Welcome To
Northeast Louisiana
More than just a place to live, it’s a place you’ll want to call home.
ARTS & CULTURE
BIEDERNHARN MUSEUM AND GARDENS
Perhaps one the most attractive museums in the area, the Biedenharn Museum and Gardens in Monroe’s Historical District features a historical home, formal gardens, a recently renovated Bible Museum and a museum store. The adjacent Coca Cola Museum, yes, the Biedenharn’s first bottled Coca Cola, completes a fun and educational trip for the whole family including a 5c Coke machine.
- 2000 Riverside Drive
- Monroe, Louisiana 71201
COOLEY HOUSE
An international treasure, the Cooley House was designed by acclaimed architect Walter Burley Griffin. Similar to the work of Frank Lloyd Wright, Griffin’s architecture preceded its time. Griffin designed the Cooley House for Monroe’s own Gilbert Brian ‘Captain’ Cooley, a local entrepreneur, in 1908 although it was only constructed nearly two decades later.
- 1810 Emerson Street
- Monroe, Louisiana 71201
DELTA AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM
The Delta African American Museum actively works to preserve and promote the culture and contributions of African Americans to Northeast Louisiana and the in general. Regular artistic and cultural events as well as public education are key to its missions.
- 1051 Chenault Park Road
- Monroe, Louisiana 71203
LANDRY VINEYARDS
This local Louisiana favorite was established in 1999. A family affair, Landry Vineyards produces a range of fine wines and prides itself in promoting Louisiana culture through regular outdoor concerts and wine tastings.
- 5699 New Natchitoches Road
- West Monroe, LA 71292
LAYTON CASTLE
This sixty room home located on 7 acres of flatland was construct from 1812-1814 for Judge Henry Bry and his wife Marie. Layton Castle, once known as Mulberry Grove, is open to group tours, by appointment only. Located on the Ouachita it is considered one of the grandest showplaces in Northeast Lousiana.
- 1133 S Grand Street
- Monroe, Louisiana 71202
MASUR MUSEUM
The Masur Museum of Art prides itself in being the largest visual arts museum in Northeast Louisiana. Free admission and an array of excellent, temporary exhibitions mean that you’ll quickly become a regular. Educational programs for children and adults alike are made possible through lectures, films and artist talks. Art classes, summer arts camps, workshops and demonstrations are also on the menu.
- 1400 S Grand Street
- Monroe, Louisiana 71202
MONROE DOWNTOWN GALLERY CRAWL
Perhaps one of the most exciting events held in Downtown Monroe and West Monroe is the bi-monthly Downtown Gallery Crawl. ‘The Crawl’ features a variety of talent, live entertainment and delightful local cuisine. Great company and a view of the Ouachita River complete the experience.
- Downtown
- Monroe, Louisiana 71201
RUSTON PEACH FESTIVAL
The famous Louisiana Peach Festival in Ruston is an annual event hosted by the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. Held on the fourth weekend of June it includes over 200 vendors and artisans, live music and Peach Parade, an antique car show as well as a rodeo, 5K run and cooking contest. We’ll see you there.
- 401 N Trenton St, Ruston, LA 71270
- Ruston, LA 71270
STRAUSS THEATER CENTER
Strauss Little Theatre of Monroe has been around since 1932 and has continually produced some of the greatest stage productions this side of the Mississippi. A community-organized theatre it is consider a cultural mainstay. Residents, children and adults alike are encouraged to audition for any of its many productions.
- 1300 Lamy Lane
- Monroe, Louisiana 71201
EDUCATION
GRAMBLING STATE UNIVERSITY
Grambling State University boasts a large international student body. Their colleges of Business, Education, Arts and Sciences, Professional Studies and School of Graduate Studies and Research offers over 75 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
- 403 Main Street
- Grambling, LA 71245
LOUISIANA TECH
Louisiana Tech University is located in Ruston and was founded in 1894. A designated Tier 1 national research university it is also well known for its Engineering program and business school.
- 305 Wisteria St
- Ruston, LA 71272
UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA – MONROE
One of the top universities nation-wide ULM (The University of Louisiana at Monroe offers both graduate and undergraduate degrees. ULM’s football program is a national talking point and a point of pride. A top competitor in the national waterski scene, ULM athletes regularly practice on Bayou DeSiard.
