Alexandria la is a lesser-known tourist attraction in Central Louisiana. The parish capital of Rapides Parish in Louisiana, United States, Alexandria is the ninth-largest city there. It is located on the south bank of the Red River, almost exactly in the state’s geographic center. It is the hub of the 153,922-person Alexandria metropolitan region, which includes the whole Rapides and Grant parishes. Pineville is the city that it borders. In 2010, there were 47,723 people, a 3% increase over the 2000 census. 

It is renowned for both its abounding natural beauty and its illustrious past and present. Alexandria has been open to everyone throughout the four seasons. 

It is home to exceptional art centers, first-rate museums, zoos with a wide variety of exotic animals, attractive lakes, a captivating river, ancient landmarks, historic sites, deep woodlands, and exciting festivals. 

This is a great location to start planning your next trip because of the availability of hiking, camping, bicycling, boating, wilderness exploration, animal observation, and so much more than the lakes, rivers, and abundant vegetation give.

List to do things to do in Alexandria LA

Here are the Things to do in Alexandria LA that any visitors should visit such as Alexandria zoological park, Alexandria museum, Louisiana history museum, house children museum, Kent plantation house, historic buildings, art gallery, historic fort, river oaks square arts, genealogy library, Bolton house, Bringhurst park, etc.

1: Alexandria Zoological Park

One of its top tourist destinations in Alexandria is this zoo, which was founded in 1926. There are more than 500 exotic creatures from various species on display. Discover animals like tigers, jaguars, squirrel monkeys, gigantic anteaters, swans, cotton-top tamarins, foxes, and more.

The underwater window display also features a variety of fish, otters, and alligators. Take a trip on the miniature train for breathtaking views of the tall trees and lush greenery. The zoo also holds a variety of interesting activities on its grounds all year long. In this city, you really must go here.

2: Louisiana History Museum

This Alexandria museum, which was founded in 1971, has a strong emphasis on Louisianan and Alexandrian local history. Thousands of pictures, old postcards, historical papers, medals, and other items are among the historical displays and local souvenirs that may be found there. 

The charming 1907 structure also houses the Alexandria Genealogical Library. Explore the museum to discover more about the locals, their culture, history, and more.

3: Lake Buhlow

This lovely lake, which spans more than 280 acres, is a well-liked location for fishing. It is home to catfish, bass, bream, turtles, and more. Watch the magnificent views of the sunset and take a relaxing evening stroll here. 

They organize a broad range of exciting events here all year long. You may also engage in various leisure pursuits like motorboat racing, boating, and hiking.

4: Kent Plantation House

This ancient kent plantation house, built in the 18th century, is now a museum showcasing Louisiana’s local history. The building, which has a French colonial design, was formerly the residence of Pierre Baillio II and his family before being sold to a wealthy planter from Maryland in 1842. It is one of the oldest still-standing houses in the area.

The residence was kept in pristine condition to faithfully depict the affluent way of life in Louisiana during the late 18th and mid-19th centuries.

The original furniture, china, paintings, pictures, piano, and other objects belonging to the people who lived in the kent plantation house are maintained on display. You may also take a tour of the historic sites, slave quarters, milk houses, blacksmith shops, and kitchens.

 5: Alexandria Museum of Art

This honor-winning museum was founded in 1977 and is connected to Louisiana State University in Alexandria. It hosts several exhibitions all year long that showcase pieces from its permanent collection.

Along with presenting works by well-known local and international artists, but also in the Louisiana history museum source presents free yoga classes, musical performances, movie theater, film screenings, educational initiatives, educational programs, and fundraising events. Explore the Louisiana museum and take part in art classes and thought-provoking artwork.

6: Forts Randolph & Buhlow State Historic Site

Forts Randolph and Buhlow state historic sites, which are situated on the Red River’s banks, are historically significant. 

A visitor’s center with historical artifacts and local memorabilia, verdant walking trails, a spectacular red river overlook, towering trees, dense foliage, a Civil War period and hikes to explore the historic site are all features of this location where you can learn more about Louisiana’s history while taking in the beauty of nature in the forts Randolph. 

Watch the re-enactment film at the visitor’s center, explore the exhibits, take in the views of the mesmerizing river, and hike to explore the historic sites in forts Randolph.

 7: T.R.E.E.House Children’s Museum

If you are on a family vacation, you should go to the house children’s museum. Through engaging exhibitions and community events, interactive exhibit the museum tries to teach kids new topics in a pleasant way. Additionally, it has a free library, a free play area, a dressing-up area, a kid’s TV studio, animal exhibits, a clinic, a model railroad with trains, dioramas, a bank, a grocery shop, a sheriff’s vehicle, and more.

