8 Best Things To Do In Pineville, Louisiana

1. Go wild at Gone Wild Safari

Gone Wild Safari began as a refuge for abandoned and injured animals, and has since grown to include exotic species from around the world. Many are a sight to behold in the middle of Louisiana. Open seven days a week from 9 am to 4 pm, the park includes kangaroos, zebras, tortoises, bisons and many other mammals and birds.

Kids will love the petting zoo and parakeet enclosure, and the site also has space available to rent for birthday parties. Tickets are 12 USD for adults, 10 USD for seniors, and 8 USD for children 12 and under. Children two and under are able to attend the safari for free.

Gone Wild Safari

Address: 805 Hooper Rd., Pineville, LA 71360

Website: Gone Wild Safari

2. Take a hike at Kisatchie National Forest

If you’ve never been to Louisiana before, swamps and bayous may be the only thing that come to mind when thinking about the nature there. Fortunately, the wildlife in Louisiana is much more rich and vast than its swamps and wetlands. Kisatchie National Forest in Pineville offers more than 40 recreational sites and 100 miles (160 km) of trails for hiking as well as biking and horseback riding. The forest is also available for fishing, hunting and camping.

Kisatchie National Forest

Address: 2500 Shreveport Highway, Pineville, LA 71360

Website: Kisatchie National Forest

3. Visit the Alexandria Museum of Art

At the Alexandria Museum of Art, visitors can view a range of different styles and art mediums. Although it is located in Alexandria, the town just so happens to be Pineville’s neighbor and is only a short drive away. The museum has been operating since the ‘70s, and has received awards for its excellence, such as the Outstanding Arts Organization award gifted by the Louisiana Governor’s Arts Awards.

Along with its current and rotating exhibits, the museum also provides kid’s camps, community events, lectures and classes, and yoga in the gallery. The museum is open 10 am to 5 pm Tuesday through Friday and 10 am to 4 pm on Saturdays. Admission is only 5 USD for adults, 4 USD for seniors, students and military, and free for children under the age of four.

Alexandria Museum of Art

Address: 933 Second Street, Alexandria, LA 71301

Website: Alexandria Museum of Art

4. View the historic Forts Randolph and Buhlow

The historic Randolph and Buhlow Forts were erected in 1865 during the civil war by the Confederate army. Their purpose was to help protect from Union attacks that were advancing throughout Northern Louisiana. The forts helped protected 800 soldiers, but the Confederates were eventually forced to surrender to the Union soldiers. The forts are available to explore 9 am to 5 pm Wednesday through Sunday, and guided tours are offered daily. Admission is a cheap 4 USD per person. The site also includes a visitor center as well as an open field for Civil War reenactments.

Forts Randolph and Buhlow

Address: 135 Riverfront Street, Pineville, LA 71360

Website: Forts Randolph and Buhlow

5. Let your children learn at T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum

T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum is a great place to spend some time if you come to Pineville with your children. The museum’s mission statement is to plant the seeds of learning by providing hands-on exhibits and interactive programs for children ages one to 12. The museum offers story times and camps for kids, along with their usual exhibits that teach everything from science, medicine, economy and animals. The museum is open Thursday through Friday, 10 am to 12 pm and Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm. Admission is 4 USD per person and free for children under the age of two.

T.R.E.E. House Children's Museum

Address: 1403 Third Street, Alexandria, LA 71301

Website: T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum

6. See the oldest building in central Louisiana

The Kent Plantation House is the oldest standing structure in Central Louisiana, and it’s located a short drive from Pineville in the adjacent town of Alexandria. If you love French colonial architecture or historic buildings in general, you’ll love to visit the Kent House, which was originally built in 1800, prior to the Louisiana purchase. It was erected using earthen materials such as clay, cypress, mud and moss. The house is open 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Saturday and guided tours are available daily. Adult tickets are 11 USD, seniors and military personnel are 9 USD, children 6 to 12 are 3.50 USD and children under 5 are free.

Kent Plantation House

Address: 3601 Bayou Rapides Road, Alexandria, LA

Website: Kent Plantation House

7. Pay tribute at the Louisiana Maneuvers & Military Museum

The Louisiana Maneuvers & Military Museum is itself a mimicked piece of history - housed inside replica World War II barracks. The museum has been open for nearly 20 years, and pays tribute to Louisiana servicemen and women by displaying the different weapons, uniforms and even some art associated with wartime. Some of the collections even date back to Colonial Louisiana. The museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm and admission is free. However, donations are excepted and help fund the different exhibits.

Louisiana Maneuvers & Military Museum

Address: 623 G St, Pineville, LA 71360

Website: Louisiana Maneuvers and Military Museum

8. Learn about local government at the Old Town Hall Museum

Pineville’s Old Town Hall Museum is the only museum in Louisiana that’s dedicated to municipal government. If it’s something you’re interested in, the museum is definitely worth the visit. The building was originally built in 1931, and it was once home to Pineville’s fire station, city court, jail, library, police department and other city offices. Admission is free for visitors, and the museum is open from 8 am to 12 pm every day and by appointment.

Old Town Hall Museum

Address: 409 F Street, Pineville, LA 71360

Website: Pineville Old Town Hall Museum

An enriching visit to Pineville, Louisiana

What’s unique about a visit to Pineville is how enriching everything is that it has to offer. Unlike a standard poolside vacation or a typical bar-hopping spree, Pineville offers a multitude of variety and history. Once you leave, you’ll be guaranteed to have learned something new.