- 700 University Avenue
- Monroe, LA 71209
EVENTS
BAYOU DESIARD DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL
Once a year Bayou DeSiard is taken over by a crowd of loud, spirited dragon boat enthusiasts. Known as the Bayou DeSiard Dragon Boat Festival, this event on the third weekend every May must be marked in your calendar.
IKE HAMILTON EXPO CENTER
‘The Ike’ hosts all kinds of events ranging from team roping, cutting and barrel racing to large music concerts and RC car races. There’s always something happening at the ‘The Ike’.
- 501 Mane Street
- West Monroe, LA 71292
MONROE CIVIC CENTER
Host to a large array of events, the Monroe Civic Center is one of the city’s cultural cornerstones. Conventions, trade shows, Broadway musicals, music concerts and an annual Fair make the short list of things to do at the Monroe Civic Center.
- 401 Lea Joyner Memorial Expy
- Monroe, LA 71201
REVOLUTION PARK
Revolution Park is Louisiana’s Premier Track Racing complex. Featuring Nascar Short Track Racing from March to September; if you’re into big engines we’ll be seeing you at Revolution Park.
- 8850 Frontage Road
- Monroe, Louisiana 71202
RIVER MARKET
The Downtown River Market is an open-air market in Downtown Monroe. Reminiscent of a French-style town square market it is not unusual to expect artisan crafts, fresh produce, authentic Louisiana products, food and great talent as locals gather to enjoy the hustle and bustle.
- 401 S Grand Street
- Monroe, Louisiana 71201
WEST MONROE CONVENTION CENTER
The West Monroe Convention Center features a 13,000ft2 exhibition space that can be subdivided into 3 separate, soundproof rooms. The center is considered a premier destination for exhibits, tradeshows, conventions, wedding receptions and banquets.
- 901 Ridge Avenue
- West Monroe, Louisiana 71291
FAMILY
CHENNAULT AVIATION AND MILITARY MUSEUM
The Chennault Aviation and Military Museum of Louisiana is dedicated to preserving the legacy of Northeast Louisiana’s incredible role in aviation and military history. This fun museum does a great job of delivering the first person accounts of men and women shaping history.
- 701 Kansas Lane
- Monroe, Louisiana 71203
CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
The Children’s Museum is located in Downtown Monroe and features a large variety of activities and programs. Hands-on and interactive this is a place your children will want to come back to, time and time again.
- 323 Walnut Street
- Monroe, Louisiana 71201
MONROE GARDENS AND ZOO
Set in beautifully landscaped gardens, Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo is a great place for families and friends alike. Professional and knowledgeable staff, combined with a diverse collection of animals, makes visiting this zoo a pleasure.
- 1405 Bernstein Park Road
- Monroe, Louisiana 71202
WEST MONROE FARMER’S MARKET
The West Monroe Farmer’s Market is a bustling, active cornucopia of all the delights North East Louisiana can offer. Supported by a strong community of local farmers and growers it’s the go to place for locally sourced produce.
- 1700 N. 7th Street
- West Monroe, LA 71291
FINE DINING
COTTON. CREATIVE SOUTHERN CUISINE
Chef Cory Bahr’s ‘Restaurant Cotton’ is a reminder of a simpler, more honest time. Located in one of the oldest buildings in Downtown Monroe, it’s Southern Cuisine at its finest.
- 101 N Grand Street
- Monroe, LA 71201
GENUSA’S
This delightful Italian restaurant in the Historical District is a must. Family owned, they’re also family friendly with adequate room for all your guests.
- 815 Park Avenue
- Monroe, Louisiana 71201
NONNA’S
Another of Chef Cory Bahr’s hometown ventures featuring Old World Italian style cuisine. Authentic pastas, great salads and local brews are just some of the reasons we consider it a worthwhile attraction.
- 311 Hudson Lane
- Monroe, Louisiana 71201
SAGE
Sage deserves a seat at the table with its selection of tropical style Louisiana cuisine. White tablecloths and multiple sets of cutlery frame perfectly prepared fresh fish, oysters and steaks. Fancy, yes, but still casual enough for your Texas formals.
- 1301 North 19th Street
- Monroe, LA 71201
WAREHOUSE NO.1 RESTAURANT
Food with a view. Warehouse No.1 serves authentic Louisiana cuisine and has been around since 1980. A beautiful view of the Ouachita River compliments the excellent dishes. Warehouse No.1 deserves a spot on our ‘best of’ list.
