10 Most Historic Small Towns to Visit in Louisiana

For those who love the sacredness of old buildings and churches; exploring dated cultures and traditions; and lingering around historic courthouses and squares, Louisiana presents a long line-up of beautiful sites and attractions. There is Jazz and Mardi Gras as well, interesting Civil War histories, and a culinary scene that travels the whole gamut. For those who want to walk in the sands of time, tracing footprints of the state’s rich history, the following historic towns are worth paying attention to.

New Iberia

As one traipses through the neatly paved sidewalks of New Iberia’s historic Main Street, amid touches of greenery and centuries-old live oaks, it becomes easy to appreciate why the town won a Great American Main Street Award in 2005. Granted, quite a number of years have rolled through the pages of time; however, the charm that pervades this stretch has remained intact, defying time and tide. Kick it off at the three-story Tensas Tower on the Teche, an old Ford radiator repair shop now repurposed into a cozy Airbnb. You can float down the bayou just a few steps from here at the Shadows-on-the-Teche, a historic house, garden, and cemetery, before hitting up the trails that skirt the beautiful Spanish Lake.

Houma

At Houma, towering cypress trees line the edges of bayous and swamps, expansive plantations with decades of history tell the stories of the men and women who once lived in the area, and one of the state’s liveliest Mardi Gras celebrations takes place. You will marvel at spectacular historic sites, including the Bayou Terrebonne Waterlife Museum, a cute, homey museum with beautiful views of the slow-moving bayou; Terrebonne Folklife Culture Center, which displays the historic Native American Artifacts; and the Regional Military Museum, which displays tanks, airplanes, and other military memorabilia. Plus, one can immerse oneself in Southern Lousiana culture at the Southdown Plantation & Museum, which has some exciting 19th-century furnishings and interesting displays that showcase the sugarcane history of the area.

St. Martinville

First-time visitors to St. Martinville will enjoy traveling back in time while exploring some of the town’s iconic landmarks, restoration sites, and museums. One of St. Martinville’s claims to fame is that it is widely considered the birthplace of the Cajun culture and traditions. Plus, it is the third-oldest town in Louisiana. Expect, therefore, many old buildings, some of which predate the Declaration of Independence. Saint Martin de Tours Church, for example, the third oldest in Louisiana, was founded in 1765. Then there is the La Maison Duchamp, arguably the only private residence repurposed into a United States Post Office. For even more history and culture, the St. Martinville Cultural Heritage Center houses two museums: the African American Museum and the Museum of the Acadian Memorial. These museums have a common theme — the story of people uprooted from their homeland.

Arcadia

Arcadia is historic — not so much because of its age — but because of an event that may have brought the entire state to a standstill, if not the entire country. It is a story of the Great Depression (and its miseries), of love, and then, of course, of crime; maybe just not in that order. Bonnie Elizabeth Parker and Clyde Chestnut Barrow had staged a spate of robberies, including at banks, restaurants, and gas stations. They had also pulled off a prison break. When they helped inmates escape from Eastham Prison, however, their fate was sealed. What followed was a nationwide manhunt, leading to their ambush on Highway 154 near Acardia. Death was instant. The story has found its way into popular culture and has been the subject of many songs, films, and bestsellers. Henderson Jordan Park is named for a member of the team that ambushed the notorious gangsters. There is a bronze plaque in the park with tidbits of the story. Also, the Bonnie & Clyde Ambush Museum is a short drive away in Gibsland. You can even stay at the Bonnie & Clyde Trade Days & RV, a quiet place to relax and enjoy nature — and mingle with ducks, deer, and squirrels.

Natchitoches

Natchitoches, pronounced as NACK-a-tish, is Lousiana’s oldest city. USA Today once named it one of America’s “Best Historic Small Towns.” The town’s historic district is beautiful and well-preserved. It has many iconic buildings, including the Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile, established by Jewish Prussian immigrants in 1863. It has some of the biggest selection of men’s gifts in the area, particularly tools and other knickknacks. Other landmarks worth checking out include Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site, a replica 1716 fort built by French colonists. Staff here re-enact life in the 18th century, complete with period attire. Natchitoches also hosts the Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery. It is located in an original Caddo village and has some interesting cultural and historical artifacts. You can lock eyes with an alligator as well. Don’t miss the bayou and Sibley Lake, especially if you are looking for boating opportunities.

