The 11 Best Things To Do In Natchitoches, Louisiana

Natchitoches holds the title of Louisiana’s oldest settlement, established in 1714 and besting New Orleans by four years. Wrought-iron balconies and railings weave a whimsical tapestry across the centuries-old downtown storefronts. Strolling near the water’s edge beneath a canopy of magnolias and live oaks, you could easily be tempted to gaze up at the night sky and believe your wish might come true.

Natchitoches is at its best September through early spring when a calendar full of outdoor festivals takes advantage of the Louisiana city’s mild weather. The Natchitoches Meat Pie Festival takes place each September and Melrose on the Cane hosts festivals in the fall and spring. To experience the Christmas Festival of Lights in all its glory, you should plan your trip for a Saturday between Thanksgiving and the Epiphany—when the city pulls out all the stops with fireworks and live music.

History lovers can immerse themselves in the town’s cultural diversity, revealed through well-preserved architecture, folk art, and rich foodways—specifically its famous meat pies. And for Southern pop-culture aficionados, no trip to Natchitoches is complete without a photo op at the Steel Magnolias house, now conveniently converted into a bed and breakfast. John Wayne also filmed The Horse Soldiers here.

Here are some other ideas to keep in mind when planning your stay in Natchitoches.

What To Do

Stroll And Shop Downtown

The 33-block stretch of Front Street runs parallel to the Cane River and feels like a miniature French Quarter. Nostalgia abounds with family-owned shops, such as Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile Store, one of the oldest hardware stores in Louisiana—where they still use an antique cash register from 1917.

Cane River Candy Company is overflowing with old-fashioned sweets and seasonal treats. If you’re looking to bring home some of the Natchitoches Christmas cheer, a few boutiques offer festive decor and gifts year-round.

kaffiefrederick.com, 758 Front St., Natchitoches, LA 71457
facebook.com/CaneRiverCandy, 760 Front St., Natchitoches, LA 71457

Meander Along The River

Cane River is actually a 34-mile meandering lake that connects the upper Natchitoches historic district to the Cane River National Heritage Area and Isle Brevelle Creole Community, about 15 miles to the south. The waterway, left behind when the Red River changed course and cut off the city from the Mississippi River, still serves as an anchor for the greater Natchitoches region’s culture.

Enjoy the natural beauty of Natchitoches from the water. Paddle the river by kayak or for a more leisurely experience, book a cruise on the Cane River Queen River Boat and learn about the area's history.

caneriverqueen.org, 530 Front St., Natchitoches, LA 71457

Visit A Historic Artist Colony 

About 20 minutes outside of town, Melrose on the Cane is a former plantation and artist colony made up of nine historic buildings. The museum highlights the complex story of the freed people who lived there and became leading entrepreneurs in the Creole community of Isle Brevelle.

Melrose was also home to world-renowned African American folk artist Clementine Hunter. Guests can view a collection of Hunter’s art and African House Murals. 

melroseonthecane.com, 3533 Highway 119, Melrose, LA 71452

Learn About Creole History

For a deeper dive, visit the Cane River Creole National Historical Park, featuring two of the most intact French Creole cotton plantations in the United States. The sites open a window into what daily life was like for the people who lived there, as well as the emergence of the unique Creole culture.

According to Rebecca Blankenbaker, executive director of Cane River National Heritage Area, many of the tour guides are descendants of Creole people who once lived on the land.

nps.gov; Oakland Plantation: 4386 Highway 494 Natchez, LA 71456; Magnolia Plantation: 5549 Highway 119 Derry, LA 71416

Tour The 'Steel Magnolias' Film Trail

"Steel Magnolias" fans can take a self-guided tour of 17 locations from the film. The City of Natchitoches offers a downloadable map that will put you on the scene of some of the movie’s most memorable moments, most within walking distance. 

natchitoches.com

Indulge Your Inner Sports Fan 

The ultra-modern Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum building sits at the northern end of Front Street. See stories and artifacts from some of Louisiana’s most celebrated athletes, like Pete Maravich, Archie Manning, and Shaquille O’Neal.

louisianastatemuseum.org, 800 Front St., Natchitoches, LA 71457

Catch The Christmas Festival

Natchitoches is a holiday destination for six weeks of the year and has been celebrating the season in style for almost 100 years. The town is decorated with 300,000 lights and set pieces along the river, some of which were featured in "Steel Magnolias." Check the town schedule and plan to visit for fireworks, the parade, visits with Santa, and more.

natchitocheschristmas.com

Where to Eat

Order The Meat Pies

Lasyone’s Meat Pie Restaurant, a beloved family-run restaurant, has been serving meat pies to hungry locals and tourists for more than 50 years. (Don’t forget to save room for a side of red beans and rice.)

lasyones.com, 622 Second St., Natchitoches, LA 71457

Dine On The Waterfront

For upscale waterfront dining, book a reservation at Mariners and savor elegant Southern fare influenced by the owners' global travels. Mariners also has extensive wine and whiskey menus. For a more casual experience, eat in the Cove Bar.

marinersrestaurant.com, 5948 Highway 1 Bypass, Natchitoches, LA 71457

Enjoy The Fresh Catch

T. Johnny's on the River is the place for fresh oysters, shrimp, and crawfish, and they'll even serve you dockside if you want to eat on your boat. At Mayeaux's Steak and Seafood, house favorites include fried Catfish Acadiana topped with crawfish etouffee.

tjohnnysontheriver.com, 1125 Washington St., Natchitoches, LA 71457
facebook.com/MayeauxsSteakandSeafood, 512 Front St., Natchitoches, LA 71457

Dance During Breakfast

Cane River Commissary serves traditional Louisiana fare downriver, near Cane River Creole National Park. While they serve lunch and dinner every week, they really let the good times roll when they host Zydeco breakfasts with live music and dancing.

canerivercommissary.com, 4191 HWY 494, Natchez, LA 71456

Where To Stay

Relax In A Bed And Breakfast

Natchitoches is known for its hospitable bed and breakfasts. Try the well-appointed Samuel Guy House or book a stay among the formal gardens of Rusca House. Both offer a scrumptious hot breakfast each morning.

samuelguyhouse.com, 309 Pine St., Natchitoches, LA 71457
ruscahouse.com, 124 Poete St., Natchitoches, LA 71457

Kick Back At A Boutique Hotel

Church Street Inn, a boutique hotel in a former downtown bank, provides easy access to Front Street’s activities. Join the daily happy hour before heading to dinner or get some fresh air on the hotel balcony or in the courtyard.

churchstinn.com, 120 Church St., Natchitoches, LA 71457