Did you choose Monroe as your vacation destination, you are curious to know what and what you will be doing as a way of relaxing during your stay there?
You’ve chosen well because Monroe located in Louisiana (or Pelican State) is an incredible city with numerous state-of-the-art mansions that have been converted into museums.
It may interest you to know that there is a wide range of fun activities, attraction sites, food, as well as things to learn in Monroe, LA.
Some of them include the Biedenharn Museum and Gardens, the Louisiana Purchase Gardens, and Zoo, which houses approximately 500 wild animals as well as the Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge which protects and preserves endangered species.
Now, it’s time for us to go into detail about some of the fun things you can do in Monroe, LA.
22 Best & Fun Things To Do In Monroe (LA)
1. Enjoy A Coke For 5 cents At The Coca-Cola Museum
There won’t be any list without mentioning the Coca Cola Museum located in the estate of Biedenharn Museum & Gardens.
The fascinating fact about this museum is that you will get to be taught about the start-up of Coke and how the bottling process works.
Some of the things you will find in there are different original vintage wrappers of the bottles and one of the foremost trucks used to deliver and distribute the first bottled coca-cola.
At the end of your tour, you will be given an old-style bottle, there is no better way to spend your 5 cents other than this.
2. Frenchman’s Bend Golf Course
Frenchman’s Bend Golf Course has successfully made it to our list of the best things to do in Monroe, LA as a result of its golf as well as other amenities such as its bar and grill.
What makes it interesting is that there is a tendency for the wind to move anywhere, and that makes it interesting for green lovers.
Therein you will find out that they possess a par 72 golf course which includes five sets of tees, championship-level 18-holes, and tips played at 6,900 yards.
Address: 1484 Frenchmans Bend Road, Monroe
3. Pay A Visit Northeast Louisiana Delta African American Museum
The essence of establishing this museum in 1994 is to help and maintain the African-American culture through cultural, educational, and social events.
It is safe to say that this museum will take you down memory lane as it presents you with research materials pertaining to the ’60s civil rights movement, the art of the local artists Agnes Hicks, Bernard Mayweather, and Don Ciccone, and a collection of history, African-American art, culture, and other artifacts.
Furthermore, the museum organizes several important events and seminars that are open for public attendance.
Whenever you are in Monroe, endeavor to immerse yourself in the Northeast Louisiana Delta African American Museum, as it would catapult you into the past!
Address: 1051 Chennault Park Dr. Monroe, LA 71203.
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4. See Biedenharn Museum and Gardens
This is yet another interesting sight you can’t afford to miss out on during your stay in Monroe.
The Biedenharn Museum and Gardens is encircled by the rich ElSong Gardens, a house museum located on the banks of the Ouachita River in Monroe, Louisiana.
Inside the house lies two fascinating museums, and they are the Bible Museum, a collection of bibles and various biblical literature as well as the Coca-Cola Museum comprising Coca-Cola memorabilia.
Address: 2006 Riverside Dr, Monroe, LA 71201-4268.
5. Lodge At The Hampton Inn & Suites
This is a place of comfort, so, when you visit Monroe and you are in search of a suite with facilities to make your stay comfortable, then visit Hampton Inn & Suites as they provide the best possible comfort and amenities in the city.
Facilities in the hotel include an indoor pool, a fitness center with a gym, car hire, business centers, meeting rooms, and so on.
Address: 5100 Frontage Rd, Monroe, LA 71202.qs
6. Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Black Bayou Lake is an enormous preserved wilderness area housing a restored planter’s house, a 1,700-acre lake, a visitors center, an arboretum containing more than 100 species of woody plants native to Louisiana, and the Black Bayou Lake Environmental Education Center.
Although it’s majorly used by students and professors from the University of Louisiana, nature lovers also visit to go canoeing, hiking, picnicking, and kayaking.
I consider this to be a great addition to the list of things to do in Monroe.
Address: 480 Richland Place Dr, Monroe, LA 71203-8868.
7. Catch The Ouachita River Cruise
One distinct characteristic of Ouachita River Cruise is that it is aimed at offering visitors a useful and remarkable experience and this is why it should be on your list of the best things to do in Monroe.
Some of the available cruises at the Moon Lake Marina area are regular, private, mini, and catering cruises, and you would love the natural view from the waterfront.
That being said, you should get on an Ouachita River Cruise today and keep all the stress from the Riverbanks of Ouachita.
Address: 231 Moon Lake Road, Monroe LA 71203
8. Chennault Aviation And Military Museum
The essence of constructing the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum is to recognize the influence of northeast Louisiana on the aviation and military history of the country.
