Natchitoches

At a Glance

• Known For: Louisiana’s oldest city, National Historic Landmark District, Meat Pie Capital of Louisiana, Natchitoches Christmas Festival
• Top Things to Do: Walk Front Street, tour Cane River Creole National Historical Park, visit Melrose Plantation, cruise Cane River Lake on the Cane River Queen
• Major Events: Natchitoches Jazz and R&B Festival, Natchitoches Meat Pie Festival, Natchitoches Christmas Festival

Top Things to Do in Natchitoches

Natchitoches (pronounced Nak-a-tish) is recognized as Louisiana’s oldest city, as it was the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase territory. As you wander the 33-block National Historic Landmark District, you’ll feel transported in time, walking along brick-lined streets framed by stately oaks. Take a free guided walking tour of Front Street to learn about the region’s history, from the first European contact to Reconstruction. Pop into souvenir shops and specialty stores like Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile, Louisiana’s oldest general store.

Learn more about Creole culture and heritage at Cane River Creole National Historical Park, home to two historical plantations. Generations of families, enslaved and tenant, lived on the lands of the Oakland and Magnolia plantations, two of the best-preserved Creole cotton plantations in the country. At Melrose Plantation, discover the fascinating story of Marie Therese Coin-Coin, a former enslaved person who became one of the wealthiest landowners in the area. She built a community of “gens de couleur libre,” or free people of color who thrived as business people, farmers and slave owners.

Take a leisurely cruise aboard the Cane River Queen, a quaint paddle wheeler that travels Cane River Lake. Love sports? Visit the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame & Northwest History Museum, which celebrates local sports icons and Louisiana cultural traditions in one compelling experience.

Places to Stay

Looking for places to stay during your trip? The Chateau St. Denis Hotel, located just steps from Front Street, is a boutique hotel with 87 luxurious rooms and a delicious hot breakfast. Church Street Inn is housed in a historic 1940s bank building, and Sweet Cane Inn is beloved for its stately architecture, featuring 12-foot ceilings and a wall of stained-glass windows. For modern conveniences, book a stay at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Natchitoches, Econo Lodge & Suites Natchitoches or Comfort Suites-Natchitoches.

And did you know you can stay in the Steel Magnolia House? This bed-and-breakfast, where the 1989 film starring Sally Field, Julia Roberts and Dolly Parton was filmed, hosts guests in six rooms themed for the movie characters. 

Food & Drink

In downtown Natchitoches, enjoy lunch at Merci Beaucoup Restaurant, whose Cajun baked potato and bread pudding receive rave reviews. The Cane River Commissary serves a wide array of tasty dishes with their signature Creole twist, including gumbo, jambalaya and creamy Creole pasta. Don’t miss their zydeco breakfast, held once a month, for delicious brunch dishes paired with live zydeco music. For dinner, try Mariner’s Lakefront Restaurant, a globally inspired spot with an impressive wine list.

And you simply can’t visit Natchitoches without sampling a meat pie from Lasyone’s Meat Pie Restaurant. While this beloved family-owned establishment may not have invented the dish, it certainly helped popularize the recipe, which you can try in beef and pork or crawfish varieties. 

Events & Festivals in Natchitoches

In spring, Natchitoches celebrates all things musical at the Jazz and R&B Festival, which hosts more than 20 artists across three stages. Genres include jazz, R&B, zydeco, country, rock, Americana, gospel and more.

During fall, the annual Natchitoches Meat Pie Festival puts a spotlight on the city’s favorite snack. Savor overstuffed, perfectly fried meat pies in every flavor, let the kiddos run wild with kids' activities and groove to live music.

In winter, the city transforms into a Christmas wonderland, with festive decorations and more than 300,000 glorious lights. The Natchitoches Christmas Festival turns the city’s downtown into a picturesque holiday market straight from a Hallmark movie. Look for snow and carolers on Front Street, where food booths are run by local restaurants and home bakers. 

Travel Tips & Resources

It's easy to navigate Natchitoches. Catch a flight to Natchitoches Regional Airport (KEIR), then rent a car or take a rideshare. Natchitoches is also a short drive from Texarkana, Texas (3 hours), Jackson, Mississippi (4 hours), and Little Rock, Arkansas (4 hours).