Alexandria is central Louisiana’s regional hub for culture, education, and business and blends many aspects of southern Louisiana. One of them has the vibrant mardi gras culture, with more than 20 thousand people parading around the town on Sunday before Fat Tuesday.
A trail along the river runs alongside a levee, and the surrounding landscape has plenty to do with bayous and lakes. Alexandria features an arts center in Central Louisiana that hosts various festivals day and night. It is a land filled with unique art centers, exceptional museums, zoos with diverse exotic animal species, an array of picturesque lakes, and mesmerizing rivers.
List of Things to do in Alexandria, La.
- Alexandria Zoological Park
- Kent Plantation House
- Alexandria Museum of Art
- Louisiana History Museum
- Alexandria Levee Park
- Lake Buhlow
- Forts Randolph & Buhlow State Historic Site
- T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum
- Louisiana Mardi Gras Parade
- Alexandria Farmers Market
- Rapides Parish Coliseum
- St. Francis Xavier Cathedral
- Treasure Chest Flea Market
- Louisiana Maneuvers and Military Museum
- Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center
- Fort Buhlow Recreation Area
- River Oaks Square Arts Center
- Old Town Hall Museum
- Frogmore Cotton Plantation & Ginseng
- QuirkyArtz
- The Grand Theatre 16
- Key2Escape
- Go Hiking and See Wildlife at the Kisatchie National Forest
- Experience the Gone Wild Safari
- Enjoy Mouth-Watering Food
Alexandria Zoological Park

The Alexandria Zoological Park was established in 1928 and has become a popular tourist attraction in Alexandria, Louisiana. The exhibit carries nearly 500 exotic animals from a different genus. Watch African lions, black-tailed monkeys, and other animals in their natural habitats.
The exhibition offers a wide variety of fish species, including otters, alligators, and various other species. Enjoy miniature railway trips with spectacular views over towering trees and dense vegetation. The zoo offers numerous entertaining events throughout the year.
Family or groups can easily enjoy it. Not giant animals like one could think, but they have many animals to look at in the park. The price of this zoo is above expectations, but the train ride is an enjoyable experience for children. You can sit on any day or relax in a shaded area. The lovely weather provides excellent entertainment, and the animals are also good.
Kent Plantation House

For some Creole history, French architecture, and what lives on the authentic Creole plantations, this home provides a fantastic excursion for the most enjoyable days of your life. The plantation houses highlight the Spanish, French, and American cultural heritage that form Louisiana’s lives and histories.
The plantation house was constructed in the 1800s and remained the oldest building in Louisiana. Kent Plantations has French Creole roots. Bring the tour guide to your home or grounds. Home tours include the main bedroom, the guest rooms, artifact bedrooms, and the guest rooms.
A walk through the floors consists of a firehouse, kitchen, and slave cabin, as well as the cemetery. This home reflects French, Spanish, or American cultural traditions. See the Colonial architecture at Kent Plantation!
Many outhouses will allow visitors to see how life is going in Louisiana and how work is happening. Several above items are visible on the property when you move from building to building.
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Alexandria Museum of Art

In the center of Alexandria stands the most impressive Art Museum of Alexandria. The museum’s permanent collections emphasize contemporary and traditional artwork from Alexandria, Louisiana, South Louisiana, and artists inspired by the South.
Explore these carefully selected pieces from this extensive inventory and travel shows and exhibitions by internationally recognized artists. The Alexandria Museum of Art connects the public with rich programming, including camps for the whole family and a gift shop of hand-made gifts. Admission is also free.
The museum was established in 1979 with the support of Louisiana State University Alexandria. It hosts many annual exhibitions highlighting work from its permanent collection.
In addition, the museum displays visual artists and hosts free yoga lessons, musical performances, film screenings, educational programming, and fundraising events. Visit the museum and discover creative and remarkable art.
Louisiana History Museum

Alexandria has another excellent museum downtown, focusing on Central Louisiana and Rapides Parish. These buildings are in Alexandria Library, built in the Beaux Arts style in 1907 and added to the National Register in 1989.
It has an important historical collection that has evolved from several display cases upstairs at Alexandria Library to over 60 exhibition areas and exhibition rooms.
Initially, the museum appears a bit small, but its rich histories in walls make up the difference in size. The museum offers a fun experience for historical enthusiasts with magnificent images of interactive exhibits displayed in glass cases.
You will be pleasantly surprised by the collection of postcard cards and the welcoming and friendly staff. You can quickly spend a few days learning about Louisiana, its people, and its heritage.
Alexandria Levee Park

There is an asphalt trail running along the entire city center riverfront. The park opens in the north near the Rapides Regional Medical center, another lovely spot on the Red River, for a few days.
It includes shelter grills, over 20 picnic tables, playgrounds, three-lane boat ramps, piers, and a picturesque river view. The levee provides an outdoor venue for numerous events, including fireworks displays.
The trail runs south along the grassed woodland river bank, under the Gilliss William Long Bridge, and then cuts into Pineville on U.S. Highway 167.
Lake Buhlow

