Coronavirus and traveling to Natchitoches

March 14, 2020

In an effort to keep our industry partners, visitors and communities informed during this time, please find the following information and links from several entities regarding closures and event cancellations and/or postponements. We will make every effort to keep you updated on any future changes.

These are the latest announcements:

  • The Natchitoches Visitor Information Center is closed to the public, but still answering phone calls, emails, and social media messages.
  • Cane River Creole National Historic Park is closed until further notice. Updates on National Parks can be found HERE.
  • Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site grounds will be open to the public, but the Visitor Center is closed at this time. Updates on Louisiana State Parks can be found HERE.
  • Grand Ecore Visitors Center is closed until further notice.
  • Cane River National Heritage Area walking tours cancelled until further notice.
  • Natchitoches Art Guild & Heritage Gallery is closed until further notice.
  • Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum is closed until further notice, and events are cancelled.
  • Melrose Plantation is closed.
  • The Alligator Park is closed until further notice.
  • Natchitoches Parish Library is closed to the public. All digital services are still available.
  • Country Lanes Bowling Alley is closed.
  • Parkway Cinema is closed until further notice.
  • Kisatchie National Forest - Group-use and campgrounds areas are closed, but trails and boat launches are still open.

For a list of current restaurant options, please click HERE.

For a list of shop openings and closures, please click HERE.

At this time, these events have been cancelled or postponed due to the current health threat. Please check our online calendar of events for latest updates. https://natchitoches.com/calendar

  • NYP Pub Crawl - postponed
  • Natchitoches Parish Library Book Sale - cancelled
  • Flavor of Louisiana - postponed
  • Cane River Film Festival - postponed, new date July 10-11, 2020
  • Natchitoches Girls' Weekend - postponed
  • Briarwood Annual Picnic - postponed
  • Find Your Park Festival - postponed
  • Melrose Arts & Crafts Festival - postponed
  • Kiwanis 5K Run and Pancake Festival - postponed until June 6
  • Natchitoches Jazz & R/B Festival - postponed

The latest from Northwestern State University:

  • Northwestern State University will suspend all in-person classes effective at the end of the day Friday, March 13, and transition to online instruction and other remote learning alternatives beginning Thursday, March 19.  
  • Campus gates will close at 8 p.m. nightly. 

We will continue to keep you updated as time passes.