Alexandria, Louisiana, is the perfect place to visit in the summer with its humid weather and fresh seafood. You can also take in a professional baseball game and sit by the lake while you enjoy your favorite dish from one of our many restaurants. Alexandria is filled with places to see and things to do, so you will never run out of things to do!
The Kent Plantation House is a historical treasure that gives tourists a look into the fascinating history of the area. One of the oldest still-standing buildings in the state, this 1796 plantation house has undergone a comprehensive restoration and has been given the National Historic Landmark designation.
The home is crammed with antique furniture and memorabilia, giving visitors a real-life look at life on a working plantation in the early 19th century. The main house, the overseer’s residence, the kitchen, and the gardens are all accessible to visitors on a guided tour of the plantation house’s grounds.
– Address: 3601 Bayou Rapides Rd, Alexandria, LA 71303
– Phone: (318) 487-5998
– Website: https://kenthouse.org/
A family-friendly attraction, the Alexandria Zoological Park provides a rare chance to visit and learn about a range of species worldwide.
More than 500 species are kept in the zoo, including lions, tigers, giraffes, elephants, monkeys, and many others. The park’s winding trails invite visitors to enjoy a stroll while observing the animals in their natural settings.
The zoo is renowned for its conservation initiatives, which include giving the animals a safe and healthy environment while advancing education and awareness about wildlife protection.
Visitors may participate in a variety of year-round activities and events in addition to observing the animals, such as feeding the giraffes, going to animal encounters and performances, and exploring interactive displays.
– Address: 3016 Masonic Dr, Alexandria, LA 71301
– Phone: (318) 441-6810
– Website: https://www.thealexandriazoo.com/
TREE House is a place for kids to play and learn about nature. The playground has a treehouse where children can climb the trees and jump on the trampoline. They can climb up the rope wall or slide down one of two slides.
TREE House is great for hot summer days because it’s shaded by big trees that provide shade from the sun’s rays, making it cooler than other playgrounds in Alexandria, LA!
– Address: 1403 3rd St, Alexandria, LA 71301
– Phone: (318) 619-9394
The Alexandria Museum of Art is a renowned cultural institution in the center of Alexandria, Louisiana. Over 2,000 works of art, from modern paintings to historical antiquities, are housed at this top-tier museum.
The museum offers an extensive selection of exhibits that highlight the rich cultural legacy of Louisiana and beyond. Local and internationally renowned art pieces are shown in displays that visitors can visit.
The Alexandria Museum of Art also holds several activities throughout the year, such as talks, seminars, and concerts. The structure is a magnificent example of modern design. Famous architect Edward Durell Stone created the sleek, modernist architecture of the museum, which has large windows that let natural light flood the galleries.
– Address: 933 2nd St, Alexandria, LA 71301
– Phone: (318) 443-3458
– Website: https://themuseum.org/
In the center of Alexandria, Louisiana, there is a thriving cultural center called the River Oaks Square Arts Center. This renovated 100-year-old structure is a tribute to the region’s rich history and cultural tradition and offers artists a venue to present their work and interact with the public.
The center is home to a varied assortment of art studios, galleries, and exhibition venues, each displaying a special fusion of traditional and modern art. Oil paintings, watercolors, mixed media, and sculpture are just a few of the many artistic mediums that skilled local and regional artists have mastered.
The River Oaks Square Arts Center provides a wide selection of instructional programs and seminars for artists of all skill levels. These workshops offer the chance to pick up new skills, improve their craft, and network with other creatives in a welcoming and motivating atmosphere to budding artists.
– Address: 1330 2nd St, Alexandria, LA 71301
– Phone: (318) 473-2670
– Website: https://www.riveroaksartscenter.com/
Visitors may taste Louisiana’s rich cultural diversity and varied history at the museum. The museum houses a sizable collection of displays, artifacts, and memorabilia that trace the development of the state from its ancient origins to the present.
Visitors may find information about the colonial period, the Civil War, the Native American tribes who historically lived in the area, and how the oil business affected Louisiana’s economy.
To showcase Louisiana’s contributions to American culture, the museum displays the state’s music, art, and literature. The most well-known novelist from Louisiana, James Lee Burke, is the subject of one of the museum’s most well-liked displays.
– Address: 503 Washington St, Alexandria, LA 71301
– Phone: (318) 487-8556
– Website: http://www.louisianahistorymuseum.org/
A prime location for sporting, entertaining, and civic activities in Alexandria, Louisiana’s Rapides Parish Coliseum. It is the largest arena in central Louisiana, with a seating capacity of over 8,000, and has been a well-liked meeting spot for residents and tourists for more than five decades.