It covers more than 280 acres and offers many options for fish. Other activities, such as sailing, kayaking, hiking, or sailing, can also be different.
It hosts many catfish and breams, turtle species, and other fishes. Watch the stunning sunset view or relax in this peaceful spot for the afternoon walk. All seasons the club can offer many different entertainment opportunities.
Forts Randolph & Buhlow State Historic Site

The Civil Wars are fascinating around Pierson Lake in Pineville on the site of two Confederate fortifications built in October 1864. The fortress Randolph was constructed by 1,500 soldiers, civilian workers, and an additional 500 enslaved people in the South.
Fort Buhlow and Randolph were built for an attack from another army general Nathaniel P. Bank. The attack did not occur, and there were no fights there. The state historical site conserves vestiges of the earthworks, including a museum, a tour guide trail, and a viewpoint over the red river.
Pineville is situated in the heart of Alexandria, just 5 minutminute from the Red River Fort Randolph or Buhlow. They were built in honor of Captain Christopher Randolph and Lieutenant Alphonse Buhlow. The visitor center contains actual Civil War artifacts! The town has a boardwalk near Fort Randolph and Buhlow for a closer look.
T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum

It is a fantastic location for a family fun trip. The museum provides educational and interactive experiences that encourage children to explore. It offers playgrounds, dress rooms, television studio, clinics, model railroads with trains, a cinema, and a bank. Kids love it!
The kid’s museum uses mixed media to stimulate a child’s senses through imagination, games, and educational materials. The trains are exciting for our young kids. The dress is always the favorite for kids, and indoor treehouses are an absolute highlight for kids’ visits.
Children can play with classic toys like Lincoln’s Log. Parents and grandparents are likely to have fun while their children chase the hours off during the day.
Enjoy your holiday with friends here for the best possible experience.
Louisiana Mardi Gras Parade

More than a million tourists flock to Alexandria to attend this colorful and famous festival. There are numerous colorful parades, vintage automobile shows, motorcycle shows, and parties.
Guests may also enjoy delicious food & beverage experiences, animal encounters, live music, brilliant colors and costumes, and many other activities. It is a significant event for all communities.
Be part of Alexandria’s celebrations and experience its unique cultural history.
Alexandria Farmers Market

The Alexandria Farm and Food Market take place every week. This location is an excellent spot to discover the city’s cultural heritage.
Here you can get fresh vegetables, fruits, jams, and sweet treats like honey and fruit juices. It is made by local farmers who produce in central Louisiana. Try some mouthwatering tamales from this market too.
Rapides Parish Coliseum

The Arena was built in 1965 and was completed in 2016. It is 10,000 square feet on Louisiana State Highway 8. The renovation brought new life to a historic structure with a magnificent new foyer, increased seating capacity, and improved all aspects of the Colosseum’s facilities.
Rapides Parish Coliseum features a stunning dome and is the most significant regional stage for arena events, from WWE circus performances to concerts featuring renowned recording artists.
Built-in 1965, the Arena holds a capacity of 10k visitors for events.
It is Alexandria’s most prominent venue for sports, exhibitions, festivals, monster trucks, shows, circuses, and other events. It also hosts President Reagan and Martin Luther King. It also has meeting rooms you can rent to guests for private meetings. You can enjoy this fun-packed show and buy tickets for an exciting game.
Francis Xavier Cathedral

The Roman Catholic Church originated in 1817 and was the original Church in the street. The building burned in 1896, and the present building replaced it in 1899. It has excellent Gothic revival architecture with beautiful windows and hand-carved wooden work.
The Church is the only remaining structure of the city after the Civil War. Spend some relaxing minutes there, and pray and appreciate beautiful spaces. Visit the Church’s huge rose windows, which were the largest of its kind.
Treasure Chest Flea Market

Anyone looking for unique treasures can discover them at the flea market, where history meets the present. It’s just a matter of looking at your home and buying items such as candles, handcrafted decorations, clothing, old furniture, and jewelry.
Booth sizes and designs vary. All the vendors have their items for sale. Its contents are updated daily and weekly when a new item arrives and an old one becomes available. Each holiday season, you discover different Christmas decorations, retro kid’s toys, soaps, and everything you need as a gift.
Louisiana Maneuvers and Military Museum

It contains artifacts from World War I. The museum showcases uniforms, tanks, history letters, other personal items of soldiers, firearms, and artillery cannons.
The exhibition showcases Louisiana Manoeuvres during the Second World War.
It offers over 35,000 books for viewing and exploring. Guests can access the museum without any cost.
Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center

This modern theatre is located at a nearby shopping mall. It is a popular place for dance, live music, and theatre performances. The Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center operates through the Central Louisiana Arts Council, with over 400 patrons.
The restaurant also organizes weddings and art shows in its lobby or terrace. It’s an excellent spot for a great night of entertainment.
Another prominent feature of the Alexandria Cultural Arts Centre is this proscenium theater operated by the Arts Council of Central Louisiana. Initially opened in 2004, the new venue is situated near Welland’s department store and was designed by renowned designers.
This state-of-the-art cinema is equipped with 615 seats. There are varied programs, including performances by the Rapides Symphony Orchestra and classical ensemble touring performances, plays, Musical, Dance, and more.
Fort Buhlow Recreation Area

