Situated about half-way between Alexandria and Shreveport on the banks of beautiful Cane River is Natchitoches, the home of Northwestern State University.
The parish seat of Natchitoches Parish, the City of Natchitoches was incorporated on February 5, 1819, making it the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase. The parish is considered part of the Ark-La-Tex Region.
Within easy driving distance are communities such as Cloutierville, Many, Coushatta, Melrose, Montgomery, Chopin, Campti, and Winnfield.
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Natchitoches has long been known for its famous Christmas Festival of Lights along the river. We've attended this exciting event over the years, and have fond memories of the parades and fireworks.
Since 1927, Natchitoches is home to one of the oldest community-based holiday celebrations in the country. Starting as a one-day festival, the Natchitoches Christmas Festival has evolved into a six-week long Christmas Season. The Christmas Season begins on the Saturday before Thanksgiving and concludes on January the 6th, the Epiphany.
Over 300,000+ Christmas lights and 100 plus riverbank set pieces are lit around the city and river.
All events take place in the Landmark Historic District along the Cane River Lake.
The 98th annual Natchitoches event will be held from November 23, 2024 to January 6, 2025.
Detailed schedule and information from the official website of the Festival of the Lights
Other North Louisiana areas also celebrate the Christmas season as well, including Monroe-West Monroe, Minden, Ruston, Shreveport - Bossier City, Logansport and Alexandria ... for more information, visit the website of Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights.
Tourism is a large, vibrant industry in this area, with the Natchitoches downtown historic district, nearby hunting & fishing, bed & breakfast homes, annual tour of historic homes, and more to see and do.
Historic downtown Natchitoches (photo by the Louisiana Destinations staff) |
More than a half-century after inducting its first class of sports legends, the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame is realizing its fondest dreams and greatest aspirations: construction of a permanent facility.
The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum opened in Natchitoches during the summer of 2013.
This beautiful 27,500-square foot structure is located downtown, at 800 Front Street in the National Historic District of Natchitoches. Phone 318.357.2492
Main Gate, Northwestern State University (photo by the Louisiana Destinations staff) |
Northwestern State University (NSU) in Natchitoches was founded in 1884 as the Louisiana State Normal School to train teachers.
It was the first school in Louisiana to offer degree programs in nursing and business education.
Today, it has an enrollment of over 9,000 students at its main campus in Natchitoches, nursing school in Shreveport, branch campus in Leesville/Fort Polk, and campus in Alexandria.
The highly respected Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts, a state supported residential high school for sophomores, juniors and seniors, is located on the NSU campus.
More Natchitoches Area Information & ResourcesNatchitoches Chamber of Commerce Natchitoches Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Natchitoches Parish Top 10 Things to Do - LouisianaTravel.com |
Shown below are a few images of the present in Natchitoches ...
Downtown Natchitoches, Louisiana ... a shopping and dining mecca! |
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One of many bed & breakfast properties in Natchitoches, Louisiana |
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Steel Magnolias B&B, Natchitoches, Louisiana |
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Cane River National Heritage Trail Located in the Natchitoches, Louisiana area |
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Images of the Past from Natchitoches from the Louisiana Postcard Collection |
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Natchitoches Christmas Festival |
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Highway bridge over Cane River Lake Natchitoches, Louisiana |
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Scene on Cane River Lake Natchitoches, Louisiana |
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Nakatosh Hotel Natchitoches, Louisiana |
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Caldwell Hall, Louisiana State Normal College (later renamed Northwestern State University) Natchitoches, Louisiana |
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New Boys' Gymnasium Louisiana State Normal College Natchitoches, Louisiana |
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Student Center Building, Northwestern State College Natchitoches, Louisiana |
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Natchitoches Parish Court House Natchitoches, Louisiana |
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Red River Bridge and View at Grand Ecore Near Natchitoches, Louisiana |
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