10 Things to Do in Natchitoches When You are Feeling Stir-Crazy

March 18, 2020

Feeling a little stir-crazy already? Here are a few places you can still go and things you can still do in this time of social distancing:

*Updated Monday, March 31, 2020

  1. Take a hike! The trails in Kisatchie National Forest (most trails are open but there are exceptions so check before you go) and the Grady Erwin Nature Preserve are open. And fresh air will do you good.
  2. Take to the open water. Kayaking, boating, and standup paddle boarding on Cane River Lake and Sibley Lake are a great way to be outdoors, enjoying nature, and social distancing.
  3. Take a drive. Natchitoches has three scenic byways and trails that are calling your name. Stop by the Visitor Center on Front Street and grab a Cane River National Heritage Trail map from our brochure rack on the outside and head out on the scenic byway. Points of interest along the way are included on the map. The El Camino Real de los Tejas traverses Hwy. 6 in Natchitoches to Hwy. 21 in Texas and then all the way to Mexico. If nature is of more interest, then head out along the Longleaf Trail Byway in Kisatchie National Forest. And bonus – this is the best time of year to travel the byway due to the amazing Spring blooms.
  4. Visit the National Park. Yes, we have a National Park. The Cane River Creole National Historical Park, both the Oakland Plantation and Magnolia Plantation units, is open for self-guided tours of the grounds – and there is a cell phone tour you can take too. And bonus – it is free to visit. The National Park is closed until further notice.
  5. Take a stroll down Front Street. While the restaurants are not open for dining in, you can still grab a to-go order and picnic along the riverbank. Window shop our stores.
  6. If you would like a little history about Front Street and the Landmark Historic District, stop by the Visitor Center on Front Street and grab a Historic Natchitoches map from our brochure rack on the outside and head out on your own self-guided adventure in downtown.
  7. Get your fishing license and grab a pole and head out fishing. Licenses are available locally at Wal-mart, Sibley Lake One Stop, and Jeff’s Guns.
  8. Visit the aquarium at the National Fish Hatchery. They are open from 8 AM – 3 PM. The National Fish Hatchery is closed until further notice.
  9. Travel with the Stars – along the Natchitoches Film Trail. A Film Trail map is available outside of the Visitor Center on Front Street, along with a large map on the wall beside the Center. You will be able to drive by sites from Steel Magnolias, Man in the Moon, The Horse Soldiers, and more. You can also download the brochure HERE. https://www.natchitoches.com/sites/default/files/natch0007filmguide_pr.pdf
  10. Visit Parc Natchitoches, the newest sports complex in the state, with plenty of open field to run and walk and get all of your energy out. The walking trails are still open. Bring a glove and ball and play catch with the kiddos.

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