Skip to site content
The Group Travel Leader Going on Faith Select Traveler

Contemporary Fun in Natchitoches, Louisiana’s Oldest City

Sponsored Content

There is plenty of contemporary fun to be had in Louisiana’s oldest city. Just as it has for generations, Natchitoches, Louisiana, (pronounced Nack-a-tish) sits on the banks of Cane River Lake and welcomes visitors from across the region and beyond. Today, this multifaceted destination offers good times and unique experiences for those looking for a spot to get away with friends and explore.

Travel to Natchitoches is easy via I-49, which connects to I-20 in Shreveport to the north and I-10 in Lafayette, to the south. Commercial air service is just an hour away at the Alexandria International Airport and the Shreveport Regional Airport.

Natchitoches Events Center

This is a destination known for its Southern hospitality and the Louisiana culture that was born here, in the state’s oldest first city, a crossroads that has welcomed a variety of travelers for 300 years. Visitors come not only to experience that history but also to enjoy a diverse collection of things to see and do. Its diversity makes this an ideal spot for friends to come together for a variety of fun.

Visitors to Natchitoches, locals and out-of-towners alike, can experience “Where History Lives” right in our backyard. They can follow the trails in Kisatchie National Forest and through the Cane River National Heritage Area to find centuries of history, culture, and natural landscapes, that are ready to be explored by foot, car, or boat.

The city itself sits within the Cane River National Heritage Area, a region known for plantations featuring Creole architecture and numerous other sites that preserve the multi-cultural history of the area.  It remains home to a unique blend of cultures like the Cane River Creole National Historical Park. This national treasure includes Oakland Plantation, considered the most complete Creole plantation in the United States, and Magnolia plantation, which houses the oldest wood screw cotton press in its original location in the United States.

Natchitoches historic downtown

And for many, the thing you’ll love most about Natchitoches (aside from the famous meat pies) is the charming 33-block National Landmark Historic District – a shopper’s paradise and a bed & breakfast lover’s dream. The Historic District features a beautiful mixture of architecture among its historic homes, churches, and other structures. Explore attractions like Fort St. Jean Baptiste, the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum to learn more about Natchitoches’ beginnings. Shop and dine at a selection of locally owned and operated establishments throughout the downtown area.

Lasyone’s Meat Pie

All these heritage sites and traditions have created many rare opportunities for visitors to experience Natchitoches’ history and gain insights into the diverse cultures that continue to influence the city today. If you’re looking for a quiet weekend with the family or a romantic weekend with a loved one, historic Natchitoches offers a dynamic atmosphere for everyone. What are you waiting for? Come Celebrate, Discover, and Explore where Louisiana began. Visit Natchitoches.com or call (800) 259-1714 to plan your trip today.