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Guide to the Best Things to Do in Natchitoches, Louisiana for Families

Natchitoches is home to some truly unique experiences for families, especially when you are interested in history. Established in 1714, it’s the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase region and was once a bustling trading post.

Today the historic downtown district with its brick-lined streets is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Plus the Cane River National Heritage Area is a stunningly beautiful and culturally significant area with plenty of fun activities that make it the perfect destination for families looking for a trip that is both fun and educational.

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From those rich historical sites and outdoor activities to iconic Louisiana seafood and movie film sites, there’s something for everyone in this charming town. Our guide to the best family activities in Natchitoches is the perfect place to start planning your vacation. 

Dock outside Mariner's Restaurant on Sibley Lake
Mariner’s Restaurant dock on Sibley Lake

Where is Natchitoches Located?

Natchitoches is located on Interstate 49, approximately an hour away from Shreveport, by car. It is situated on the banks of Cane River Lake and is part of the beautiful Natchitoches National Historic Landmark District. It’s home to Northwestern State University and is a popular destination for weekend trips and Louisiana road trip

How do locals pronounce Natchitoches? Before I get into this guide any further, you are probably wondering how to pronounce the name of this city. It’s pronounced nack-ah-tish and not to be confused with the Texas city of Nacogdoches, pronounced na-kuh-dow-chuhs. A fun fact about these two locations is they are both the oldest towns in their respective states. 

Fun Family Activities in Natchitoches

Whether you’re looking for a fun day out with the kids or an educational experience that will leave your family with lasting memories, this Louisiana city has it all! Read on to discover some of the best things to do and see when visiting Natchitoches.

Note: I don’t always include hours of operation in my travel guides, because they are subject to change. But I’ve included them because many attractions on this list aren’t open 7 days a week or may have limited hours. Always check ahead of time to make sure the activity will be open when you plan to visit!

Historic Sites, Tours, and Attractions in Natchitoches

historic reenactor at Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historical Site

Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historical Site

The original Fort St. Jean Baptiste was built by the French in 1716 and was the first permanent European settlement in Louisiana. Today the historical site sits on Cane River Lake, near the original fort site, and includes a replica of the fort and a museum. Visitors will see buildings on the fort’s interior reconstructed using 19th-century techniques that include a chapel, storeroom, barracks, and other buildings. 

The site is operated by the Louisiana Office of State Parks. Visitors to the fort can explore the grounds, learn about its history, see artifacts from that time period, tour the museum, watch living history demonstrations, and take part in educational programs. 

Open Wednesday-Sunday, 9 am-5 pm Closed on major holidays. Guided tours are available at 10 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 2 pm, and 3 pm.

The Cane River National Heritage Area

The Cane River National Heritage Area, managed by the National Park Service, is a must-visit destination when exploring the history and culture of Natchitoches. This national park runs about 35 miles long (116,000 acres) along the river. It includes historically significant areas including St. Augustine Catholic Church and two Creole cotton plantations, Magnolia and Oakland. Visitors can take self-guided tours of both areas. Be sure to pick a Junior Ranger booklet when visiting.

Cane River National Heritage Area - Junior Ranger National Park books

Magnolia Plantation at Cane River Creole National Historical Park

Magnolia Plantation has several more original buildings including a gin barn that houses the last remaining wooden screw-type cotton press remaining in its original site in the US. Magnolia’s main house is private property, but visitors can take self-guided tours of the grounds.

Open 7 days a week 9 am to 3:30 pm. Closed federal holidays.

Oakland Plantation - Cane River Creole National Park

Oakland Plantation at Cane River Creole National Historical Park

Oakland Plantation is one of the oldest and most well-preserved plantations in the south with 17 original buildings on site.  At Oakland, visitors are directed to enter the property from the rear, as this is the entrance enslaved would have used. The NPS has done a fantastic job telling the history of these areas by focusing less on the plantation owners and more on the laborers and working part of the farm.

Open 7 days a week 9 am to 3:30 pm. Closed federal holidays.

St. Augustine Catholic Church

St Augustine Catholic Church was built in the early 1800s by free people of color using their own funds. This church opened its doors to all who wished to come together. Visitors can take a self-guided tour throughout the church grounds and cemetery behind the church building.

