Three vibrant murals decorate downtown Monroe.

Monroe Main Street

Enjoy live music at the RiverMarket.

Enjoy live music at the Monroe RiverMarket.

Brewpubs are a mainstay of Monroe's restaurant scene.

Brewpubs are a mainstay of Monroe's restaurant scene.

Three vibrant murals decorate downtown Monroe.

One of the many brightly-colored murals founds around downtown Monroe.

For the most stunning views of the colorful sunsets on the Ouachita River, head to Monroe’s Main Street. With more than a dozen unique and eclectic mural installations throughout the downtown area, you’re sounded by a lively and flourishing atmosphere that’s reflected in the businesses there.

First off is the crown jewel of Monroe’s downtown scene: the Downtown RiverMarket. The boardwalk on the Ouachita hosts live music and farmers markets, and is a great place to stroll around and take in the scenery. This area is also the original birthplace of the Downtown Gallery Crawl, which has since expanded into West Monroe. This bi-monthly event showcases some of the finest local artists and musicians, and the tastiest food in Northeast Louisiana.

If your schedule doesn’t allow for the Crawl, there’s still plenty to see, do and eat. The nearby Northeast Louisiana Children's Museum is a great place for learning and roleplaying, with exhibits that allows children to dress up and act as medical staff, chefs or even a secret service agent! Cap off the day with dinner at popular area restaurants like Restaurant Cotton — known for its riverfront venue and weekend brunch — or Parish Restaurant – the brainchild of 2011 Great American Seafood Cook-off “King of Seafood.”

Did you know Monroe was where Coca-Cola was originally bottled back in 1899? For a trip back in time, visit the Biedenharn Museum & Gardens and experience its very cool Cola-Cola exhibit as well as  beautiful formal English gardens. Speaking of the English, Northeast Louisiana also has a unique affinity for Irish heritage, which you can experience at Enoch's Irish Pub & Cafe and the Northeast Louisiana Celtic Festival.

Address

Monroe Main Street
400 Lea Joyner Expressway
Monroe, LA 71201

Phone
(318) 376-9346