Natchitoches Tourism

06/13/2025

Front Street in the 1960s—classic cars, iron balconies, and the KNOC sign that used to light up downtown. A lot has changed, but the charm is still just as strong. 💛

📍Front Street, Natchitoches
📸: State Library of Louisiana

06/11/2025

🚶‍♀️ Walk Natchitoches: A Local’s Guide
From historic streets to forest escapes, here are the top spots to wander, relax, and explore in and around Natchitoches, LA.

1️⃣ Downtown Stroll
🧱 Brick-paved Front Street
⛪️ Minor Basilica & historic homes
☕️ Family-owned shops + cafés
📍1 mile | perfect for slow mornings

2️⃣ Cane River Riverwalk
🛶 Peaceful path along the water
🌸 Seasonal blooms + benches
🛍️ Connects to restaurants & boutiques
📍1.5 miles round trip

3️⃣ NSU Campus Walk
🎓 Classic southern architecture
🌳 Tree-lined paths
🎨 Hanchey Gallery & quiet green spaces
📍1–2 miles

4️⃣ Oakland Plantation (Cane River Creole NHP)
🏡 Step back into Creole history
🪴 Historic grounds & gardens
📖 Interpretive walking paths
📍1–2 miles | family-friendly

5️⃣ Melrose Plantation
🎨 Home of folk artist Clementine Hunter
🌳 Walk through oak-shaded grounds
🏠 Explore historic cabins & plantation home
📍Self-guided grounds tour | art meets history

6️⃣ Grady Erwin Nature Trail (NSU)
🌲 Easy forest loop near campus
🦉 Great for birding + native plants
📍2 miles | peaceful and beginner-friendly

7️⃣ Kisatchie National Forest Trails
⛰️ Louisiana’s only national forest
🏞️ Best hikes:
— Longleaf Vista (1.5 mi loop)
— Caroline Dormon (10.5 mi)
— Kincaid Loop (9.5 mi)
📍Just outside town | epic nature fix

📝 Walking Tips
✔️ Hydrate & wear comfy shoes
✔️ Support local eats + shops
✔️ Pack bug spray for trails
✔️ Check hours for historic sites

06/10/2025

Do you think we're a quirky little town?☺️

https://www.worldatlas.com/cities/8-quirkiest-louisiana-towns-to-visit-in-2025.html

If you are looking to explore Louisiana like never before in 2025, these eight quirky towns will leave you with a whole new perspective of the Pelican State.

06/08/2025

Slow Sundays in Natchitoches ☀️
There’s something special about starting the day with sunrise over the Basilica and strolling quiet streets lined with family-owned restaurants and shops. No rush, just good coffee, warm smiles, and the comfort of community. This is why we love our small-town Sundays.

06/06/2025

🌞 Saturday Mornings in Natchitoches Just Got Fresher! 🥕🌻
Join us at the Natchitoches Farmers Market Saturday from 8 AM – 12 PM at the downtown riverbank! 🍅🎶
Shop local produce, handmade crafts, fresh baked goods, and enjoy live music and family-friendly activities — all in the heart of Louisiana’s oldest city.
✨ Come for the charm, stay for the flavors!
📍 Downtown Riverbank, Natchitoches, LA
📅 Saturday | 🕗 8 AM – 12 PM
🎉 Free admission & fun for all ages!

06/02/2025

06/02/2025

✨ It’s the little things that make Natchitoches so special. From iron horse posts to vintage bricks stamped with history, and cozy porches with lace curtains — every corner tells a story. 🧡 Take a closer look next time you stroll through Louisiana’s oldest town. Visit natchitoches.com to plan your stay.

05/30/2025

Hidden History in Plain Sight ✨🔍
Spotted a few of these around Natchitoches? 👀 That’s the fleur-de-lis, a symbol that’s more than just decoration - it’s a nod to our French roots, royal history, and cultural pride.⚜️
Natchitoches was founded by the French in 1714, and the fleur-de-lis has been a quiet witness ever since - on gates, lampposts, bricks, and balconies. 💫 It stands for heritage, purity, and strength and it’s woven into the identity of Louisiana itself.
Next time you're out and about, look closely... 👣
How many fleur-de-lis can you find? 🕵️‍♂️

05/29/2025

Happy National Gator Day from Natchitoches!🐊
Celebrate Louisiana-style with a visit to the Natchitoches Alligator Park — home to hundreds of gators, live shows, and wild family fun! 🎉🌿
It’s the perfect day to meet our swamp puppies up close (but not too close 😉).
📍 Just a short drive from downtown!

05/28/2025

We 💜 NSU!

05/27/2025

Where the magnolias are sweet, the porches are dreamy, and every corner whispers lights, camera, charm! 🌸🎥
Explore more beauty and unique houses at natchitoches.com.