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southern home lining with flowering trees in Natchitoches, LA

Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum

Both the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum are housed in the same building in Natchitoches. The building itself is something to see, with its design inspired by area rivers and fields. Architecture buffs will appreciate the molded flowing interior and slated exterior structure.

Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame exhibit with sports items

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame is located on the first floor of the building and features exhibits on famous Louisiana athletes, coaches, and teams from around the state. Athletes from high school through professional sports are honored. Visitors can also view uniforms and memorabilia from famous Louisiana sporting events, such as Super Bowls and World Series games.

The Northwest Louisiana History Museum is located upstairs and features a variety of artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of Natchitoches’ early days to the present. If you want to see more work by fold artist Clementine Hunter, you’ll find it here.

Open Tuesday-Saturday 10 am to 4:30 pm

Melrose Plantation

Melrose Plantation is a historic property with a unique place in Louisiana’s French Creole culture. Marie Therese Coincoin was an enslaved person who, once she became a free person of color, established Melrose in the late 1700s. She would become one of the area’s successful landowners.

Clementine Hunter murals and home at Melrose

Melrose is home to a variety of buildings that have been restored, including an African House, the main house, and other outbuildings. Today the estate is best known as the home of the 20th-century folk art painter Clementine Hunter, who created hundreds of paintings depicting life on this plantation. You can see her home, where she painted, and her 360˚ mural in the African House.

Visitors can take a self-guided tour or take a guided tour. Note that to see the main house or African House, you have to take a guided tour.

Open Thursday-Sunday 10 am to 3 pm. Tours offered: 10:15 am, 11:30 am, 12:45 pm, & 2:00 pm

Historic Downtown Walking Tour

A free walking tour is something I look forward to when visiting a new town. The staff at Cane River National Heritage Area provides free walking tours of Front Street in the Historic Downtown District of Natchitoches. This area features dozens of buildings that date back to the early 1800s, brick lines streets, and beautiful examples of French colonial architecture style iron balconies similar to what you’d see in New Orleans.

historic downtown walking tour guide - things to do in Natchitoches LA

When I visited, my tour guide, Logan from the Cane River National Heritage Area, provided an excellent history of the region’s beginning before European contact through the modern day. I found it to be a great way to learn about the city and its history.

Tours begin at the Natchitoches Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, 780 Front Street. Tour offered Wednesday – Saturday at 10:30 am. 

Los Adaes State Historical Site

Los Adaes is a National Historic Landmark that sits on the El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail. An 18th-century Spanish fort (Spanish Mission of San Miguel de los Adaes) and mission once stood on the site along the “Royal Road” that connected Louisiana to Mexico.

The site later became the capital of Spanish-governed Texas from 1729 to 1772. Today it is one of the most intact archeological sites in the state. Today, visitors can take a self-guided tour of the grounds located in Robeline, Louisiana.

Fort Jesop State Historic Site

Fort Jesup, located in Many Louisiana, is a military outpost built in 1822. It was established to train soldiers during the Mexican American War. The fort was abandoned after just 25 years and became a state historic site in the 1960s.

One kitchen building is the only original structure on the site. Visitors can explore the grounds, view the kitchen, and the reconstructed officers’ quarters that house the visitor center that features artifacts from the fort’s past.

Grounds open Wednesday-Sunday – Museum open Friday-Sunday;  9 am to 5 pm.

Outdoor Activities for Families in Natchitoches

Although this area is known for its history, there are plenty of things to do outdoors. Between Cane River Lake to nearby parks, there are a variety of things to do no matter the season.

Gator Country Louisiana Alligator Park

Gator Country is the spot for families to learn about and interact with alligators in a safe, natural setting. Visitors can observe hundreds of alligators both in the park or take a swamp tour behind the property and see them in the wild. There are also other animals to see here including snakes, tortoises, and a petting zoo with goats, sheep, and rabbits.

Woman holding an alligator at Gator Country

The park offers educational and feeding shows as well as hands-on interaction. If you are adventurous enough to hold a live alligator or snake you can experience it here. Visitors can also elect to feed the animals, including the alligators. To feed the alligators, you’re provided cane fishing poles with small bits of meat(hot dog) at the end. 