Alexandria

Alexandria reclines along the Red River, about 130 miles northwest of Baton Rouge, Louisiana’s state capital. The town boasts a settlement history that goes back to the 18th century, although it was laid out later in 1805. Kent Plantation House, one of the landmark attractions in the area, is a French colonial plantation house built in 1796. Visitors will find original furnishings, pictures, and many well-preserved documents. Pop inside the Alexandria Museum of Art and marvel at how it seamlessly blends contemporary flair with a deep appreciation for artistic norms and traditions. But if you love beautiful trails, grassy lawns, shaded spaces, and lovely views of the water — then you will want to spend some time at Fort Buhlow Recreation Area.

St. Francisville

Home to less than 2,000 residents, St. Francisville is, however, so rich in history and culture. It presents an exceptional line-up of historic sites and attractions, curating a homey, old-timey feel that is quite enchanting. This is especially true of Royal, Ferdinand, Prosperity, and Commerce streets. One can linger at the Georgian Revival Courthouse of the Grace Church Of West Feliciana, whose history goes back over 120 years and whose facade reflects the Antebellum wealth of the local plantation owners. Additionally, the West Feliciana Historical Society and Museum provides a glimpse into the fascinating history of St. Francisville and the surrounding area. For what it’s worth, St. Francisville was established in 1809 and is one of Louisiana's most well-preserved historic towns.

Donaldsonville

A town nicknamed the “Gateway to Cajun and Plantation Country” is going to be rich in history and culture. That is Donaldsonville, one of the best spots in Louisiana to journey through time. Aside from its Cajun history and heritage, Donaldsonville boasts other claims to fame. For example, it once served as the state capital, especially from 1829 to 1831. It was also here that the first African-American citizen was appointed to serve as mayor of an incorporated town. Learn bits of the town’s history at the River Road African American Museum, peer into the foggy past at the Ascension Catholic Church (it was built in 1843), and linger at the Ascension Parish Clerk-Court before exploring Cajun cuisine at the quirky but colorful Grapevine Cafe' & Gallery, located on Railroad Avenue.

Abbeville

Where else in the world do you find chefs cooking more than 5,000 eggs in a large black cast-iron skillet and serving it free with French bread during a November festival every year? Trust Abbeville to mesmerize first-time visitors with its fascinating history and cultural heritage. There is the stately Vermilion Parish Courthouse, smack in the middle of town; the Saint Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, whose history dates back to the mid-1800s; and Cajun and zydeco music — which one will often hear in the bars and eateries that dot the town. For avid foodies, SHUCKS! is just the best place to be. Expect Cajun-influenced seafood with some yummy, lovingly curated twists.

Opelousas

Rounding off the list of the 10 most historic small towns to visit in Louisiana is Opelousas, one of Louisiana’s oldest cities. Expect delicious architectural offerings, interesting Cajun and Creole traditions, sweet potatoes, and a lot of zydeco music. Spaces such as the Creole Heritage Folklife Center provide a glimpse into the history and culture of the area and, hence, worth checking out. Opelousas Tourist Information Center - Le Vieux Village — besides featuring old houses and exceptional landscaping — can give one a meaningful layout of the town and the fun points to hit. The Louisiana Orphan Train Museum is quite an emotional experience. It tells the sad story of children brought to Louisiana to escape biting poverty, disease, and terrible working conditions in New York City.

One of the reasons mountains captivate people is because they are so old. They tell a story of timelessness juxtaposed against the ephemeral, strength against weakness, and confidence against self-doubt. It is the same reason we love old towns, old churches, and old traditions. There is something about the ever-flowing stream of life that humbles even the most confident. Fortunately, if you love homey, historic spots, Louisiana has many towns you should start putting on your travel bucket list. From New Iberia to Opelousas, a visitor here can easily be spoilt for choice.