The town of Natchitoches (Nack-a-tish, a Natchitoches Indian word meaning Place of the Paw-Paw, or Chinquapin) is the oldest permanent settlement in Louisiana. The thirty-three block historic district in Natchitoches includes more than fifty centuries-old buildings and has been designated a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior. Best Western Natchioches Louisiana.
Things to do in Natchitoches
Badin Rogue House
This historic house listed on the National Register of Historic Places is the only surviving example of poteaux-en-terre and bousillage architecture in Louisiana and features a single central chimney. Located on Highway 484.
Bayou Pierre Alligator Park
See hundreds of alligators on a real working alligator farm. Feeding and hourly shows are available. See, hold, feel feed and eat them all while you are here! Gift and snack shop available for your convenience. Open April - November, daily from 10am - 6pm. Located at 380 Old Bayou Pierre Road.
Bishop Martin Museum
Located next to the church rectory, this museum is the repository of religious relics from both the Spanish and French Catholics dating to the late 1700's. Shown by appointment only. Located at 145 Church Street
Cane River National Heritage Area
This Heritage Area is largely rural landscape known for its historic Creole-style plantations and its unique cultures centered on the Cane River Lake. Open 8am - 5pm. Located at 1 Rue Beau Port. Call 318-356-5555 for more information.
Chamard-Dunchue House
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this unique and historic French Colonial home exhibits some beautiful features that include hand hewn cyrpess rafters, bousillage walls, and fireplaces on the interior. Located at 120 Rue Amulet.
Festival of Lights
Located in the Downtown Historic District. Enjoy over 250,000 colored lights and 72 set pieces that reflect over the Cane River Lake. Tours, entertainment, carnival rides, food, fireworks and more are available every Saturday in December.
Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historical Site
An exact replica of a French fort built in 1732, located on the banks of the Cane River. Outdoor exhibits, demonstrations and special events are all found here. Open 9am - 5pm. Located at 130 Moreau Street. Call 318-357-3101 for more information.
Immaculate Conception Church
This historic and beautiful Catholic Church has features including the original crystal chandeliers from France, original stained glass windows, and the original oil portraits. Located at 601 Second Street.
Kate Chopin House
A National Historic Landmark housing the Bayou Folk Museum. This is the home of Kate Chopin, author of The Awakening. Open daily 10am - 5pm. Located at 243 Highway 495 in Cloutierville. Call 318-379-2233 for more information.
Kisatchie National Forest
Kisatchie Hills Wilderness - This 8,700 acre area features sandstone mesas, bluffs and outcroppings with several distinct forest types on the most rugged terrain in Louisiana. Call 318-352-2568 for more information.
Lambre-Gwinn House
This pre-Civil War structure rested quietly on the Lambre Plantation for over 150 years before being completely dismantled and relocated to it's current spot. Located at 1972 Williams Avenue.
Longleaf Trail Scenic Byway
This is truly one of the most scenic drives in Louisiana. This 17 mile scenic byway guides you through some of the most beautiful and unique scenery in the Kisatchie National Forest. Take LA Highway 119 Byway, south of town.
Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame
See displays of portraits and memorabilia of Louisiana's most accomplished athletes. Located at Prather Coliseum, Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, LA . Call 318-357-6467 for more information.
Louisiana State Museum, Old Courthouse Museum
Located in the historic district of Natchitoches, this 1896 structure today houses changing exhibits on Louisiana history and culture. Open Monday - Saturday 9am - 5pm. Call 318-357-2270 for more information.
Magnolia Plantation Home
Located just outside of Natchitoches on Hwy. 119. This National bicentennial farm dates back to 1753 with an extensive collection of antiques and lovely grounds. On the National Register. Open daily from 1 - 4pm and by appointment. Call 318-379-2221 for more information.
Melrose Plantation
This Plantation is a National Historic Landmark to include The Big House (built in 1833), Yucca House (1796) and the famous African House. Admission is charged and opens daily from 12 - 4pm. Located at 3533 Highway 119. Call 318-379-0055 for more information.
Natchitoches Jazz/R & B Festival
This is Central Louisiana's fastest growing festival. On multiple stages you will experience the sounds of jazz/rhythm and blues. Musicians from all over the South perform - downtown.
Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery
Here you will find sixteen aquarium tanks with native species. Enjoy a 25minute video presentation. Group tours are available. No admission fee. Open daily from 8am - 3pm. Located at 615 Highway 1 South. Call 318-352-5324 for more information.
Oakland Plantation
Known as the most complete Creole plantation in the South, Oakland is situated on the banks of Cane River Lake on 42 beautiful acres. The plantation house was constructed by slaves using bousillage-mud. Located at 400 Rapides Drive Call 318-356-5555 for more information.
Old Courthouse Museum
The museum is an excellent example of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture, this historic and imposing building has many unique features including heavily arched doors and window openings and a large distinctive tower. Located at 600 second street. Call 318-357-2270 for more information.
Prudhomme Hughes - Johnson Townhouse
This structure is believed to be the earliest built that still remains on Front Street. This historic townhouse features lavish ornamental iron lace and Natchitoches' famous "Spiral Staircase" that was cast in Bourdeaux. Located at 720 Front Street.
Tauzin Plantation
Picture yourself on a plantation surrounded by 150 year old live oaks and you'll picture yourself on Tauzin. This plantation features a beautiful three story Creole structure that was built with original handmade bricks, as well as hand hewn and pegged cypress timbers. Located at 1950 Williams Avenue.
Trinity Episcopal Church
This is the third oldest Episcopal church in Louisiana. This historic church has a Gothic-Norman architecture style and has features include hand cut timber. Located at 533 Second Street.
Williamson Museum
The Williamson Museum is dedicated to the preservation of cultures - specifically on Louisiana Indians and on the archeology of post European cultures in the state. The museum holds over half a million artifacts. Located at Keyser Hall, Northwestern State University in Natchitoches. Call 318-357-4364 for more information.