Louisiana, much like any other southern state, has a rich and intriguing history. Each town and city in the state has a story to tell, and Natchitoches certainly has an expansive one. Established in 1714, it is the oldest permanent settlement in the region and has strong ties to the American Civil War. You probably won’t be able to cover everything on your trip, but you can make a sizable dent with these eight ways to take in the history of Natchitoches, Louisiana. There are even Airbnb vacation rentals in the area if you’re looking to extend your stay. Nevertheless, scroll on down to find out about the best things to do in Natchitoches, Louisiana.
1. Walk through the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame & Northwest Louisiana History Museum
Two of Louisiana’s best museums can be found in Natchitoches, and both are in the same location: the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and the Northwest Louisiana History Museum. Located in historic downtown Natchitoches, the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame is the top spot to learn more about the state’s best athletes, coaches, and sports writers. Visitors can view exhibits and take part in interactive media to immerse themselves in the careers of numerous sports stars, like Shaquille O’Neal and Archie Manning.
The Northwest Louisiana History Museum combines 3,000 years of history to tell the story of how the state of Louisiana came to be. Get educated on the diverse groups of people that have settled the area and see artifacts dating back to the 1700s. The museum also features 12 original works of art from internationally renowned folk artist Clementine Hunter.
Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame & Northwest Louisiana History Museum
Address: 800 Front St., 71457 Natchitoches, LA
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Price: Adults – 5 USD, students/seniors/active military – 4 USD, children under 12 – free
Contact: (318) 357-2492
Website: Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame & Northwest Louisiana History Museum
2. Reel in information at the Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery
The Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery is the only federal fish hatchery in Louisiana. They are currently raising alligator snapping turtles, recreational fish species, and freshwater mussels. The hatchery is also making an effort to make a difference in their community by working with the Caddo Indian Nation to make more educational resources available for students to learn more about the Caddo people who originally inhabited the land. There are indoor displays at the hatchery about the Caddo and a memorial plaza outside the aquarium dedicated to remembering the tribes who were there before the hatchery. The Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery is a great place for family learning.
Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery
Address: 615 South Dr, 71457 Natchitoches, LA
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Price: Free
Website: Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery
3. Cruise around with a Cane River Lake boat tour
As much as we hate to admit it, vacations can sometimes be more stressful than they are relaxing. Take a break from all the planning and hop on Captain Tom’s boat for a fun-filled leisurely tour around Cane River Lake. The tour lasts about an hour and is filled with fun historical facts about the area.
This tour is kid-friendly, too, as long as they wear a life jacket, which is provided for all passengers on the boat. The captain may even let the kiddos take a turn steering. Whether you’re traveling alone or with family, you won’t want to skip this boat ride. Just give Tom a call and he’ll pick you up.
Cruise around with a Cane River Lake boat tour
Address: 530 Front St, Cane River Front, 71457 Natchitoches, LA
Contact: (318) 228-0725
Website: Cane River Lake Boat Tours
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4. Take a guided walking tour
What better way to immerse yourself in a town than by going on a walking tour? These guided tours cover topics such as the French and Spanish colonial period, antebellum plantation culture, architectural history, tenant farming, and Creole and Catholic culture and history. These tours are nothing like your boring 9th-grade history class. All ages will be engaged every step of the way. As an added bonus, it gives you an excuse to get some fresh air and exercise.
Guided walking tours
Address: 780 Front St, 71457 Natchitoches, LA
Hours: September 1 to May 31: Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. & 2 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m.; June 1 to August 31: Tuesday through Friday at 11 a.m. and Saturday at 10 a.m.
Price: Free
5. Explore the American Cemetery
If you’re looking for something a little out of the ordinary, try taking a visit to the American Cemetery. Established around 1737, the American Cemetery is thought to be the oldest cemetery in the Louisiana Purchase. Historians also believe it may be the site of the second Fort St. Jean Baptiste.
It is the burial place for war heroes (and villains), politicians, doctors, educators, and more. The town’s founder is also speculated to be buried here, though any marker that could prove this is long gone, along with any monument predating 1797. It may seem like a strange spot to go to while on vacation, but a great deal of information can be learned from even a little time spent here.
American Cemetery
Address: 2nd St #200, 71457 Natchitoches, LA
Hours: Open to the public during daylight hours
Website: American Cemetery
6. See Steel Magnolias filming sites
Fans of the 80s movie “Steel Magnolias” are probably aware that the film takes place in Natchitoches, with the majority of the scenes having been shot here. Relive your favorite moments with a self-guided tour of the film sites around town. Unfortunately, you may not be able to see the inside of each stop, but it’s still cool to go to the locations in person.
A map can be downloaded from the city’s website (see below). With 17 stops on the list, there’s plenty to see. The best part is that since it’s self-guided, you can choose your own pace.
See Steel Magnolias filming sites
Address: Starts at St. Augustine Church, 2250 LA-484, 71456 Natchez, LA
7. Surround yourself with wildlife at the Natchitoches Alligator Park
The state of Louisiana has something you can’t find in most other states: alligators. Instead of seeking these creatures out in their natural habitat, take a safer option by going to the Natchitoches Alligator Park. Here, you’ll be able to see hundreds of alligators. You can even check out Edgar, the albino alligator, who is the newest resident of the park. If alligators aren’t really your thing, you may find yourself enjoying Turtle Town, a “town” fit with houses, streets, and bridges totally inhabited by box turtles.
Natchitoches Alligator Park
Address: 380 Old Bayou Pierre Rd, 71457 Natchitoches, LA
Hours: Saturdays & Sundays only, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Price: Adults — 8.95 USD, children 12 and under — 6.95 USD, infants 2 and under — free
Website: Natchitoches Alligator Park
8. Step into nostalgia at Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile Store
Take a trip to the past with a trip to the Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile Store, located in picturesque downtown Natchitoches. Kaffie-Frederick is the oldest remaining general store in Louisiana. Their original freight elevator still works, and the 1910 cash register is used for every sale.
Make sure you leave room in your luggage for the goodies you’ll take home from this store. You won’t be able to say no to the old-fashioned toys, cookware, hardware, and home supplies. It’s a great stop to grab unique souvenirs before heading home.
Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile Store
Address: 758 Front St, 71457 Natchitoches, LA
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Take a trip to this historic hot spot
With so much to see and do, a trip to Natchitoches will prove to be an educational and fun experience. Natchitoches is a hidden gem in a sea of more popular southern destinations. There’s almost no better place in the state to immerse yourself in history than in this small city.