Local Attractions
The Marksville and Alexandria areas offer exciting places to visit while you're here.
Tunica-Biloxi Cultural and Educational Resources Center
The Tunica-Biloxi Cultural and Educational Resources Center (CERC) is the $13 million initial project in the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe’s comprehensive, long-range plans to aid in broadening the cultural, artistic, and educational offerings to not only its members, but to the surrounding communities as well. The 40,000 square foot facility will house: Museum, Gift Shop, Library, Conservation and Restoration Laboratory, Auditorium, Classrooms, Distance Learning Center, Meeting Rooms, and Offices. Call (318) 253-8174 or 1 (800) 488-6674
“Cherishing Our Past, Building for Our Future,” the sentiment of Chairman Earl J. Barbry, Sr., has been the guiding position of this project since its inception. This is another example of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe’s commitment to investing its resources into the surrounding communities throughout the state of Louisiana and beyond.
Marksville State Prehistoric Park and Museum
A 39-acre park includes prehistoric Indian mounds and Indian Village sites dating from 1400 A.D. The museum features artifacts and exhibits interpreting that culture. Call (318) 253-8954.
Parks
Recreational parks include Ben Routh Park in Effie and Brouillette Park in Brouillette (picnic areas, playground and boat launch). Call (318) 253-9208 for more information.
Spring Bayou Wildlife Management Area
12,078 acres, three miles from Marksville. Red River backwater system, access to interior mainly by boat. Hunting, fishing and nature trail.
Swamp & Bayou Tours
Abe Maddox Swamp Tours (318) 253-5502
Grand Cote National Wildlife Refuge
Approximately three miles west of Marksville, off Hwy. 1194. A 6,000-acre refuge. Wildlife, hiking and fishing.
Historic Homes
Tours of historic homes in Avoyelles are available. Contact the Avoyelles Commission of Tourism at (318) 253-0585 for more information.
Alexandria Zoological Park
22 shady acres, 600 animals, 20 endangered species. Award-winning Louisiana Habitat Exhibit. Train, gift shop and seasonal snack bar. Admission charged.
Plantation Houses
Kent Plantation House
Dating to 1800, fascinating Kent Plantation House still stands as Central Louisiana’s oldest structure, telling a story of 1795-1855 plantation life with its authentic outbuildings.
Southern Forest Heritage Museum
3.3 miles south of Forest Hill on LA Hwy. 497. Early 20th-century sawmill town. 57 acres, company store, 30+ buildings, steam locomotives and machine shop. About an hour from Marksville.
Louisiana Maneuvers and Military Museum, Camp Beauregard, Pineville, Louisiana
The “Dress Rehearsal for World War II” – soldiers from every corner of the U.S. came to participate in Louisiana Maneuvers during 1940-41. Experimentation in new forms of mechanized warfare took place here. The Maneuvers performed here revealed Louisiana to be an excellent training environment for America’s armed forces.
Hours: 9-5:30 daily lmmm@la-arng.ngb.army.mil phone: (318) 641-5733.
Delta Music Museum, Ferriday, Louisiana
Exhibits of Jerry Lee Lewis, Mickey Gilley, Conway Twitty, Aaron Neville, Jimmie Davis, Jimmy Swaggart, and many other Delta Music Celebrities. Birthplace of Jerry Lee Lewis, Mickey Gilley and the Rev Jimmy Swagart.
Hours: 9-4pm M-Sat deltamusicmuseum@sec.state.la.us phone: (318) 757-9999
Vermilionville – A Cajun/Creole Heritage and Folk Life Park, Lafayette, LA
Restored historic homes, reproductions of period buildings, Cajun, Creole and Native American exhibits, boat tours, nature trail, music, gift shop, bakery and restaurant, live cooking demonstrations.
Hours: 10-3p Tue-Sun. vermil@vermilionville.org phone: (337) 233-4077
Kent Plantation House, Alexandria, LA
Central Louisiana’s oldest standing structure, the house was build on a Spanish land grant in 1800. Visit includes period outbuildings and rotating exhibits. Great outdoor grounds for receptions and parties.
Hours: 9-5 M-Sat. kenthouse.org phone: (318) 487-5998
Cajun Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Eunice, LA
Sponsored by the Cajun French Music Association has been in operation for 25 years, and features a showcase of the history of this regions unique form of music. Saturday night live performances.
Hours: 9-4:30 T-Sat. phone: (337) 457-6534
Additional Resources
Travel Avoyelles
Visit Travel Avoyelles for other great attractions in the Marksville and Alexandria area. There’s plenty to see and lots to do-all within a quick drive of Paragon Casino Resort!
LTPA
The Louisiana Travel Promotion Association is a non-profit, private sector trade association representing the State’s travel and hospitality industry. LTPA offers cooperative programs at significant savings so that members can buy more, do more and achieve more.
Alexandria/Pineville CVB
Visit the Alexandria/Pineville Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.
Louisiana Office of Tourism
Visit the official site of the Louisiana Office of Tourism.
Visit Baton Rouge, LA CVB
VisitBatonRouge.com is the official site for the city of Baton Rouge’s Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.
Lafayette, LA CVB
LafayetteTravel.com is the official site for the city of Lafayette’s Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.
City of Alexandria, LA
CityofAlexandriaLA.com is the official site of the City of Alexandria, LA.