Best Things to Do in Monroe & West Monroe, La.

If you’re not familiar with Monroe and West Monroe, La., make it a priority to get to know this destination. Located halfway between Vicksburg, Miss., and Shreveport, La., Monroe-West Monroe offers much of the same history, outdoor recreation and entertainment you’ll find in more notable Louisiana destinations, but without the crowds. To help you start planning your visit, check out this collection of the best things to do in Monroe-West Monroe.

Take a deep dive into history

From one of the most famous soft drinks in the world to African American history to aviation and military history, Monroe-West Monroe is home to some of the most significant events in history.

The Biedenharn Museum & Gardens

While Dr. John Permberton first created Coca-Cola as tonic for common ailments, Joseph Biedenharn was the first person to put the soft drink in a bottle. And that took place in Monroe. At The Bidenharn Museum & Gardens, visitors can see a demonstration of the original bottling process. The museum also includes along a collection of Coca-Cola memorabilia such as a Model T Coca-Cola delivery truck. In addition, they can peruse Emy-Lou Biedenharn’s Bible collections, including an original 1611 King James Bible.

Outside, take a turn in ElSong Gardens, a walled English garden featuring themed gardens including the Oriental Garden and Four Seasons Garden. And don’t forget a tour of the Biedenharn house, a 1914 home that reflects Emy-Lou’s passions: music, nature and family.

Northeast Louisiana Delta African American Heritage Museum

At the Northeast Louisiana Delta African American Heritage Museum, you’ll see the work of world-renowned expressionist artist Don Cincone, artifacts of African American life in Northeast Louisiana, and traveling exhibits that further document and preserve the life, contribution and culture of African Americans.

Chennault Aviation & Military Museum

Housed in one of the last standing buildings of the WWII Selman Army Airfield Navigation School, the Chennault Aviation & Military Museum highlights the navigation school that trained more than 15,000 navigators during World War II as well as native Gen. Claire Chennault, the leader of the Flying Tigers, a group of American volunteer pilots who fought the Japanese in Burma (Myanmar) and China in 1941 and 1942. The museum also showcases the history of Delta Air Lines, whose beginnings started as the world’s first aerial crop-dusting company under the name of Huff Daland Dusters.

Explore the great outdoors

Whether on the golf course, on the water or on the trails, Monroe-West Monroe welcomes you to take in all that Mother Nature has to offer.

Pick your tee time

When you’re ready to practice your golf swing or take home bragging rights with your friends, head to one of Monroe-West Monroe’s many golf courses, including Calvert Crossing Golf Club, Chennault Park Golf Course, the Country Club at Frenchman’s Bend and Johnny Myers Golf Course. Each one contains its own set of unique challenges to keep you on your toes. If you prefer a disc to a club, head to Landry Vineyards Disc Golf, where you can play nine holes among the vines.

Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Hit the water at Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge, and see if you can spot herons, egrets, turtles, alligators and more as you paddle across the 1,600-acre lake. At the visitors center, you can learn more about the area and its inhabitants through a variety of interactive exhibits and at the nature shop. There’s also an arboretum, where you can see native Louisiana trees and woody shrubs. For exploring by foot or wheelchair, hit one of the many trails around the lake and among the photos. You can even hunt or fish, but make sure you have you adhere to all regulations.

Highland Park Wetland Trails

On the Highland Park Wetland Trails, you can walk, run or bike the 1.25-mile pathway as you try to spot various species of birds along the way. And thanks to the park’s large, open field, this is the perfect play to fly a kite, throw a frisbee or enjoy a picnic.

Go behind the scenes of “Duck Dynasty”

If you tuned in to A&E’s “Duck Dynasty,” you got to know the Robertsons, the family behind Duck Commander duck calls who hails from Monroe-West Monroe. Now you can go beyond the TV screen to learn more about the family at Duck Commander The Museum. Through a self-guided walk-through of 10,000 square feet of galleries, you’ll discover more about the family through artifacts, pictures, set recreations and costumes from the show. After you finish at the museum, head out into Monroe-West Monroe to see some of the many “Duck Dynasty” filming locations.

Find your best things to do in Monroe-West Monroe

While this is quite a list of the best things to do in Monroe-West Monroe, it barely scratches the surface of all there is to see and do in this Louisiana destination. To start planning your visit or to get more information, contact the Discover Monroe-West Monroe team.

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