Natchitoches Louisiana Travel, 2024 Christmas Festival of Lights, Cane River, hotels, plantations, map, weather

Louisiana Destinations ... Travel Across the Bayou State

Travel Guide for Natchitoches and Cane River Country

Natchitoches Location

Situated about half-way between Alexandria and Shreveport on the banks of beautiful Cane River is Natchitoches, the home of Northwestern State University.

The parish seat of Natchitoches Parish, the City of Natchitoches was incorporated on February 5, 1819, making it the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase. The parish is considered part of the Ark-La-Tex Region.

Within easy driving distance are communities such as Cloutierville, Many, Coushatta, Melrose, Montgomery, Chopin, Campti, and Winnfield.

Natchitoches Hotels and Restaurants

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Vacation Home Rentals in Natchitoches

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Visiting Natchitoches in Louisiana: attractions, things to do, events and Christmas Parades and Lights

2024 Christmas Festival of the Lights

Natchitoches has long been known for its famous Christmas Festival of Lights along the river. We've attended this exciting event over the years, and have fond memories of the parades and fireworks.

Since 1927, Natchitoches is home to one of the oldest community-based holiday celebrations in the country. Starting as a one-day festival, the Natchitoches Christmas Festival has evolved into a six-week long Christmas Season. The Christmas Season begins on the Saturday before Thanksgiving and concludes on January the 6th, the Epiphany.

Over 300,000+ Christmas lights and 100 plus riverbank set pieces are lit around the city and river.

All events take place in the Landmark Historic District along the Cane River Lake.

The 97th annual Natchitoches event is scheduled for November 18, 2023 to January 6, 2024.

Detailed schedule and information from the official website of the Festival of the Lights

Other North Louisiana areas also celebrate the Christmas season as well, including Monroe-West Monroe, Minden, Ruston, Shreveport - Bossier City, Logansport and Alexandria ... for more information, visit the website of Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights.

Natchitoches Louisiana Christmas Festival of the Lights

Fireworks at the Natchitoches Louisiana Christmas Festival of the Lights

More Natchitoches Attractions

Tourism is a large, vibrant industry in this area, with the Natchitoches downtown historic district, nearby hunting & fishing, bed & breakfast homes, annual tour of historic homes, and more to see and do.

The Natchitoches National Historic Landmark District is a vibrant community. From museums and historic sites to live music and unique cuisine, this 33-square block located in Downtown Natchitoches has something for every visitor to enjoy.

Historic downtown Natchitoches (photo by the Louisiana Destinations staff)

Overlooking the scenic Cane River Lake, the Landmark District encompasses restaurants, shops, arts & crafts, book stores, art galleries, historic homes and more. The district is home to annual festivals, music and cultural events. Tours are available - walking tours, horse and buggy or trolley tours.

Cane River National Heritage Area & Trail has become a popular destination, linking various historical sites.

Cane River Creole National Historical Park

In late August of each year is the Cane River Zydeco Festival & Poker Run, while the Jazz and R&B Festival occurs in April.

The Meat Pie Festival is held downtown in September in Natchitoches ... "The Meat Pie Capital of Louisiana”

Lasyone's Meat Pie Restaurant - operating since 1967, the restaurant is an authentic soulful Creole Cuisine experience. Famous for their meat pies, this family-owned and operated restaurant boasts many unique dishes you will always enjoy. Located at 622 Second Street.

Toledo Bend Reservoir is directly west of Natchitoches; this massive 185,000 acre lake is a project of the States of Texas and Louisiana, and has both recreational and power generation benefits. Boating, fishing, skiing, camping, RV resorts and motels are all available on the shores of the reservoir.

Established in 1863, Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile is Louisiana's oldest general store. Located in downtown Natchitoches, Kaffie-Frederick features everything people remember from the "good old days". The vintage vibe and history of the store is on display with classic toys and cookware, while offering a range of modern hardware products, gifts and more.

Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum

More than a half-century after inducting its first class of sports legends, the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame is realizing its fondest dreams and greatest aspirations: construction of a permanent facility.

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum opened in Natchitoches during the summer of 2013.

This beautiful 27,500-square foot structure is located downtown, at 800 Front Street in the National Historic District of Natchitoches. Phone 318.357.2492

Official website of Sports Hall of Fame

Visiting Natchitoches Video ... from Louisiana Travel

More about Natchitches: Map, resources, Northwestern State University

Northwestern State University (NSU)

Main Gate, Northwestern State University (photo by the Louisiana Destinations staff)

Northwestern State University (NSU) in Natchitoches was founded in 1884 as the Louisiana State Normal School to train teachers.

It was the first school in Louisiana to offer degree programs in nursing and business education.

Today, it has an enrollment of over 9,000 students at its main campus in Natchitoches, nursing school in Shreveport, branch campus in Leesville/Fort Polk, and campus in Alexandria.

The highly respected Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts, a state supported residential high school for sophomores, juniors and seniors, is located on the NSU campus.