A spectacular sunrise...a morning rendezvous with friends...fresh coffee and a croissant...then off for a day of discovery. Just the day to explore Monroe's many attractions. Map out a tour, learn about the area's dynamic history, spend the day at one of our art galleries or explore the hidden treasures of our many Bayou's. Feeling daring...ready to take a chance? Learn more about the many options available to fill your days with fun and excitement. There are many points of interest that draw visitors to the area. Monroe is the birthplace of Delta Airlines and the first place west of the Mississippi to bottle Coca-Cola. The oldest human dwelling site in North America, Poverty Point, is located near Monroe.

Historic Homes & Buildings

Biedenharn Home and Gardens The Biedenharn Museum and Gardens features a combination of attractions, which celebrate family, music, gardens and spirit. Built in 1914 by Joseph A. Biedenharn, the first bottler of Coca-Cola, the home is exhibited as it was lived in by his daughter Emy-Lou. ELsong Gardens, a magnificent formal estate garden, has several thousand flowering plants and is richly embellished with seven water features and fine sculpture from throughout the world, as well as a Conservatory patterned after fine English glasshouses which is home to hundreds of tropical and semi-tropical specimens.
2006 Riverside Drive Monroe's Historic Garden District 318-387-5281 800-362-0983
Layton Castle Originally the home of Swiss settler, Henry Bry, this European style castle borders the beautiful Ouachita River and features numerous antiques and family portraits spanning over 200 years displayed throughout the house.
1133 South Grand Street 318-322-4869

Museums & Galleries

Aviation and Military Museum of Louisiana Step back into history with displays on Delta Airlines, Selman Field, General Chennault, Flying Tigers, and rare war memorabilia. A museum dedicated to preserving the history of aviation in the Northeast Louisiana area. Open Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Sunday 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Admission
701 Kansas Lane 318-361-9020
Biedenharn Museum & Gardens Enjoy touring the Elsong Gardens, Biedenharn home, and the Bible Museum. Museum hours are 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday.
2006 Riverside Drive 318-387-5281 800-362-0983
Masur Museum of Art Located in a home that was donated by the Masur family and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this museum is filled with a fine collection of paintings, prints, photographs, and sculptures, plus features rotating art exhibitions.
1400 South Grand Street 318-329-2237
Museum of Natural History Division of Zoology One of the largest and most complete fish collections in the nation is featured at this unique museum that also features a large research collection of freshwater fish, reptiles, and amphibians that are primarily North American in scope, but include Neotropical and Asian specimens as well. Tours are available by appointment.
241 Hanna Hall 318-342-1799
Northeast Louisiana Children's Museum Unique, hands-on educational facility that helps children learn about the world around them through numerous interactive exhibits that include a Kids Cafe, a Toddler Town, an AMR Ambulance, and an “Open Your Mouth and Say Ahhh” exhibit. Special exhibits are also featured throughout the year.
323 Walnut Street 318-361-9611
Northeast Louisiana Delta African American Museum Diverse cultural and artistic exhibits focusing on African-American contributions
503 Plum Street 318-323-1167
Rebecca's Doll House Wonderful doll museum that features over 2,000 antique dolls on display including French and German antique bisque dolls, handcarved wooden dolls that portray the Last Supper, artist dolls, and China dolls.
4500 Bon Aire Drive 318-343-3361

Parks & Recreation

Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge Beautiful 1800 acre cypress-studded lake, nature trail, pier, wildlife observation deck, visitor/education center, arboretum. Fishing and hunting opportunities.
Hwy 165 North 318-387-1114
Chennault Park Golf course, flying-disc course, picnic areas and covered shelters, softball field, annual DeltaFest in September.
8475 Millhaven Road 318-329-2454
Forsythe Park Picnic areas, a 9-hole golf course, tennis and volleyball courts, softball and soccer fields, children's park and public boat launch.
Corner of Riverside & Forsythe Avenue 318-329-2440
Frenchman's Bend Country Club Beautiful semiprivate championship 18 hole golf course that includes large undulating greens, a driving range, five sets of tees, a restaurant, and a bar.
318-387-2363
Monroe Civic Center Region's premier multi-purpose events complex with facilities to suit any need. Great people-Great service.
401 Lea Joyner Expressway 318-329-2225

Zoo

Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo This unique zoo is the premier family attraction in Northeast Louisiana, with a collection that boasts over 500 animals from around the world. Enjoy a relaxing walking tour, boat excursion ride or draft horse-drawn wagon ride, the zoo’s newest feature. You can also sit atop these giant Percheron horses for the ride of a lifetime. The Louisiana Purchase Exhibit and Olive Baboon Exhibit are a must-see at this extraordinary zoo, open daily 10:00am – 5:00pm. Admission, $4.50 adult; $3.00 children 3-12 and senior citizens; Free for children 2 and under. Northeast Louisiana Celtic Festival in October.
1405 Bernstein Park Drive 318-329-2400