Modern lighting and sound equipment, a large foyer, and plenty of parking are all features of the facility. It can be reached from any city area because of its strategic placement in the center of Alexandria. It’s no surprise that the Coliseum is a well-known icon in Alexandria, given its first-rate amenities and ideal location.
– Address: 5600 Coliseum Blvd, Alexandria, LA 71303
– Phone: (318) 442-9581
– Website: http://rpclive.org/
The Elbow Slough, Species Management Area, is a tranquil haven for migrating birds and other species between Alexandria and Pineville.
The Red River runs through this picturesque area, allowing tourists to fully appreciate nature. Numerous species, such as white-tailed deer, squirrels, and rabbits, may be seen in the region. Many species of birds use it as a home base throughout their yearly migratory seasons in the spring and fall, including egrets, herons, ducks, and geese.
The Elbow Slough, Wildlife Management Area, is a great location for an outdoor excursion, regardless of whether you’re an ardent birder or a nature enthusiast.
Enjoy the scenic views of the surroundings while taking a stroll around the paths and breathing in the clean air. Don’t miss the chance to explore this hidden Louisiana gem’s beauty and wildlife. Reconnect with nature today by going to the Elbow Slough Wildlife Management Area.
Forts Randolph and Buhlow State Historic Site is a beautiful place to explore, with many activities for families and groups. You can fish in its freshwater lakes, camp on-site or hike through the surrounding forested area.
If you want to get out on the water, canoeing and boating are popular activities here as well–and if you’re looking for something more adventurous, there are even guided tours available that allow visitors to explore by boat without having any prior experience!
Bird watching is another great activity at Forts Randolph and Buhlow State Historic Site; the site offers several trails through different habitats so you can see everything from prairie birds like egrets or herons up into wooded areas where owls might be hiding away from humans’ eyesight (but not necessarily their hearing).
– Address: 135 Riverfront St, Pineville, LA 71360
– Phone: (318) 484-2390
– Website: https://www.lastateparks.com/
In Alexandria, there is a renowned performing arts center called the Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center.
This cutting-edge venue has a theater, music hall, and art gallery, making it the ideal location for various cultural activities all year. The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, which gives monthly performances at the Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts facility and First Baptist Church, is one of the most well-liked events hosted at the facility.
The Rapides Ballet Company also frequently performs at both locations throughout their season, which lasts every year from October to April.
– Address: 1202 3rd St, Alexandria, LA 71301
– Phone: (318) 484-4474
– Website: http://www.coughlin-saunderspac.org/
A wonderful location to sit and enjoy the river is Alexandria Levee Park.
Additionally, it is close to the Red River Bridge, making it simple to travel across town if you’re feeling daring. The renowned Mulate’s Cajun Kitchen and Praline Connection Cafe (which serves some of the finest beignets ever), among other eateries, are located close by.
The park might get crowded on the weekends, so if at all feasible, try to go during the week.
– Address: 300 Oak St, Alexandria, LA 71301
Lake Buhlow, a charming artificial lake formed by damming Bayou Rapides, is situated in the center of Alexandria. Visitors can relax and take in the beauty of nature in this tranquil location.
Walk or jog around the lake on the walking route, ideal for both strolls and energizing workouts. Exercise every day while taking in the beautiful vegetation and serene waterways.
If you love to fish, you’ll be happy to learn that Lake Buhlow has a fantastic fishing pier where you may throw your line without a license. Because the lake is stocked with various fish, fishermen of all skill levels enjoy fishing there.
The first Saturday in April marks the annual AlexWinterFête in Alexandria, Louisiana. This exciting festival offers various attractions, including live music, arts & crafts, food vendors, and kid-friendly activities.
Since its beginning as a modest neighborhood benefit, AlexWinterFête has expanded into one of Louisiana’s largest outdoor gatherings, with over 100,000 visitors annually.
AlexWinterFête has something to offer everyone, whether they want to indulge in delectable regional food, browse for exclusive handcrafted items, or just take in the festive mood. Don’t pass on this incredible occasion in the center of Alexandria.
– Address: 915 3rd Street Alexandria, LA 71301
– Official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/officialalexfete/
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading about our favorite things to do in Alexandria, Louisiana. We think it’s a great place to visit, but we also want it to remain an authentic part of its history and culture. That’s why we want everyone who visits this wonderful city- whether locals or tourists like us- to do so responsibly!
