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The Historic District along the Cane River Lake in downtown Natchitoches features architecture reminiscent of the French Quarter in New Orleans. Antique shops and restaurants line the old brick street in front of the Cane River Lake. Many older mansions are nearby and include bed and breakfasts if you decide to stay the night.

The Bayou Pierre Alligator Park is located nearby Natchitoches. Dozens of alligators are visible to visitors. Here you can feed the alligators, enjoy cajun food and music, as well as try some alligator meat. Also visit the petting zoo and exotic animal habitat.

Fort Saint Jean Baptisteis located in Natchitoches as well, and includes a recreated environment of the early 1700's fort, which was the oldest in the Louisiana Purchase. An interpretive center/museum will provide visitors with a glimpse into colonial Natchitoches. It features a short historic video and several exhibits and artifact displays, as well as interpreters in costume and performing historical reenactment daily.

Northwestern State Universityis a large presence in the city and has a scenic campus worth driving through. The university, with an enrollment over 10,000 is home to the Normal Hill Historic District, featuring many historic buildings and structures. On this campus, Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts is located, hosting some 400 of the smartest students in Louisiana, as well as the Louisiana Scholars' College, a selective admission honors college focusing on a traditional liberal arts education.

Old American Cemetery stands on the original location of Fort St. Jean Baptiste, and is made up of graves dating back to the time when the fort was still active. This cemetery, which is still in use today, has some of the most beautiful gravestones to be found. While there, be sure to note the large tree that has actually grown around a gravestone, on the edge of the cemetery bordering Second Street.

January - March
November - December

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