It may interest you to know that this museum displays several documents, weaponry, photographs, uniforms, and other different artifacts.
The most intriguing part of the whole thing is the continuously increasing number of military aircraft situated in the external space of the museum.
They all serve as evidence obtained from all military branches, spanning the period from WWI to date.
Endeavor to include Chennault Aviation and Military Museum to the list of things you should do in Monroe, LA.
Address: 701 Kansas Ln, Monroe, LA 71203-4775.
9. Have Fun At Excalibur Family Fun Center
If you are in Monroe with your family, then visiting the Excalibur Family Fun Center won’t be a bad idea as it is one of the best fun things to do in Monroe. LA with your family.
The Center is best described as a fun castle filled with arcade games and a huge indoor playground while on the outside, you will have access to games like bumper cars, go-karts, laser tag, and several other games.
Address: 455 Cheniere Drew Road, West Monroe LA 71291
10. Purchase Quality Fairtrade Coffee At Rolla Roaster
Rolla Roaster is a coffee roasting company situated in Downtown Monroe that majorly sells the nicest type and one of the best quality coffee across the globe.
They go the extra mile to satisfy your taste buds by sourcing the best quality coffee beans from producers who are committed to growing the best coffee beans in Costa Rica, Brazil, Ethiopia, and Mexico.
Sometimes, you may be lucky to be able to buy nice fair-trade coffee obtained from the RoeLA Roaster or buy it online via their website.
Address: 523 Desiard St, Monroe, LA 71201.
11. Pay A Visit To Lazarre Park
I would like to term Lazarre Park as a Munroe- must-visit because missing the cool time it offers while in the city of Munroe isn’t a good idea.
Aside from launching your boat and getting driven by the currents of the Ouachita River, the park is the most suitable spot for parties, picnics, and class reunions.
In addition to this, the park has a golf course that hosts the yearly Ronald McDonald House Big Bass Tournament, and this tournament usually occurs in May and attracts both professionals and newbies to the place.
Here is one of the top attractions in Monroe, LA that you wouldn’t want to be told about.
Address: Corner of Hamilton & Thompson Street, West Monroe LA
12. Check Out Cooley House
I bet you have never seen an extraordinary building as the one in Monroe’s historic district known as the Cooley House.
It may also interest you to know that this house made it to the list of the Historic Places on the National Register, and interestingly, it is one of the last examples of the Prairie School residential architecture.
Facilities in the house that could make your day include a central vacuum system and steam heating, an incinerator, a sunken tub, a steam shower, the original cork floor, and an independent carport.
Address: 1011 S Grand St, Monroe, LA 71201.
13. Landry Vineyard
Landry vineyard is a place in West Monroe where you are sure to get the best of wines.
You will find wines like Blackberry Merlot, Redneck Red, Cotton Rogue, and much more.
The vineyard serves as a host to certain events such as the Outdoor Concert Series, which are enjoyed mainly with dancing and picnics, and two other festivals that take place during the summer.
Visitors are given the opportunity to assemble grapes and crush them, and then display the wine you made for themselves.
I don’t know what else could be more fun than this, add it to the fun places to go in Monroe.
Address: 5699 New Natchitoches Road, West Monroe LA 71292
14. Have Massive Fun At Louisiana Purchase Gardens And Zoo
Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo sits pretty on 80 acres of land having approximately 400 animals from 200 species including an exotic landscaped garden.
Animals from different parts of the world like zebras, a wide range of reptiles, bears, kangaroos, lions, tigers, baboons, bison, birds, peacocks, and many more can be found in the garden alongside other interesting plants.
Also, you can visit with your children because the Zoo has made provisions for kids whereby they can visit the domestic zoo to feed and pet them.
Finally, there is a boat tour available for you to allow you to look at those animals that are usually not noticeable from the regular zoo paths.
Address: 1405 Bernstein Park Road, Monroe, LA 71202.
15. Shop At Antique Alley
Antique Alley just as the name implies houses more than twenty-five antique shops, a B&B, and boutiques located on the banks of the Ouachita River thereby making it to our list of places to look out for in Monroe.
Such businesses found here are private antique stores, restaurants, antique malls, and other customized shops.
Another thing to look out for is the lights of Antique Alley because as the Christmas season approaches, the entire alley and stores are well lighted.
Address: Trenton Street, West Monroe, Louisiana, LA 71291
16. Tour Incredible Art At Masur Museum Of Art
Speaking of the largest visual arts museum in northeast Louisiana donated by the Mansur family, hence the name, Masur Museum of Art should come to mind.
