20 Attractions to Explore Near Alexandria metropolitan area, Louisiana

The Alexandria Museum of Art (AMoA), located in Alexandria, Louisiana, serves as a cultural hub and creative showcase for the community and beyond. Established in 1977, the museum is dedicated to promoting the visual arts through exhibitions, educational programs, and community outreach initiatives.

Emmanuel Baptist Church, situated in Alexandria, Louisiana, stands as a beacon of faith, community, and service in Rapides Parish. Established in 1950, the church has served as a spiritual home and center of worship for generations of parishioners, offering a place of solace, fellowship, and spiritual growth.

The Louisiana History Museum, located in downtown Alexandria, Louisiana, is a cultural institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich and diverse history of the state. The museum offers visitors a comprehensive journey through Louisiana's past, from its earliest inhabitants to the present day.

St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, located in Alexandria, Louisiana, stands as a symbol of faith, heritage, and community in Rapides Parish. The cathedral holds a cherished place in the hearts of parishioners, serving as a spiritual home and center of worship for generations.

First Methodist Church, located in Alexandria, Louisiana, is a cornerstone of faith and community in Rapides Parish. Established in 1907, the church has played a central role in the spiritual and social life of the community, offering a place of worship, fellowship, and service to generations of parishioners.

The Bontemps African American Museum, situated in the historic town of Alexandria, Louisiana, is a cultural gem dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich heritage and contributions of African Americans in Central Louisiana. Named in honor of Arna Bontemps, a prominent African American writer and poet with roots in the area, the museum serves as a testament to resilience, creativity, and the ongoing struggle for equality.

The Rapides Cemetery, located in Alexandria, Louisiana, is a historic burial ground that serves as a final resting place for generations of individuals and families in the community. The cemetery holds a special significance as a place of remembrance, reflection, and reverence for the departed.

Fort Randolph, located in Pineville, Louisiana, is a historic military site that played a significant role in shaping the region's history during the Civil War. fort served as a strategic outpost for the Confederate forces, guarding the vital Red River and defending against Union incursions into Louisiana.

The Alexandria Garden District, nestled in the heart of Alexandria, Louisiana, is a picturesque residential neighborhood renowned for its historic homes, lush gardens, and charming ambiance. Developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Garden District boasts a rich architectural heritage, with a variety of architectural styles including Greek Revival, Victorian, and Colonial Revival.

Forts Randolph and Buhlow State Historic Site, located in Pineville, Louisiana, encompasses the remains of two Civil War-era forts that played pivotal roles in the Red River Campaign of 1864. These forts were strategic Confederate strongholds tasked with defending the Red River Valley against Union advances during the Civil War.

The Alexandria National Cemetery, located in Alexandria, Louisiana, is a hallowed resting place that serves as a solemn tribute to the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. The cemetery provides a final resting place for veterans and their eligible family members, honoring their sacrifices and service to the nation.

The Alexandria Zoological Park, nestled in the heart of Alexandria, Louisiana, is a beloved destination that offers visitors an immersive and educational experience with wildlife from around the globe. The zoo spans acres of beautifully landscaped grounds and is home to a diverse collection of animal species.

Kent Plantation House, located in Alexandria, Louisiana, is a historic landmark that offers visitors a glimpse into the region's colonial past and the lives of early settlers in Central Louisiana. The plantation house stands as one of the oldest surviving structures in the area and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Louisiana National Guard Training Center in Pineville, Louisiana, serves as a vital facility for training and readiness for the Louisiana National Guard (LANG). Established to support the training needs of the state's military forces, the center provides a range of resources and facilities for personnel development, operational readiness, and emergency response.

Louisiana State University of Alexandria (LSUA), located in Alexandria, Louisiana, is a vibrant and dynamic institution of higher education that provides accessible and affordable educational opportunities to students in Central Louisiana and beyond. LSUA offers a diverse range of academic programs, extracurricular activities, and support services designed to meet the needs of its diverse student body.

The Northup Trail in Louisiana commemorates the life and experiences of Solomon Northup, a free African American man who was kidnapped and sold into slavery in 1841. The trail follows the route of Northup's harrowing journey, as depicted in his memoir "Twelve Years a Slave," which was later adapted into an Academy Award-winning film.

The Federal Correctional Complex (FCC) in Pollock, Louisiana, is a comprehensive correctional facility operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). The complex comprises several distinct units, including a medium-security federal prison, a high-security federal prison, and a satellite prison camp.

The Alexander State Forest, located near Alexandria, Louisiana, is a scenic and expansive natural area that offers visitors a retreat into the beauty of Louisiana's wilderness. The state forest encompasses thousands of acres of diverse ecosystems, including pine forests, hardwood bottoms, and meandering waterways.

Indian Creek Recreation Area is a recreation area located inside Alexander State Forest in Rapides Parish near Woodworth, Louisiana. It includes Indian Creek Reservoir, which is an artificial lake developed with the aid of the Louisiana Forestry Commission, the Rapides Parish Police Jury, and the Lower West Red River Soil and Water Conservation District. The lake was created in 1970 as a reservoir for agricultural irrigation and for recreation purposes.

The Grant Parish School Board, located in Louisiana, oversees the public education system in Grant Parish, serving the educational needs of students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. Established to ensure quality education for all students in the parish, the school board is responsible for setting policies, allocating resources, and providing oversight for the operation of public schools within its jurisdiction.