Things to do in Monroe Louisiana

Monroe Louisiana is located around forty miles from the border with Mississippi and Arkansas, and it is one of the largest cities in Louisiana.


Things to do in Monroe Louisiana
Must See Places in southern US
If you are planning a trip to the city with the family, there are many things to do in Monroe Louisiana that include visits the city’s museums which feature exhibits geared towards families with kids.

Apart from the city attractions, Monroe Louisiana features many recreational areas and a wildlife refuge nearby, where you can enjoy a bit of hunting and wildlife spotting.

Things to do in Monroe Louisiana: Outdoor Activities

Parks & Recreational Areas

D'Arbonne National Wildlife Refuge

If you are looking to enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting or wildlife spotting, during your vacation in Monroe Louisiana, the city is just a short drive (20 minute car ride) from the D'Arbonne National Wildlife Refuge.

The good thing about the Wildlife Refuge is that it doesn’t charge an entry fee and you don’t need a fishing or a hunting permit.

The Wildlife Refuge also features an observation tower where you can observe waterfowl and wading birds.

Cheniere Lake Recreation Area

If you are traveling with the family and are looking for outdoor spots to enjoy family recreational activities, Cheniere Lake Recreation Area is the best out of all of the recreational areas in Monroe Louisiana.

Cheniere Lake Recreation Area is just 10 minutes car ride west of Monroe’s city center, yet it offers plenty of outdoor opportunities such as fishing, swimming, and plenty of green space to set a lovely picnic.

Ouachita River Cruise

If you are looking for romantic things to do in Monroe Louisiana or a fun day trip with the family, another activity worth adding on your itinerary it’s a cruise along Ouachita River.

For instance, Ouachita River Pontoon Cruises offer wine tours, nature tours and dinner tours lasting around an hour.

Things to do in Monroe Louisiana: Places of Interest

Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo

Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo is located in Bernstein Park and it is a great place for a fun day out with the family.

The Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo is a lovely place to take the family for an inexpensive family outing and you can get to feed the animals there during feeding time.

Northeast Louisiana Children's Museum

Another excellent place worth adding on your Monroe itinerary it’s a visit to the Northeast Louisiana Children's Museum, as it features educational areas where kids can enjoy hands-on activities.

Some of these areas include the ‘Bubbles Works’ area, the ‘Kids CafĂ©’ area and the popular paramedic and ER room area.

Northeast Louisiana Children's Museum is located near the bank of the Ouachita River at 323 Walnut Street.

Biedenharn Museum and Gardens

The Biedenharn Museum and Gardens are also located along the Ouachita River and, not far from the Northeast Louisiana Children's Museum.

The Biedenharn Museum and Gardens is another must-add attraction during your trip to Monroe Louisiana.

It features the original Biedenharn home which is open for tours, a Coca-Cola and a Bible museums and a lovely botanical garden where you can explore and incredible variety of plants on display.

Northeast Louisiana Delta African-American Heritage Museum

The African-American Heritage Museum is located on 503 Plum Street and those of you interested in African-American culture, the museum provides an educational point of interest where you can learn more about the lifestyles, value and rich heritage of African Americans.

Aviation Historical Museum

If you are interested in the in the aviation and military role that Northeast Louisiana played during World War II, the Aviation Historical Museum is an educational place and a must-add in your itinerary for history buffs.

Things to do in Monroe Louisiana: Shopping

If you are looking to enjoy a bit of retail shopping during your vacation in Monroe Louisiana, the city has plenty of shopping opportunities within the downtown area.

For instance, you can find Eastgate, Twin City and Sunshine Heights shopping centers located along Louisville Avenue, while Northgate shopping center and Geneva’s Plaza are located along Sterlington Road.

However, the biggest of the shopping malls in Monroe, it’s Pecanland Mall (located on Millhaven Road) which features over two hundred stores including popular anchor stores.

Things to do in Monroe Louisiana: Nightlife & Entertainment

Monroe Louisiana is a university town with a varied nightlife to suit all tastes. In the downtown area, you can find a myriad of bars offering life music.

You can also find plenty of clubs to suit your taste such as Mojo Club, Monroe’s Top Gun Nightclub, Lotus Club, Scruff’s Nite Club and Peacock Club.

Apart from bars and clubs, Monroe Louisiana features a few cinemas as well as the Strauss Theater Center where you can catch one of their high quality productions.

Things to do in Monroe Louisiana: Events & Festivals

Monroe DeltaFest

If you are traveling to Monroe Louisiana with the family, one of the top Louisiana festivals not to be missed is DeltaFest, held at the Civic Center.

The event is normally held for 4 days and features carnival rides, bouncy castles and plenty of live music bands.

Northeast Louisiana Celtic Festival

The Northeast Louisiana Celtic Festival is another cultural event in Monroe, popular amongst families. The event is held in October at the Ike Hamilton Expo Center and aims to promote Scottish, Welsh and Irish heritage through Northeast Louisiana.

The event features plenty of foods, live music and activities for kids.

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