Arts and Culture

As Louisiana’s original French colony and the oldest city in the Louisiana Purchase, Natchitoches is a unique blend of French, Spanish, African, American Indian and Creole which is reflected in the arts and culture of this diverse area. 

Melrose on the Cane offers more than two hundred years of history, where you can explore the wonders of famed Folk Artist Clementine Hunter. 

Every spring, Melrose hosts the Melrose Arts & Crafts Festival, Louisiana’s longest-running arts and crafts festival. 

 
The Cane River National Heritage Area shares over 300 years of our area’s history with visitors. From Oakland Plantation to the Texas and Pacific Railway Depot and everything in between the over 30 miles of the Cane River Lake, you will find stories of the cultural landscape of the area.

Historical Trails, Museums, Art Galleries and More

Travel back in time on the trails forged by those here before us.  Discover the vibrant artistic scene of Natchitoches, filled with talented creators shaping our city’s identity. From beautiful drives, refreshing hikes, stunning artwork to inspiring sculptures, uncover the creativity that defines our community. Connect with the travelers, collectors and artists to understand how their works narrate the rich history of Natchitoches.

Sports History Hall of Fame Natchitoches

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum is an exquisite and impressive contemporary venue set among Louisiana’s sporting legends and the rich history of the Cane River region.  The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame gallery on the ground floor honors the achievements of the state’s greatest athletes while the second floor gallery explores the dynamic history of sports in Louisiana and the unique history of Northwest Louisiana. From the stunning staircase and beautifully curved cast stone walls, to our vibrant exhibits, the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum is the perfect place for Louisiana History and Sports Greats!

Discover and Explore Routes through Natchitoches

Natchitoches boasts rich history and intertwined historical routes of travelers throughout history. From the Jefferson Highway, to the El Camino Real and No Man’s Land, we engage with their stories and the inspiration behind their travels. Join us in celebrating the vibrant culture that travels through our community!

Jefferson Highway

You can explore this route’s history, through Natchitoches, Louisiana’s original settlement, along Highway 6, then skirting through rural areas, such as Robeline in front of the Los Adaes State Historic Site and north through Marthaville near Rebel State Historic Site.

 

El Camino Real

The El Camino Real, known as The King’s Highway, begins in Natchitoches and travels through several towns within Natchitoches Parish.

 

No Man’s Land

Natchitoches was the first permanent settlement in Louisiana, and was a vital part of the trade within No Man’s Land when no king or country claimed the neutral strip between the United States and Spanish territories.

train depot sunset

The newest addition to the Cane River Creole National Historical Park is The Texas and Pacific Railway Depot.  The Depot will serve as the headquarters for the NPS and will house a Visitors Center.

 

Roque Houe Updates

The Roque House is a quaint old home and is one of the most accessible examples of the Creole style of French architecture in the Cane River area. Constructed in typical French colonial fashion with hand-hewn cypress and a bousillage fill.  The structure was topped with an oversize roof of durable cypress shingles.  The home, along with tours, are managed by the Natchitoches Historic Foundation.