Interestingly, this place has earned a spot on the list of the National Register of Historic Places.
The aim of this museum located in Monroe, Louisiana a mission is to assist and promote visual arts in the community via frequent exhibitions, educational programs, as well as permanent collections.
Some of the collections include classics by popular artists like Auguste Rodin, Salvador Dali, Mary Cassatt, Joan Miro, and Pablo Picasso.
Furthermore, ceremonies such as demonstrations, art classes, summer art classes, and workshops are housed in the Carriage House, while the Lower Gallery serves as lecture halls, artist talks, and films.
Worthy of note is the fact that the museum is open to the public at no cost.
Address: 1400 S Grand St, Monroe, LA 71202-2012.
17. The Spice And Tea Exchange Of West Monroe
Of all the international combinations of herbs, tea, and spices, the Spice and Tea Exchange of West Monroe beats them all, and is capable and filling and treating your taste buds.
You are free to try out the fine spice blend and exotic spices, seasonings, salts, flavored sugars, and gourmet teas, also, you are given the liberty to choose the spices and herbs you may want for your gourmet cooking as a customer.
No doubt, the Spice and Tea Exchange of West Monroe is one that is sure to give you the treat of a lifetime, little wonder why it is called the “sensory utopia” shop.
Address: 229 Trenton Street, West Monroe, LA 71291
18. Take Your Children To The Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum
If you are searching for what to do in Monroe with your kids, visit The Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum tailor-made for kids to learn while playing with the different exhibitions.
Some of the activities your kids will participate in are attempting restaurant jobs in Kids’ Café, driving an ambulance, going to Health Hall, and visiting the interactive Discovery Hospital.
In addition to this, they will learn about dentition as well as dental health in The Big Mouth, play at the Baby Bayou, and also blow bubbles at Bubble Works.
From what I said, you can see that your kids would have a wonderful time at the Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum, therefore, endeavor to include it on your list of things to do in Monroe.
Address: 323 Walnut St, Monroe, LA 71201-6711.
19. Have A Good Meal At Warehouse No 1 Restaurant
This is yet another restaurant worth having your meal at, and it is situated in downtown Monroe and should be included in the list of top things to do in Monroe.
You will find this well-known restaurant in the previous warehouse on the banks of the scenic Ouachita River that has been in existence for over a century, hence the name.
Aside from its alluring and simple natural atmosphere monopolized by incredible river views and wonderful food, their steaks can be combined with a glass of wine from their selection.
Address: 1 Olive St, Monroe, LA 71201-6251
20. Tour The Kiroli Park
Are you a fan of outdoor activities? If yes, tour Kiroli Park.
Interestingly, this is a pet-friendly park featuring playgrounds, pavilions, hiking trails, and tennis facilities for its visitors.
It may interest you to know that you can possibly spend the whole day in Kiroli Park because you have a lot to do.
Also, you don’t have to break a bank to be able to pay the entree fee, and every penny you spend is worth the fun you will have there.
Taking a tour of Kiroli Park isn’t far-fetched from the fun things to do in Monroe, LA.
Address: 820 Kiroli Rd, West Monroe, LA 71291-4945
21. Have A Taste Of Nice Wine At Flying Tiger Brewery
This Brewery is known to be the first full-scale brewery that manufactures and packages its beer on-site in northeast isiana.
Furthermore, Flying Tiger has various alternating beers served in their large, well-known taproom located in downtown Monroe, and the taproom has a state-of-the-art portrait of the general, and all manner of Flying Tiger memorabilia.
Address: 506 N 2nd St, Monroe, LA 71201
22. Twin City Ballet
In a bid to improve the cultural environment of northeast Louisiana and its environment, the State of Louisiana established Twin City Ballet Company as a non-profit organization.
The company is saddled with the responsibility of creating an exhilarating dance experience in the neighborhood by educating and offering stage experience chances to young dancers that are talented.
An experienced faculty and well-known guest artists are contracted to be their performers, teachers, and choreographers.
In addition to this, Twin City Ballet organizes a ten-day Summer Dance Intensive Workshop in conjunction with the University of Louisiana. Monroe School of Visual and Performing Arts yearly, and students from various parts of the world enroll in this program.
You too can make your stay in Monroe eventful by being a part of this program.
Address: 2905 Desoto St, Monroe, LA 71201-3719
Conclusion
Monroe is an interesting city to visit.
By now, you must have gotten a clear picture of those things you would want to explore in this city.
While some of the aforementioned activities may interest you, some of them may not.
However, I encourage you to look out for the ones that make an impression on you and explore time.
Do have a fun-filled vacation.
