Southern Louisiana tends to see the spotlight more than the north, and that’s a shame. While southern Louisiana has some beautiful bayous, world-class fishing and, of course, New Orleans, there are many attractions in northern Louisiana that are so worth the drive. Here are some amazing attractions in northern Louisiana to put on your bucket list.
- Gardens of the American Rose
Gardens of the American Rose/Facebook This stunning spot is located in Shreveport and visitors can tour 118 acres of beautiful rose gardens. It’s the nation’s largest park dedicated to roses, and you’ll want to visit before the end of October so you can see all of the blooms! Address: 8877 Jefferson Paige Rd., Shreveport, LA 71119
- Gators & Friends
Gators & Friends/Facebook Gators & Friends is an exotic petting zoo and alligator park that’s fun for the whole family. The adventure park is the largest in Northwest Louisiana and boasts 150 alligators, dozens of exotic animals from around the world, an exhilarating go-kart race track, and an incredible zip-line that will have you soaring over a live gator habitat! Learn more about Gators & Friends here. Address: 11441 US-80, Greenwood, LA 71033
- Kisatchie National Forest
Jay Miney/All Trails Louisiana’s only national forest is comprised of over 600,000 acres sprawled across seven parishes broken up into five ranger districts in central and northern Louisiana. From birdwatching to backpacking, the Kisatchie National Forest is a nature lover’s paradise.
- Lake Claiborne State Park
Lake Claiborne State Park/Facebook Lake Claiborne State Park offers something for everyone. Visitors can fill their days by fishing, boating, hiking, waterskiing, and so much more. Not only does Lake Claiborne State Park feature a top-ranked disc golf course, but the beach is quite the popular attraction during the warmer months. Address: 225 State Park Rd., Homer, LA 71040
- Antique Alley
GoogleMaps The Cotton Port Historic District of West Monroe has a delightful little strip of antique shops and boutiques for you to explore. More than 40 locally-owned shops are peppered along the street, so be sure to clear your entire afternoon so you’ll have time to pop in all of these them. Learn more about Antique Alley here.
- Poverty Point
Poverty Point World Heritage Site / Facebook Built over 3,400 years ago, Poverty Point is an ancient engineering marvel. While the original inhabitant left no written word of their day to day lives, archaeologists are constantly discovering new clues that give us a glimpse as to what this incredible series of earthworks was used for. Learn more about Poverty Point here. Address: 6859 LA Hwy. 577, Pioneer, LA 71266
- Jimmie Davis State Park
Frank Ezelle/Flickr Located in Chatham, this state park features almost 300 acres of land and is nestled around Caney Creek Lake. Fishermen will love the freshwater fishing opportunities and the cabins are a great way to spend a weekend surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in northern Louisiana. Address: 1209 State Park Rd., Chatham, LA 71226
- Louisiana Boardwalk
Shaneen Scandrol/Google Shop ’til you drop at the Louisiana Boardwalk in Bossier City. You’ll have absolutely stunning views of the Red River, plenty of restaurants to choose from, and unique shops featuring everything from fishing gear to jewelry. Address: 540 Boardwalk Blvd., Bossier City, LA 71111
- R.W. Norton Art Gallery
Galuppi/Trip Advisor Art lovers will rejoice in spending an afternoon at R.W. Norton Art Gallery, where visitors can browse American and European artwork and books. The gardens outside are simply mesmerizing and absolutely worth your while. Address: 4747 Creswell Ave., Shreveport, LA 71106
How many of these attractions have you been to? Let us know in the comments below!
Gardens of the American Rose/Facebook
This stunning spot is located in Shreveport and visitors can tour 118 acres of beautiful rose gardens. It’s the nation’s largest park dedicated to roses, and you’ll want to visit before the end of October so you can see all of the blooms! Address: 8877 Jefferson Paige Rd., Shreveport, LA 71119
Gators & Friends/Facebook
Gators & Friends is an exotic petting zoo and alligator park that’s fun for the whole family. The adventure park is the largest in Northwest Louisiana and boasts 150 alligators, dozens of exotic animals from around the world, an exhilarating go-kart race track, and an incredible zip-line that will have you soaring over a live gator habitat! Learn more about Gators & Friends here. Address: 11441 US-80, Greenwood, LA 71033
Jay Miney/All Trails
Louisiana’s only national forest is comprised of over 600,000 acres sprawled across seven parishes broken up into five ranger districts in central and northern Louisiana. From birdwatching to backpacking, the Kisatchie National Forest is a nature lover’s paradise.
Lake Claiborne State Park/Facebook
Lake Claiborne State Park offers something for everyone. Visitors can fill their days by fishing, boating, hiking, waterskiing, and so much more. Not only does Lake Claiborne State Park feature a top-ranked disc golf course, but the beach is quite the popular attraction during the warmer months. Address: 225 State Park Rd., Homer, LA 71040
GoogleMaps
The Cotton Port Historic District of West Monroe has a delightful little strip of antique shops and boutiques for you to explore. More than 40 locally-owned shops are peppered along the street, so be sure to clear your entire afternoon so you’ll have time to pop in all of these them. Learn more about Antique Alley here.
Poverty Point World Heritage Site / Facebook
Built over 3,400 years ago, Poverty Point is an ancient engineering marvel. While the original inhabitant left no written word of their day to day lives, archaeologists are constantly discovering new clues that give us a glimpse as to what this incredible series of earthworks was used for. Learn more about Poverty Point here. Address: 6859 LA Hwy. 577, Pioneer, LA 71266
Frank Ezelle/Flickr
Located in Chatham, this state park features almost 300 acres of land and is nestled around Caney Creek Lake. Fishermen will love the freshwater fishing opportunities and the cabins are a great way to spend a weekend surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in northern Louisiana. Address: 1209 State Park Rd., Chatham, LA 71226
Shaneen Scandrol/Google
Shop ’til you drop at the Louisiana Boardwalk in Bossier City. You’ll have absolutely stunning views of the Red River, plenty of restaurants to choose from, and unique shops featuring everything from fishing gear to jewelry. Address: 540 Boardwalk Blvd., Bossier City, LA 71111
Galuppi/Trip Advisor
Art lovers will rejoice in spending an afternoon at R.W. Norton Art Gallery, where visitors can browse American and European artwork and books. The gardens outside are simply mesmerizing and absolutely worth your while. Address: 4747 Creswell Ave., Shreveport, LA 71106
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