This location is a favorite with kids for family fun. 

8: Louisiana Mardi Gras Parade

Every year, more than 120,000 people go to Alexandria to take part in this exciting yearly celebration. One of the most important events in this city, it offers a wide variety of vibrant parades, vintage car displays, motorcycle shows, and parties. 

Guests may also take part in great food and beverages, animal encounters, get gifts from the gift shops, live music, vividly colored costumes, and more. Participate in the celebrations to learn about the fascinating local culture of Alexandria la.

9: Alexandria Farmers Market

All year round, there is a once-weekly farmers market in Alexandria la. It is one of the greatest locations to get a sense of the neighborhood culture.

All of the products are derived from regional farmers and producers in Central Louisiana. At this market, be sure to sample the delectable tamales.

10: Beautiful Architecture of St. Francis Xavier Cathedral

The earliest church in the city, this ancient Roman Catholic church was built in 1817. Spend some quiet time here praying and admiring the aesthetically pleasing interiors. Check out the kaleidoscopic rose window at this church, the largest in the state.

 The former building caught fire in 1895, and the current one replaced it in 1899. This church was the only one left in the city after the Civil War.

11: Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center

This cutting-edge art theatre is located in the heart of Alexandria. The Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center is a well-known location for ballets, musical concerts, plays, orchestras, and musicals.

It is run by the Arts Council of Central Louisiana and has seating for over 600 people. In addition, to live performances, they host weddings, art exhibitions, and other events in their lobby and terrace.

12: Fort Buhlow Recreation Area

This recreation area offers a wealth of activities and attractions. It has a playground, lush hiking paths, disc golf courses, picnic spaces, grills, and sports fields, and it’s situated between Buhlow Lake and the Red River. Fans of nature will like the fact that you can access the tranquil river, lake Buhlow, and expansive vegetation.

Explore the wilderness by hiking along the beautiful paths, playing some baseball or soccer, going bass fishing in the lake, trying your hand at disc golf, trade shows, grilling up some mouthwatering burgers, going boating, and taking in the breathtaking beauty of nature.

13: Louisiana Maneuvers and Military Museum

World War I and II historical objects are on display in this museum. It displays military gear, tanks, old letters, soldier-owned objects, weapons, artillery, cannonballs, and more. 

The exhibitions focus on the Second World War’s Louisiana Maneuvers. Visitors can browse the library’s collection of more than 3,000 books. There is no charge to enter the museum.

14: Regional Art at Rivers Oaks Square Arts Centre

This modern visual arts museum was founded in 1984 and is housed in the former Bolton family mansion. Nearly 25 shows are conducted at this museum each year, and they also provide art lessons for people of all ages. It has various galleries and studios where a variety of local artists’ works are on display.

Here, more than 40 artists live, including painters, potters, sculptors, and photographers. Come to this museum to see the magnificent works of local and regional artists.

15: Old Town Hall Museum

This museum, which opened its doors in 1931, focuses on the history of a local administration. Its courtroom once served as a public library, and the building where it is located originally held the city’s fire station, prison, police department, and city court.

View the exhibitions and tour the historic structure.

16: Sink Your Fork into Mouth-Watering Food

Delectable American food is served at Pamela’s Bayou in a Bowl. The cuisine is quite affordable and excellent; try their mac and cheese, juicy burgers, and red beans and rice. Eat lunch at Outlaw’s Barbeque, which is well known for its burgers and briskets. At Steamboat Bill’s, indulge in delectable seafood.

The establishment is well-known for its Crawfish meals and Cajun preparations, and the menu is reasonably priced

17: QuirkyArtz

Take your kids to Quirky Artz if you want to encourage their creativity during their trip to Alexandria, Louisiana. They can meet new people in a friendly environment thanks to the abundance of art workshops and camp sessions offered by this center for the visual arts.

You can unwind knowing that you and your kids are in good hands since the camp’s instructors are kind and willing to spend time helping you and your kids.

18: The Grand Theatre 16

Grand Theatre 16 offers a distinctive method to view movies among the city’s many other movie theatre alternatives. It offers in-theater food options so you may sip on a wide selection of great wine, premium drinks, and beers.

It’s remarkable how much this theatre has to offer, especially with its wide variety of meals and practical seating options. 

There is an incredible range of movies here, and new theatre equipment makes watching movies further enjoyable.

19: Key2Escape

If you’re searching for something entertaining to do while you’re in town, go no further than Key2Escape. Escape rooms are an underappreciated pastime that allows you to develop cooperation, spend quality time with family and friends, or keep your mind off problems for a short while.

While there are rules governing the types of clues you may uncover in each game, ultimately solving them depends on your team’s ability in problem-solving. In this clever escape room, you join up with other individuals and work organized in a themed room to attempt to escape in the allotted time. 