- 1 Olive Street
- Monroe, Louisiana 71201
GOLF & COUTRY CLUBS
BAYOU DESIARD COUNTRY CLUB
One of Monroe’s oldest, Bayou DeSiard Country Club is also one of the most prestigious country clubs in North East Louisiana, and has been since 1948. It certainly sports all the amenities expected of such a fine establishment.
- 3501 Forsythe Avenue
- Monroe, LA 71201
FRENCHMEN’S BEND COUNTRY CLUB
Frenchmen’s Bend is arguably one of Northeast Louisiana’s premiere golf & health clubs. Set in some of the region’s most attractive forested areas, facilities include a professional 18-hole golf course, health and fitness center, full-service bar & grill, and pool/spa.
- 1484 Frenchmans Bend Rd
- Monroe, Louisiana 71203
SQUIRE CREEK
Featuring a ‘Tom Fazio’ 18-hole championship golf course, Squire Creek Country Club is a premier destination for the avid golfer. This private, members-only club has all the amenities; pools, tennis courts and a beautiful building perfect for private events and weddings.
- 289 Squire Creek Parkway
- Choudrant, Louisiana 71227
HEALTH & OUTDOOR
BLACK BAYOU LAKE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Located to the east of Egret Landing, the Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge is one of five managed refuges in the North Louisiana Refuges Complex. Thanks to ‘Friends of Black Bayou’ a beautiful learning center and nature trail, large observation deck, photo blind and boat launch are just some of the great facilities that make Black Bayou great.
CENTURYLINK SOCCER COMPLEX
This soccer complex is home to NELSA, Northeast Louisiana Soccer Association, an organization dedicated to see the boys and girls of Monroe, West Monroe and surrounding cities excel in soccer.
- 8475 Millhaven Rd
- Monroe, Louisiana 71203
CYPRESS STREET WELLNESS CENTER
Another of Northeast Louisiana great health clubs, the Wellness Center has a team of talented and highly educated trainers ready to help you meet your fitness goals.
- 3215 Cypress Street
- West Monroe, Louisiana 71291
D’ARBONNE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
D’Arbonne embodies what it means to live in a Sportsmen’s Paradise. Perfect for fishing and hunting, this National Wildlife Refuge also provides plenty of opportunity for photography and wildlife observation.
FORSYTHE PARK
Right in the middle of Monroe’s Historical District and bordering the Ouachita River, Forsythe Park has something for everyone. A children’s park, picnic areas, public boat launch, nine hole golf course, tennis, volleyball, softball and soccer fields are just some of the great features of this park.
- 2300 Sycamore Street
- Monroe, Louisiana 71201
KIROLI PARK & DOG PARK
Kiroli Park with its playgrounds, conservatory, tennis courts, picnic areas and fishing ponds is a perfect spot for family fun. The addition of a dog park and miles of hiking trails mean even Spot can enjoy a fun day with the family too.
- 820 Kiroli Road
- West Monroe, LA 71291
LINCOLN PARISH PARK & MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS
Lincoln Parish Park has a lot to offer. Perhaps its greatest attraction is its 10-mile mountain bike trail. Considered one of the top trails in the it has something for beginners and experienced bikers alike. A 1.25-mile walking trail, bass filled lake and incredible beauty make this one of the greatest destinations in Northeast Louisiana.
- 211 Parish Park Rd
- Ruston, Louisiana 71270
MONROE ATHLETIC CLUB
The MAC is an Athletic Club for the whole family; considered one of the most complete fitness centers in the South.
- 3801 Chauvin Lane
- Monroe, Louisiana 71201
RESTORATION PARK
Native Cypress trees draped with Spanish moss complete the scenic lake at the center of Restoration Park. This wetland park and forest features a 1.2-mile stone trail perfect for jogging, walking or just taking in nature.
- 700 Downing Pines Road
- Monroe, Louisiana 71201
UPPER OUACHITA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Reserve stretches over more than 42,000 acres and two parishes. Mostly made up of wetlands it is a prime spot for migratory birds and local wildlife.
WEST MONROE MOTOCROSS
This mile long motocross features 16 turns, 6 doubles, 2 step-ups, 5 tabletops and a whoop section. Designed for fun, this red clay track features tight turns and big jumps perfect to get any motocross enthusiast’s heart revving.
- 208 Tinsley Road
- Monroe, LA 71292