Day-Trip Itinerary: Natchitoches

Natchitoches, (Nack-a-tish) the original French colony in Louisiana, is the oldest settlement in the Louisiana Purchase. Established in 1714, Natchitoches retains its European flavor through its architecture, heritage and lifestyle. 

Morning Activities & Attractions in Natchitoches

Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame & Northwest Louisiana History Museum

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame & Northwest History Museum combines two unique topics into one compelling experience. The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame’s collections celebrate more than 300 sports icons and achievements through exhibits and interactive media. The Northwest Louisiana History Museum journeys through cultural traditions from early Native American civilizations to the present. Even the building that houses the museums is notable, as it won a silver award in Architectural Design/Cultural Architecture from Architecture MasterPrize.

Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile

Established in 1863, Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile is Louisiana's oldest general store. Located downtown, Kaffie-Frederick pays homage to the “good ol’ days” with classic toys and cookware. Bring a piece of Natchitoches home from their collection of modern hardware products, gifts and more

Cane River Creole National Historical Park: Magnolia Plantation and Oakland Plantation

Take a self-guided tour of the grounds of these historical plantations. The Cane River region is home to the Creole people. Generations of the same families of owners and workers, enslaved and tenant, lived on these lands for more than 200 years. The park tells their stories and preserves the cultural landscape of Oakland and Magnolia Plantations, two of the most intact Creole cotton plantations in the United States.

Natchitoches Lunch Restaurants

Lasyone's Meat Pie Kitchen & Restaurant

Operating since 1967, Lasyone’s Meat Pie Restaurant offers authentic Creole cuisine. While the family-owned restaurant may not have invented the meat pie, a savory hand pie stuffed with meat or fish, they certainly helped popularize the recipe — and put Natchitoches on the map for it. Order the delicacy stuffed with beef and pork or crawfish.

Merci Beaucoup

Merci Beaucoup promises an original classic Cajun and American menu, served in the charming atmosphere of Downtown Natchitoches. Expect quality dishes from scratch using family recipes and adding the finest ingredients available, including Cajun baked potatoes, soups, salads, sandwiches and fresh seafood.

Cane River Commissary

Cane River Commissary offers a wide array of tasty dishes with a Creole twist, from po'boys and jambalaya to tacos and flatbreads. Keep an eye out for their rotating specials.

Afternoon Activities & Attractions in Natchitoches

Cane River Queen River Boat

Take a leisurely cruise aboard the Cane River Queen to get some of the best views of Natchitoches. The red, white and blue vessel meanders along the tranquil waters on Cane River Lake. 

Cane River Paddle & Pedal Sports

Head over to Cane River Paddle & Pedal Sports to get all the gear you need for an outdoor adventure around Natchitoches. Hop in a kayak with a traditional paddle set up, or or opt for a stand-up paddleboard, hydrobike or traditional bicycle.

Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site

Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site is a replica of an early French fort based upon the original blueprints of 1716 by Charles Claude Dutisné and company. Tour the reconstructed buildings, or try your hand at popular crafts of the time, like candle-making and crocheting.

Melrose Plantation

Discover the 200-year history of Melrose Plantation. A National Historic Landmark, Melrose takes visitors through the history of the house and grounds, from its founding in 1796 to its ownership under Northwestern State University of Louisiana in 1986. Learn more about the plantation’s impact on the town.

Natchitoches Dinner Restaurants

Mariner's Restaurant

Mariner’s Restaurant is the culmination of 20 years of family adventures to more than 40 countries and countless stateside destinations. Expect globally inspired dishes with Southern flair, including boudin wontons, blackened alligator bites with Creole remoulade and crawfish and shrimp fettuccine.

Mama's Oyster House and Papa's Bar & Grill

Visit Mama's Oyster House and Papa's Bar & Grill to savor delicious traditional Louisiana fare. Dine on the succulent seafood at Mama's Oyster House or grab a steak or mouthwatering po'boy at Papa's Bar & Grill.