West Monroe is one half of northeast Louisiana’s “Twin Cities”, the other being Monroe City. Perched on the Ouachita River, the city of West Monroe offers plenty of attractions and thrilling activities for a fun, memorable vacation in Louisiana. Travelers from afar visit the city to catch a glimpse of tourist spots ranging from art galleries to military museum. Outdoor enthusiasts also take delight not only in the stunning Cheniere Lake, but also in the city’s gardens, golf courses, and wildlife refuges. If you’re planning to visit soon, let us help you plan your itinerary by providing this list of best things to do in West Monroe, Louisiana.
1. Restoration Park West Monroe
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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!