17 Best Things To Do In West Monroe, LA

1. Restoration Park West Monroe

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Planning a fun, laid-back trip with your family this weekend? Stop by Restoration Park in West Monroe. This forest and wetland park is the perfect destination on a cozy autumn day. During this time, orange-hued trees complimented by a dramatic sunset are what awaits you here. Some of the things to do around the area are moderate outdoor activities like jogging and walking. There’s also a peaceful lake with cypress trees where you can relax and just appreciate the beauty that surrounds you.

Restoration Park West Monroe

Address: 700 Downing Pines Rd, West Monroe, LA 71292, United States

Website: Restoration Park West Monroe

Opening hours: 6:30am - 7pm (daily)

2. Fish, hike and play at the pet-friendly Kiroli Park

Kiroli Park is the place to go if you love outdoor activities. The park is pet-friendly, offers tennis facilities, hiking trails, playgrounds, and pavilions. There’s so much to do you can spend a whole day there. The kids will enjoy feeding the ducks and running around the green spaces. The small entry fee is worth the fun to be had. Adults and kids will have an entertaining time.

The dog park is a special area where you meet other pet owners and let your furry friends enjoy the wild ambiance close to the main town of West Monroe, Louisiana.

Kiroli Park

Address: 820 Kiroli Rd, West Monroe, LA 71291-4945

Website: Kiroli Park

3. The Spice and Tea Exchange of West Monroe

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Between the foreign blend of herbs, spices, and tea, the Spice and Tea Exchange of West Monroe will saturate and twist your taste buds. You can savor every fine, exotic spice and spice blends, gourmet teas, flavored sugars, salts, and seasonings. As the customer, you can choose what herbs and spices you might need for your gourmet cooking. Labeled as the “sensory utopia” shop, the Spice and Tea Exchange of West Monroe will blow your mind and fill your soul.

The Spice and Tea Exchange of West Monroe

Address: 229 Trenton Street, West Monroe, LA 71291

Website: The Spice and Tea Exchange of West Monroe

4. Lazarre Park

Launch your boat and let the currents of the Ouachita River captivate you. Lazarre Park has a golf course and it hosts the annual Ronald McDonald House Big Bass Tournament, that takes place in May. This West Monroe, LA attraction also provides a covered pavilion, perfect for family and class reunions, picnics, or parties - the options are limitless! Grab a fishing pole, catch a fish or two, and get ready for a fish fry! Your family will enjoy the meal in more ways than one!

Lazarre Park

Address: Corner of Hamilton & Thompson Street, West Monroe LA

Website: Lazarre Park

5. Antique Alley

With over 25 antique shops, boutiques, and a B&B, Antique Alley is definitely worth checking out. Antique Alley is part of West Monroe’s downtown historic district, right on the banks of the Ouachita River. Some of the highlighted businesses include antique malls, individual antique stores, other specialty shops, restaurants, and a bed and breakfast.

Be on the lookout for the lights of Antique Alley, as the entire alley and stores are illuminated for Christmas! Santa won’t have any problems when it comes to finding a safe place to land.

Antique Alley

Address: Trenton Street, West Monroe, Louisiana, LA 71291

Website: Antique Alley

6. Two Warriors Meadery

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

If you’re in the mood for mead, Two Warriors Meadery is the place to be. This local shop, located in West Monroe, was founded by two disabled veterans with a shared passion for making honey and discovering historical recipes. This meadery uses only homegrown honey and other locally sourced ingredients to make its alcoholic beverage. Real fruits and spices are also used instead of commercial additives and flavorings. If you’re in town, be sure to check out their tasting room. Some flavors worth mentioning are Battle Weary and Oden’s Love. How about bringing a few of these bottles home?

Two Warriors Meadery

Address: 95 McClendon Ave Ste A, West Monroe, LA 71291

Website: Two Warriors Meadery

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 6pm (closed on Sun)

7. Surge Entertainment Center

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Next stop is Surge Entertainment Center in West Monroe. This is a premier entertainment venue, perfect for families and groups looking for a fun-filled, exciting day! Packed with amazing games and activities, time will surely pass by unnoticed as visitors of all ages get lost in the fun and frenzy. Battle for dominance with your group by participating in stimulating activities such as laser tag, bowling, arcades, sports simulator, indoor ziplines, karaoke, dodgeball wipeout, ninja course, and climbing features. Afterward, take a break from the family fun and dine at Surge Prime Bistreaux, a kid-friendly restaurant on site, with plenty of options.

Surge Entertainment Center

Address: 220 Mane Street, West Monroe, LA 71291

Website: Surge Entertainment Center

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri: 11am - 12am; Sat: 9am - 12am

8. Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Sports fan or not, the delicious menu of Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux will leave you wanting more. This restaurant and bar offers authentic Louisiana cuisine in a comfortable, light-hearted setting. It also provides a wide selection of beer, perfect for a little relaxation to end your day. Known for its friendly staff and top-notch service, this sports bar should be a good addition to your West Monroe itinerary. You can even opt for late-night eats in the comfort of your accommodation because Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux allows take-outs.

Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux

Address: 205 Basic Dr, West Monroe, LA 71292

Website: Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 12am

Things to do nearby

9. Excalibur Family Fun Center

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Within this fun place in West Monroe, the Excalibur Family Fun Center is littered with arcade games and a giant indoor playground! Outside, there are go-karts, laser tag, bumper cars, and many other games to choose from. I bet King Arthur and his knights didn’t have half as much fun as you and your family will have in this medieval castle!

