorists drop by to refuel and take a break from their long journey. The truck stop features the greatest video poker casino in Minden that attracts locals as well as tourists. They also offer special promos and prizes during birthdays and special holidays. The complex also has restaurants like Subway Sandwiches where you can grab a quick bite.
Quick Draw Truck Stop & Casino
Address: 1703 State Rte 531, Minden, LA 71055, USA
Website: Quick Draw Truck Stop & Casino
Opening hours: 24/7
4. Take self defense lessons at Clyde Stanley’s Martial Arts
Learn some moves in karate from one of North America’s top 100 martial arts schools. Martial arts are not just good for self-defense but it is also a good form of exercise. Their highly qualified instructors will teach not just the latest martial arts techniques but will develop the discipline and confidence both kids and adults need for survival. Visit their Dojo, one of the cleanest and state-of-the-art facilities where you can have the best learning experience in martial arts.
Clyde Stanley’s Martial Arts
Address: 702 Main St, Minden, LA 71055, USA
Website: Clyde Stanley’s Martial Arts
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm (closed Sat & Sun)
5. Visit Heavenly Treasure for antique finds
Feeling nostalgic? Or are you searching for that special sentimental piece to display in your home or give as a gift? Visit Heavenly Treasure Antique Mall and you might find what you are looking for. They sell genuine antique furniture and various items at fair prices. These vintage pieces are hard-to-find and one-of-a-kind, so buy them now!
Heavenly Treasure
Address: 103 Main St, Minden, LA 71055, USA
Website: Heavenly Treasure
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 9am - 4:30pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
6. Picnic at Academy Park
Academy Park is one of the loveliest locations in Minden where you can have a relaxing afternoon having a picnic or a relaxing stroll surrounded by lush green scenery that is rich with history. The park stands on the location of the former Minden Male Academy. The school was founded by Charles Veeder in 1838 and funded by the National Government to serve the community as a private school that also accepted indigent students. Through the years and influenced with several political changes, the original structures of the school were removed and what remains today are the beautiful gardens, romantic walkways, the iconic fountain, and a well-maintained landscape that decorates the park.
Academy Park
Address: Minden, Louisiana
Website: Academy Park
7. Play sports at the Minden Recreation Complex
This state-of-the-art recreation facility is one of the best in Louisiana and it is open to people of all ages. It was built to host tournaments, sports programs, and sporting events to help boost the tourism industry. Inside the complex is a huge gym with several basketball courts with a seating capacity for 1,000 spectators, lockers with showers, meeting rooms, a weight room, a heated aerobic and exercise lap pool, and a walking track. Outside the facility is another huge swimming pool and a water playground for kids, a variety of open-air and covered courts for different kinds of ball sports like basketball, tennis, and racquetball, baseball, softball, tee ball, football, and soccer fields, a 1 mile (1.6 km) walking track, restrooms, concessionaires, and announcer buildings.
Minden Recreation Complex
Address: 1000 Recreational Dr, Minden, LA 71055, USA
Website: Minden Recreation Complex
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 4pm - 7:30pm; Mon: 9am - 4pm
8. Dine at the Geaux Fresh restaurant
At Geaux Fresh, there’s always something good for everyone with their delicious home-style menu. The meals are cooked fresh with quality ingredients customized to your taste. They offer burgers, soups, salads, wraps, desserts, and special meals for the health conscious. The food and ambiance will make you feel like you’re home. They also have event rooms if you want to have an exclusive party or they can do the catering service right in your preferred location.
Geaux Fresh restaurant
Address: 801 Broadway St, Minden, LA 71055, USA
Website: Geaux Fresh restaurant
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10:30am - 2:30pm (closed on Sun & Sat)
9. Binge on seafood at Crawfish Hole #2
Crawfish Hole #2 is the place to go if you have an intense craving for seafood! They serve only the best and freshest seafood and steak in Minden and they have become quite popular for it. In 2014 they were voted the Reader’s Choice for Favorite Seafood and Favorite Overall Restaurant of Minden by Press Herald and has held that distinction for many years. They were also recognized by The Shreveport Times as a Runner-Up for the best Crawfish Restaurant in their Reader’s Choice Award.
