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Monroe-West Monroe, Louisiana

by ShanaCorbin

In north central Louisiana on I-20, Monroe-West Monroe stands out as a Louisiana destination with a personality all its own. It offers an opportunity to double the downtown fun, as its twin cities line the banks of the Ouachita River. And along the river and nearby Bayou Desiard, the state’s reputation as a sportsman’s paradise stands true. Whether taking time out at beautiful Restoration Park, just off the Interstate, exploring the trails or waters of a National Wildlife Refuge or taking to the river to reel in a prize catch, this unique and diverse landscape offers outdoor opportunities second to none. But these locations, along with so many aspects of this dynamic destination, are like no other in the state or the region.

Louisiana loves its food and this destination serves it up right. An impressive collection of more than 100 locally owned restaurants features not only traditional Louisiana cuisine but also some surprising culinary finds that make mouths water and keep patrons coming back for more. From traditional crispy catfish and mouthwatering po boys, to the inspired creations of award-winning chefs, to specialty bakery delights, there is plenty to fill everyone’s plate. And local vineyards and breweries offer both intriguing stories and tasty beverages for those who love to drink up the local flavor.

This is a spot for shopping, too. The streets West Monroe’s Historic District are lined with an eclectic array of retail venues, from clothing to art to antiques and more, which fill Antique Alley. And nearby is the largest shopping mall in North Louisiana.

Attractions in Monroe and West Monroe offer opportunities for a variety of exploration, outdoors and in. One-of-a-kind attractions showcasing some of the destination’s most intriguing characters include a self-guided Duck Commander Tour and displays from the personal collection of the commander of the Flying Tigers at the Chennault Aviation & Military Museum. A stroll through the Biedenharn Museum and Gardens, reveals a complex that includes a historic home, formal English gardens, a Coca-Cola Museum and a Bible Museum. An 80-acre zoo, children’s museum and much more add to the list of fun attractions here.

Including one of Monroe-West Monroe’s signature events is a favorite way to visit, for many. Topping the holiday list is the celebration of Christmas on the River and Mardi Gras parades through the downtown streets. Even more often, outdoor concerts, from downtown venues to picturesque vineyard grounds, downtown art shows and live music venues increase to the fun factor and add to the year-round event options to enjoy.

Add to this collection of unique activities and attraction a welcoming dose of Southern Hospitality and you have a special destination where friends and families can enjoy a getaway like no other.

Fast Facts

  • Monroe, Louisiana, was home to the first bottler of Coca-Cola, Joseph Biedenharn.
  • The birth of Delta Airlines started in Monroe, Louisiana, when Huff Daland Dusters began carrying passengers from Dallas, Texas, to Jackson, Mississippi.
  • Monroe-West Monroe is home to over 150 locally owned restaurants.
  • General Claire Chennault, leader of the Flying Tigers, had his last home in Monroe, Louisiana. The Flying Tigers were the first American Volunteer Group of the Republic of China Airforce formed to help oppose the Japanese invasion of China.
  • Chennault Aviation & Military Museum is housed in one of the last remaining classrooms of the Selman Field Navigation School. The Selman Field Navigation School trained over 15,000 navigators and was the nation’s single complete navigation school of the Army-Air Corps.
  • Monroe-West Monroe is the proud home of the Robertsons, America’s favorite bearded family and stars of A&E’s hit show Duck Dynasty. From a love of duck hunting, Phil Robertson built the foundation for what is now a multi-million dollar and internationally known brand, Duck Commander.
  • Monroe, Louisiana, has a regional airport with direct flights to Atlanta and Dallas.
  • Monroe-West Monroe is home to two wineries, Landry Vineyards and Thirsty Farmer Winery.
  • Monroe-West Monroe is home to two breweries, Flying Tiger and Flying Heart.
  • Two Warriors Meadery is the only meadery in Louisiana and can be found in West Monroe.  
  • Let the good times roll! Monroe-West Monroe is home to two Mardi Gras Krewes, Krewe de Riviere and Krewe of Janus.
  • 100 hand-painted heron statues can be seen throughout Monroe-West Monroe. These statues were designed by local artists and placed at businesses throughout town. Visitors can participate in a “heron hunt” to try and find them all!
  • The Ouachita River flows through Monroe and West Monroe.
  • Kiroli Park in West Monroe features an all-inclusive playground for children of all abilities, Smiles Park.
  • Several museums can be found in Monroe-West Monroe including the Biedenharn Museum & Gardens, Chennault Aviation & Military Museum, Masur Museum of Art, Northeast Louisiana Delta African American Heritage Museum, Precious Legacy Museum and Archives, Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum, ULM Museum of Natural History and ULM Bry Gallery.
  • Live music can be found throughout Monroe-West Monroe. Ouachita Live Concerts, Landry Vineyards Concerts and performances at local restaurants are a few events locals and visitors can enjoy.  
  • Monroe-West Monroe is home to 23 meetings spaces and 20 sporting facilities including the Ike Hamilton Expo Center, Ouachita Sportsplex and Sterlington Sports Complex.
  • Monroe-West Monroe is home to Louisiana’s newest indoor sport complex, West Monroe Sports & Events. This 110,000 square foot complex features eight basketball courts or sixteen volleyball courts, meeting and event spaces, on-site concessions and more. Basketball, pickleball, volleyball, table tennis, cheerleading and dance are just a few sports you can enjoy at this multi-purpose facility!

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