Open 7 days a week, 10 am-5 pm. 

Water Sports

Located on the banks of Cane River Lake, there are countless opportunities for water sports. Start by renting a kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or hydro bike from Cane River Paddle & Pedal. They are located in Downtown Riverbank Dock Station, so you can paddle in the downtown area.

Cane River Queen on Cane River Lake

Cane River Queen Riverboat

The Cane River Queen is a paddle-wheeler docked in the downtown area. Choose from two different trips; the scenic daytime tour or the evening party cruise.

Dark Woods Adventure Park

If you’re feeling adventurous, check out the Dark Woods Adventure Park and Lost Treasure Mining Company, where your family can become treasure hunters and mine for your own unique gems. During the weeks leading up to Halloween, Dark Woods Adventure Park also offers a spooktacular haunted forest. 

Kisatchie National Forest

Located a short drive from Natchitoches, the Kisatchie National Forest, the state’s only national forest. Over 600,000 acres provide a great escape for the entire family. The area offers activities such as swimming, boating, camping, hiking, biking, OHV trails, hunting, and wildlife watching.

The Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery

The Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery is a great place to learn about the fish, turtles, and muscles of the Cane River area. The hatchery allows self-guided tours and an aquarium exhibit. There are over 80 outdoor ponds, so there is a good chance to see fish being raised for stocking in the river as well as birdwatching and other wildlife viewings.

Open Monday- Friday, 7 am-3:30 pm (office), and 7 days a week 8 am-3 pm (aquarium). Closed on federal holidays.

The American Cemetery

If your family enjoys a cemetery tour, The American Cemetery is considered to be the oldest cemetery in the Louisiana Purchase.  It has graves from soldiers as far back as the Revolutionary War.

Movie Filming Locations

There have been several movies filmed in and around the Natchitoches area. The movie Steel Magnolias was partially filmed here. You can also take a tour of the filming locations and stay in the home featured in the movie that is now a B&B.

Movie Film Location in Natchitoches - Steel Magnolias house

Other notable movies that were filmed here include The Horse Soldiers (1959), The Man in the Moon (1991), The Year Without a Santa Claus (2006) The Garden Club (2008), For Sale by Owner (2009), and Clementine Hunter’s World (2016). You can get a map of all the locations at the city’s visitor center on Front Street.

Family-friendly Accommodations in Natchitoches

The city is Lousiana’s Bed & Breakfast Capital with over 35 B&Bs. From grand historic homes to cozy cottages, each property has something unique to offer. 

If B&Bs aren’t your thing, there are several hotel chain locations along the interstate. When I visited here, I stayed downtown at the Church Street Inn. It was in a great location, just steps from Front Street and the historic district’s many restaurants and shops. 

Church Street Inn has well-appointed rooms with seating areas and comfortable beds. I really liked the second-floor balcony that looks over the street to the river. Breakfast and nightly happy hour are included in the rate.

Outside of the city, there are plenty of other lodging options including campgrounds and RV parks. 

Restaurants for Families in Natchitoches

Whether you’re in the mood for classic Louisiana cuisine, or something a little more familiar, Natchitoches has great local options. When I visited the area, these are restaurants I enjoyed and would recommend you visit when you are here. (If you have others I need to add, please let me know or add them in the comments below.)

Laysonne's meat pie

Lasyone’s Meat Pie Restaurant is a must-try when here. The city is called the Meat Pie capital of Louisiana after all, and Lasyone’s is renowned for their pies. They serve handmade ground beef pies with a flaky crust all day. Aside from meat pies, you’ll find classic comfort food like burgers, po’boy sandwiches, and catfish platters.

If you want to try a slightly different hand pie, try Merci Beaucoup who serves a crawfish pie as well as other delicious Cajun and Creole dishes. Their Cajun Potato, baked potato topped with crawfish etouffee, is their customer’s favorite dish.

Mayeaux Nakatosh Deli and Pub is a small pizza and sandwich shop right on Front Street. They serve a delicious muffuletta sandwich that I recommend as well the muffuletta salad.