20: Kisatchie National Forest

Enjoy an energizing hike on the miles of trails that meander through the picturesque landscapes of the densely forested region and view the outrageously colored wildflowers that spread throughout the site.

 This site is located about 30 miles from Alexandria. Access to fishing and boating is provided via the lakes and the Kisatchie Bayou. Kisatchie Forest, which spans over 600,000 acres, is the ideal location for a romantic picnic with breathtaking scenery. Mountain biking and equestrian riding are particularly popular here.

21: Gone Wild Safari

The Gone Wild Safari is about 11 kilometers from Alexandria. Visitors may see a wide variety of exotic species at this wildlife preserve.

The location has a playground, snack bar, mining firm, fossils, and Toucan Pavilion. It is entertaining for visitors of all ages in Alexandria la. You may feed the animals here in addition to petting them.

22: Frogmore Cotton Plantation & Gins

This old cotton plantation, which spans more than 1,800 acres, was established in the 19th century. It has historic slave quarters, 1700s Native American mounds, wagon trails, a mansion, and a cotton gin. 

The farm in Alexandria la is still in use today and produces 900 bales daily. Tour the plantation to see the cotton farming techniques, learn about them, look around the old buildings and gins, and see the historic mounds. Driving from Alexandria la to the location takes one hour.

23: Alexandria Levee Park

The whole riverside in downtown Alexandria la is paved, and it starts here, at the park beside the three-lane boat launch, a pier, and a beautiful viewpoint to take in the river, this is a nice place to spend some time by the Red River.

The levee serves as the venue for the Alexandria la Riverfront Amphitheater and several outdoor events, including fireworks displays.

From here, the route travels south along the grassy, forested riverside, over the Gillis William Long Bridge, and then turns inland at the Pineville underpass of the United States. Route 167.

24: Randolph Riverfront Center

 The premier convention and conference center in Central Louisiana is located on the levee beside the Gillis William Long Bridge and is a valuable resource for Alexandria.

 With a seating capacity of 2,600, the Main Convention Hall at the Randolph Riverfront Center serves as the location for a wide range of regional events, including trade fairs, conferences, dog shows, markets, sporting events, concerts, festivals, touring exhibits, and graduation ceremonies. 

Although being in the heart of Alexandria’s downtown, parking is often available for free.

25: AlexWinterFête

Every December, Alexandria hosts a free four-day event that is well-known throughout the state and has unique winter activities that aren’t available anyplace else in Louisiana.

A sizable outdoor skating rink that opens all four days plays a significant role in this. Santa’s arrival at Santa’s Village at the Alexander Fulton Mini Park Third St. and the customary tree-lighting ceremony serves as the event’s opening acts.

26: Alex River Fête

Around the end of April or the beginning of May, downtown Alexandria hosts a yearly three-day event. The Louisiana Dragon Boat Races, a formerly lucrative standalone event, served as the inspiration for the 2013 festival. 

 The event includes the race as well as past standalone activities like Dinner on the Bricks and the Art Walk, as well as a variety of booth locations, cuisine, and live entertainment.

27:  Rapid parish coliseum

Rapides Parish Coliseum, on the western outskirts of the city, has been a venue for concerts, athletic events, trade exhibitions, conferences, and other events since 1965. It can hold up to 10,000 people. 

Elvis Presley concerts, monster truck rallies, WWE wrestling matches, and speeches by Ronald Reagan and M.L. King Jr. have all taken place in the Coliseum throughout the years. Trade fairs are routinely held in the neighboring 23,000 square foot.

28: Alexandria Holocaust Memorial

A well-known landmark in Alexandria, Louisiana, is the Alexandria Holocaust Memorial. If you live close to the Alexandria Holocaust Memorial, please come by and say hello.

FAQ’s

What is Alexandria LA known for?

It is renowned for both its abounding natural beauty and its illustrious past and present. It has exceptional art galleries, first-rate museums, zoos with a wide variety of exotic creatures, picturesque lakes, a captivating river, historical landmarks, lush woods, and lively festivals.

What percentage of Alexandria Louisiana is black?

Black or African American: 57.16%.

Is Alexandria LA a good place to live?

In addition to being among the top 15 most hazardous US cities, Alexandria la has a high crime rate that makes it difficult to live happily there.

Conclusion

Alexandria la is a lesser-known tourist destination renowned for its stunning natural surroundings, outstanding food and nightlife, exciting festivals, and rich cultural heritage.

With this list of the top things to do in Alexandria LA, Louisiana, there is never a dull moment here. You won’t run out of interesting things to do, whether you’re here for a holiday or consider this great city to be your home away from home.