The historic north-central Louisiana city of Natchitoches has a long history. Founded in 1714 by the French, it is the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase territories, according to the Naticitoches Area Convention and Visitor's Bureau. Today, Natchitoches--72 miles from Shreveport and 250 miles from New Orleans--is bustling with activity like golfing, farmer's markets, historic nature walks and dozens of places for fishing.
Fishing
There are several places to fish in Natchitoches and the surrounding Natchitoches Parish. Anglers can fish on shore or in a boat in Cane River Lake, or they can fish from a canoe in the Kisatchie Bayou. There are also several smaller rivers and streams throughout the Kisatchie National Forest. The year-round warm climate of Louisiana makes any time of the year a good time to go fishing, and anglers can find trout, redfish and catfish in the waters around Natchitoches.
Golf
The Northwestern Hills Golf Course features the 18-hole Demon Golf Course. The course has several water obstacles that you come to expect while golfing in Louisiana. The Natchitoches Country Club has a nine-hole course. For a more challenging experience, the Cypress Bend Resort has an 18-hole golf course loaded with water obstacles and surrounding forests. According to the Natchitoches Tourism Board, this course has 10 holes along waterways and four over-water shots.
Tennis
The Northwestern Hills Golf Course facility has outdoor tennis courts open to the public. The Natchitoches Country Club also features tennis courts. Tennis players should bring their own rackets to these courses. The warm climate in the area means visitors can play tennis nearly year round at both locations.
Nature Walk
Caroline Dormon, the first woman to work in the National Forest Service, donated her home and land to the Foundation for Preservation of the Caroline Dormon Nature Preserve. The preservation turned Dormon's home, Briarwood, into a wildlife preserve. During April, May, August and November visitors can partake in a guided nature walk through the forest trails and iris bog inside the preserve.
Farmer's Market
During the summer months, the Cane River Green Market is open Saturday mornings on the bank of the Cane River in downtown Natchitoches. The market hosts produce from organic farmers as well as baked goods, jellies and other foods from local vendors. Live music performances and programs for children are held regularly inside the market.
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