Excalibur Family Fun Center

Address: 455 Cheniere Drew Road, West Monroe LA 71291

Website: Excalibur Family Fun Center

10. Landry Vineyard

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Landry Vineyard is a West Monroe winery, that features wines such as Blackberry Merlot, Cotton Rogue, Redneck Red, and more. When you visit Landry Vineyard, you get to sample a wine of your choice, with bread and cheese from the tasting room. The vineyard hosts a few events, such as the Outdoor Concert Series, accompanied by a musical assortment of anything from country to jazz. People enjoy the festival with picnics and dancing.

As well, two other festivals happen here, in the summer, when tourists get the chance to gather grapes and stomp them, to make wine. How about that? Not only can you stomp the grapes to perfection, but you can sample the type of wine that will be made from your hard work. Talk about fun!

Landry Vineyard

Address: 5699 New Natchitoches Road, West Monroe LA 71292

Website: Landry Vineyard

11. Biedenhan Museum & Gardens

One of the best places to visit if you don’t know where to go is Biedenham Museum & Gardens. Hear the story of Coca-Cola’s origins from a soda jerk at the soda counter where you can purchase a five-cent Coke, complete with a smile! Check out some Coca-Cola memorabilia, displayed inside and outside of the museum! Tour the private home of Joseph Biedenharn, the first bottler of Coca-Cola, or wander the beautiful Elsong Gardens, behind the house.

The property is full of fountains, angelic statues, and colorful, assorted flowers, blossoming with a pleasant fragrance. You can explore Joseph’s collection of bibles, or take a look at the Russian Icon presentation and the other exhibits within the Biedenharn Museum & Gardens. Finally, stop at the retail shop and purchase Coke products, souvenirs, and more, as a memento of this unforgettable milestone.

Biedenharn Museum & Gardens

Address: 2006 Riverside Drive, Monroe LA 71201

Website: Biedenharn Museum & Gardens

12. Layton Castle

Looking for a unique attraction to visit this afternoon in Monroe? We’ve got just the place for you. Layton Castle is a brick home that was initially built in the early 1800s as a plantation residence. The original build follows the traditional Louisiana-style plantations in that it boasts a hipped roof, but it was heavily renovated in the 1910s. This historic landmark was transformed into a castle and houses approximately 60 rooms. The castle is currently open for special functions and group tours.

Layton Castle

Address: 1133 S Grand St, Monroe, LA 71202, United States

Website: Layton Castle

Opening hours: Mon: 9:30am - 3pm; Wed: 9:30am - 3pm; Fri: 9:30am - 3pm (closed on Tue, Thu, Sat & Sun)

13. Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo

The Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo is a must-see! An 80+ acre (32.4 hectare) zoological park, this place is packed with a winding waterway, a jungle cruise, and the ZOOasis Splash Pad! With its collection of over 450 types of animals, there is also the Louisiana Purchase Exhibit, that has the original animals from the Louisiana Purchase. Black bears, elks, mountain lions and bald eagles are just a few of the animals you will see, here. You won’t know what to expect at this zoo and it’s certified fun, for the whole family!

Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo

Address: 1405 Bernstein Park Drive, Monroe LA 71210-0155

Website: Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo

14. Ouachita River Cruises

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Enjoy an Ouachita River cruise, with Captain John Brown as your tour guide. You will appreciate the view of nature from the waterfront. There are mini, regular, private, and catering cruises available at Moon Lake Marina. So catch an Ouachita River Cruise today, and leave all your worries on the banks of the Ouachita River.

Ouachita River Cruises

Address: 231 Moon Lake Road, Monroe LA 71203

Facebook Page: Ouachira River Cruises

15. Frenchman's Bend Golf Course

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Not only does Frenchman’s Bend Golf Course have golf, it also has a bar and grill, too! There’s a Par 72 golf course, including five sets of tees, championship level 18-holes and tips played at 6,900 yards. Be on the lookout for golf balls - the wind tends to carry them everywhere, with limited to zero visibility. Once you’ve played a few games of golf, rest and indulge in the bar with any drink or food you could want!

Frenchman's Bend Golf Course

Address: 1484 Frenchman’s Bend Road, Monroe LA

Website: Frenchman’s Bend Golf Course

16. Northeast Louisiana Delta African American Museum

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Immerse yourself in the Northeast Louisiana Delta African American Museum! This museum’s collection is comprised of African-American art, culture, history, and other artifacts. The museum also features furniture from old slave cabins, cotton farming tools, and the original sacks that were used for picking cotton. There are even lifelike displays of renowned African American trailblazers, such as Frederick Douglass, Mary Bethune, and Madame C.J. Walker, along with their contributions. Once you visit the Northeast Louisiana Delta African American Museum, you will witness a blast into the past!

Northeast Louisiana Delta African American Museum

Address: 1051 Chennault Park Dr, Monroe, Louisiana, LA 71203

Facebook Page: Northeast Louisiana Delta African American Museum

17. Get close to wild critters in native swamp habitant

At the Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge, you get to experience a real native swamp. You may spot alligators from the walkway and pier. Birdlife is prolific and the scenery presents lovely photo opportunities. The park hosts night walks at full moon which is different and fun. Lots of critters hang out there, which makes for an interesting visit.

You may spot a bald eagle or deer, and you are just 15-minutes from downtown Monroe. Entrance is free and kayak rental prices are reasonable.

Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Address: 480 Richland Place Dr, Monroe, LA 71203-8868

Website: Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Dive on in!

Still don’t know what to do in West Monroe? This place is a change of pace from the usual routine. From gourmet food, served with a blend of spices to a taste of wine to set the tone, stores and boutiques waiting to be explored, and museums just dying to share some of their historic tales, get off of the sidelines and live life! In West Monroe, Louisiana, you’ll have adventures to share, of your own!