Crawfish Hole #2
Address: 12903 US-371, Minden, LA 71055, USA
Website: Crawfish Hole #2
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 8:30pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 9pm; Sun: 11am - 6pm
10. Attend mass at the First United Methodist Church of Minden
Next to Catholics, the Methodists are the second largest congregation in North America and the first to be organized in Minden. The church has been one of the strongest and largest Protestant congregations with 12 million followers globally and has been serving the community since the 1700s. Attending mass is an experience you will treasure as you witness first hand their traditional ways of worship and have a feel of their history within the sacred walls of their church.
First United Methodist Church of Minden
Address: 903 Broadway St, Minden, LA 71055, USA
11. Go bowling at the Holiday Lane
Bowling is a popular sport that brings the Minden community together. Holiday Lanes offers bowling programs during summer and spring with free bowling games all day with special offers. Kids play for free. The bowling alley has state-of-the-art equipment, an arcade, a full-service bar and restaurant, and a high-tech audiovisual system. You can book for a private party, tournaments, or large corporate events for the exclusive use of the bowling lanes.
Holiday Lane
Address: 3316 Old Minden Rd Bossier City, Louisiana 71112
Website: Holiday Lane
Opening hours: Sun - Mon: 11am-11pm; Tue - Thu: 9am - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 9am - 2am
12. Visit the Farm at Cultural Crossroads for art and culture
The farm is a 4 acre (1.61 hectares) property on a historic and underserved area blocks away from downtown Minden. It provides a venue where creative expression is encouraged by mixing agriculture and all mediums of art (including dirt). It also hosts various art and musical events. They offer art sessions for kids and adults both, taught by professional artists. The farm also has a Makers Market where they sell their homegrown produce and handicrafts.
The Farm at Cultural Crossroads
Address: 419 E Union St. Minden, Louisiana 71055
Website: The Farm at Cultural Crossroads
Opening hours: Varies
13. Drink beer at El Jimador Grill
El Jimador Mexican Grill not only serves the best beer in Minden but also a wide selection of Mexican dishes for lunch and dinner. Their authentic Mexican cuisine includes burritos and chimichangas, served the way they should be with a glass of cold beverage. The inviting atmosphere, impeccable service, and delicious Mexican dishes create a dining experience you’ll never forget.
El Jimador Grill
Address: 121 Homer Rd, Minden, LA 71055, USA
Website: El Jimador Grill
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 11pm
14. Grab midnight snacks at Huddle House
Do you have midnight food cravings that you badly need to satisfy? Then come over to the Huddle House where they serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner all day. It’s a casual, no-frills neighborhood diner that serves their dishes hot and fresh, cooked the way you want it. Their famous specials include an all-out American breakfast, stuffed hashbrowns, bacon ‘n’ mash Southern-style chicken.
Huddle House
Address: 12155 US-80 Ste 2, Minden, LA 71055, USA
Website: Huddle House
Opening hours: 24/7
15. Stay fit all day at Anytime Fitness
Here in Minden, people take keeping fit seriously. After all the eating and drinking, they take time to exercise and put that balance back into their health. Anytime Fitness is a gym that’s open 24/7 so you won’t have an excuse not to work out. They are fitted with the latest state-of-the-art workout equipment, so you will be able to perform your exercise routines perfectly!
Anytime Fitness
Address: 1121, 1123, 1125 Homer Rd, Minden, LA 71055, United States
Website: Anytime Fitness
Opening hours: 24/7
Marvelous Minden
Minden is a marvelous place to visit because of its diverse community and old hometown vibe that’s rich in history. It has a laidback lifestyle, lovely historic places, amazing festivals, and booming business. This makes Minden, Louisiana a wonderful destination for your retirement, for settling down and building a family or just visiting for an awesome vacation.