Papa’s Bar and Grill is the place to go for a burger and fries. Their Big C burger is a 1/2 pound burger and is quite burgers with locals.

If you’re looking for more upscale dining, head to Mariner’s Restaurant. Set on Sibley Lake, the sunsets here are stunning and their food is excellent. They have a range of dishes from seafood to steaks, as well as homemade desserts. I highly recommend the steaks and charbroiled oysters which is what I had when I dined here. Be sure to ask about daily specials as well as their current cocktails, whiskey, and wine lists.

Coffee drinker next to dragon statue at Stroybrew Coffee

Start your morning with a stop at Storybrew Coffee Cafe on Front Street. Your family will love the magical (D&D) decor complete with a 6′ tall dragon in the store. You’ll love the coffee and teas offered. When I went during Mardi Gras, they had a King Cake Latte that was delightful!

Annual Festivals and Events in Natchitoches

A big part of family fun comes from the annual festivals and events that take place year-round. From the Meat Pie Festival in September to the Natchitoches Christmas Festival, there’s always something going on. 

If you’re visiting during Mardi Gras season, be sure to catch the Natchitoches Krewe of Dionysos Parade— it’s a highlight of the season. 

The Cane River Zydeco Festival in July is also worth adding to your itinerary. It’s a fun filled musical celebration with live Zydeco music and dancing all night long.

The Natchitoches Christmas Festival is a great way to get into the holiday spirit! In 2023, the event will be celebrating its 97th anniversary. The weekend-long festival features live entertainment, food vendors, the Festival of Lights Parade, fireworks, and Santa Claus himself!

In addition to the Christmas Festival, the Festival of Lights has more holiday events starting in late November thru Christmas. See their website for a list of scheduled events.

Family-Friendly Shopping in Natchitoches

Besides exploring the historic sites and dining on delicious Creole and Cajun cuisine, shopping is also a must-do activity in Natchitoches for families. The shopping district offers a unique mix of specialty stores and souvenirs that cannot be found in regular city stores.

1917 cash register inside Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile

Make sure to check out Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile, a favorite shopping destination since 1863. This general store has been owned by the same family for three generations and is the oldest business in the city. Parents and kids both can find everything from toys, jewelry, tools, kitchenwares, and unique items that make great souvenirs. Be sure to seek out their original 1920 cash register, grain elevator, and other original store features.

For a sweet treat, spot into the Cane River Candy Company on Front Street. Here you can indulge in some of their retro candies, popcorn, and chocolate everything.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Family Trip to Natchitoches

To ensure that you make the most out of your stay, we’ve come up with some tips for you.

  1. Begin by exploring accommodations specifically for how your family wants to stay. The city has lodgings from luxurious hotels to cozy bed and breakfasts.
  2. If you are visiting early in the week, know that some shops, attractions, and restaurants may not be open 7 days a week. So check ahead and plan accordingly.
  3. When it comes to nightlife,  things are pretty mellow in Natchitoches. You won’t find many loud bars or dance clubs, but there are a few local pubs and restaurants in Natchitoches’ historic district that offer live music on certain nights.
  4. Finally, be sure to explore the city’s natural beauty by taking a wander along Cane River Lake. There are public boat launches available if you want to take your own boat, or rent a lake kayak at one of the local outfitters.

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In conclusion

Overall, Natchitoches is a charming city full of things to do and experience as a family. We guarantee that your time spent here will be filled with memorable moments you’ll cherish for years to come!

From outdoor fun to mouthwatering eats and fascinating historical sites – there is something special just waiting to be discovered in Natchitoches! This guide offers just a glimpse into what this charming town has to offer families who want to explore together.

Whether you’re looking for an adventure, want to brush up on your history knowledge, or simply want to soak up some sunshine by Cane River Lake – come explore Natchitoches with your family today! You won’t regret it!

pile of alligators on wood platform in lagoon

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About Nicky Omohundro

Nicky Omohundro is a travel and active family lifestyle blogger and social media influencer based out of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She shares stories, destinations, and ideas on food, family, health, and outdoor recreation to help families find their own adventures. Her spirit animal is a caffeinated squirrel fueled by coffee, real food, and the desire to seek new adventures.

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