Welcome to historic Natchitoches! Founded in 1714, Natchitoches is the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase. You will find many choices in activities while here, including the 33-block National Historic Landmark District, one of three in the state of Louisiana. Enjoy a trolley car or horse and buggy tour of downtown or stroll the historic brick street overlooking Cane River Lake. If shopping is what you have in mind, you’re in the right place. You can find everything you’re looking for including home décor, books, local art, kitchenware, clothing, souvenirs, tasty treats and much more! While you’re here, enjoy one of our many fine restaurants and make sure you try a famous Natchitoches meat pie. Natchitoches is also well known for the filming of Steel Magnolias, a comedy-drama about the bond among a group of southern women in Louisiana. The charm of Natchitoches depicted in this movie is a reality. Natchitoches received a Great American Main Street Award by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 2006 and the Preserve America Presidential Award for Heritage Tourism by President George W. Bush in 2007. Natchitoches is rich in arts and culture and is home to the Cane River National Heritage Area where you will find several plantation homes open for tours including Magnolia, Oakland, and Melrose. With almost 40 Bed and Breakfast amenities in the historic district, it only makes sense to join us each year for the Fall Tour or Christmas Tour of Homes. Year round festivities keep Natchitoches full of activity. So any time of year and any day of the week is the perfect time to visit historic Natchitoches!

For visitor information, please call the Natchitoches Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-800-259-1714 or visit www.natchitoches.net.