It features a playground and verdant trails offering excellent Buhlow Lake and Red River views. Nature lovers would appreciate arguing over a tranquil river surrounded by lakes and vast green areas.
Take walks along scenic trails and explore the wilderness. It is the ideal location to escape everyday life and blend in with nature.
River Oaks Square Arts Center

The Art Museum offers a wide range of artworks that can be observed by patrons and viewed from various angles. You may purchase paintings from different artists and have a lovely day wandering amongst the buildings.
The museum is located within the historic Bolton Family House. The gallery houses dozens of artists from around the state. The art center organizes 25 annual exhibitions. A second option is to teach art classes to any group of children.
Shows and Exhibitions combine local and regional artists and create a wide range of artists’ talent and creative creativity. The gift shops are delightful, so you will never stop looking when you enter. Handmade art objects like jewelry, furniture, painting, and ceramics are just some of the items displayed and sold.
Visit these museums and admire the best regional art.
Old Town Hall Museum

The museum dates to 1931 and focuses on the history of the municipality of the region. It is in an old building with fire stations, jails & police departments.
Its courtrooms also functioned as public libraries. Visit historic buildings and explore the exhibition. Guests can purchase all the tickets.
Frogmore Cotton Plantation & Ginseng

Frogmore is just one hour away in Alexandria. Frogmore Cotton Plantations & Gins is historically working cotton and Gin Plantations.
Visit furnished slave cabins or watch slave lifestyles. Then you’ll learn about the Civil Rights and slavery between Confederates and Unions that affected enslaved people and owners.
But even history books can’t cover everything! Please note that Frogmore Cotton Plantation and Gin are only South-based tours. Take a look!
QuirkyArtz

If your children are on their way to Alexandria, Louisiana, bring them to Quirky Artz to let them explore the creative possibilities. The facility offers art workshops and camps to help people meet new people through great fun and exciting activities.
The staff is accommodating and takes time to help you. The team allows you to find and discover your inner artist and create a masterpiece. There’s paint everywhere you can find!
The Grand Theatre 16

Grand Theatre16 is an excellent choice to see the city’s wide range of movie theatres. The restaurant offers a wide selection of premium cocktails and a wide assortment of beers and wines at the theatre.
It provides a unique experience – luxury leather chairs and the newest technologies such as Christie laser projection, Dolby Atmos surround sound, and Real D 3D. The variety of choices this cinema has and the comfort and convenience of seating are unbelievable.
Key 2 Escape – A Live Escape Room

This scary and enjoyable escape room experience will be an absolute pleasure known as the slaughterhouse or dollhouse. There is plenty of fun to enjoy the comforts with the air conditioning and the large escape room.
Several rooms have difficulty levels, from escaping novices to escaping professionals, and stealing bank accounts is the most challenging. It has an authentic feel with a unique theme that offers the ultimate adrenaline rush.
No one should feel too weak, and there are sixty seconds to escape a particular experience and its heart-pounding pleasure.
Escape rooms are an underappreciated hobby that may help you develop collaboration, spend quality time with loved ones, or temporarily forget about your problems. Look no further than Key2Escape if you’re seeking best things to do in Alexandria, La.
You collaborate with others in a themed room at this fantastic escape room to leave within the allotted time. While there are guidelines for the clues you might encounter in each game, solving the puzzles will ultimately depend on how well your team works together to solve problems.
Go Hiking and See Wildlife at the Kisatchie National Forest

Enjoy an energizing trek along one of the many trails that wind through the picturesque terrain of the heavily forested area and take in the site’s array of vibrant wildflowers.
This area, roughly 30 miles from Alexandria, is home to diverse fauna, lush wetlands, prairies, tranquil lakes, rolling hills, and dense, beautiful forests. It contains deer, armadillos, bears, woodpeckers, turkeys, snakes, butterflies, beavers, and many other animals.
Camp here at night to observe the stars and enjoy the surrounding environment. The lakes and the Kisatchie Bayou provide access to fishing and boating. Kisatchie Forest, which spans over 600,000 acres, is the ideal location for a romantic picnic with breathtaking scenery.
Experience the Gone Wild Safari

You know you want to get close and intimate with animals. You can easily spend several hours on this bus tour feeding amiable animals that enjoy eating and catching you. It’s a small site on just 10 acres in a somewhat isolated spot.
The animals seem to enjoy a comfortable environment. The safari is the perfect chance for young people to experience wild animals in a safe environment. They benefit the guests and share their expertise to ensure everyone is having fun.
Enjoy Mouth-Watering Food

Pamela Bayou at the Bowl offers exceptional American cuisine. Try their burgers. There are several options that are both economical and delicious.
Bring lunch to Outlaws Barbeque, famous for burgers and burgers. Enjoy delicious food at the Steamboat Bills. The restaurant offers affordable meals, and it is famous for its seafood dishes and Cajun cuisine.