Alexandria Travel Guide

Today in the United States: Confederate Memorial Day (10 May)

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Located in the heart of Louisiana, Alexandria is a vibrant city known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and natural beauty. Nestled on the banks of the Red River, this charming destination offers a mix of Southern hospitality, outdoor adventures, and a thriving arts scene.

For history enthusiasts, Alexandria is a treasure trove of fascinating landmarks and museums. The Alexandria Museum of Art showcases an impressive collection of contemporary and regional artwork, while the Louisiana History Museum provides a deep dive into the state's past. Take a stroll through the historic downtown district, where beautifully preserved buildings and quaint shops transport you back in time.

Nature lovers will be delighted by the abundance of outdoor activities in Alexandria. Explore the scenic Kisatchie National Forest, which spans over 600,000 acres and offers hiking trails, fishing spots, and camping opportunities. The Cotile Lake Recreation Area is perfect for a day of boating, swimming, or picnicking, surrounded by serene landscapes.

Food enthusiasts will find themselves in culinary heaven in Alexandria. The city offers a mix of Cajun, Creole, and Southern flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Indulge in hearty gumbo, spicy jambalaya, or crispy fried catfish at one of the many local eateries. Don't forget to try a classic beignet or praline for a sweet treat.

Music and art are deeply ingrained in the fabric of Alexandria's culture. The River Oaks Square Arts Center showcases the works of local artists and hosts regular exhibitions and events. Catch live performances by talented musicians at venues like the Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center or enjoy an outdoor concert at the Alexandria Amphitheater.

For a dose of relaxation, head to the Alexandria Zoological Park, home to over 500 animals from around the world. The zoo offers a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with wildlife through interactive exhibits and educational programs.

Alternative names: Population: 47.9 thous.Area: 29.08 mi²Elevation: 75 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 31°18'22"N, 92°27'23"W

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LouisianaUnited States

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Alexandria Top Attractions

Alexandria Attractions - What to See and Explore

Alexandria offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Congregation Gemiluth Chassodim, Alexandria Zoological Park, Bringhurst Field, Alexandria Museum of Art. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Synagogue • Modernist architecture
Congregation Gemiluth Chassodim
Congregation Gemiluth Chassodim known locally as "The Jewish Temple" is an historic Jewish synagogue located in Alexandria, Louisiana.
Wildlife in free-roaming habitats
Alexandria Zoological Park
The Alexandria Zoological Park is a 33-acre zoo located in Alexandria, Louisiana, United States. First opened to the public in 1926, it is owned by the City of Alexandria and operated by the Division of Public Works. It is home to about 500 animals.
Arenas and stadiums • Sport • Sport venue
Bringhurst Field
Bringhurst Field was from 1933 to 2013 a baseball stadium in Alexandria, Louisiana. Owned by the city of Alexandria, it served as the home field of the Alexandria Aces, one of the most successful independent league baseball teams, which won various championships in 1997, 1998, 2006, 2007, and 2009.

Exhibits and workshops in a former bank
Alexandria Museum of Art
The Alexandria Museum of Art of Alexandria, central Louisiana, United States opened its doors in 1977 in the historic Rapides Bank and Trust Company Building.
Church • Gothic Revival architecture
St. Francis Xavier Cathedral
St. Francis Xavier Cathedral is the cathedral church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Alexandria, located in Alexandria, Louisiana. The cathedral and related buildings was added to the National Register of Historic Places on 29 March 1984 as St. Francis Xavier Cathedral Complex...
Cemetery
Alexandria National Cemetery
Alexandria National Cemetery is a United States National Cemetery located in the city of Pineville, in Rapides Parish, Louisiana. It occupies approximately 8 acres, and is site to over 10,000 interments as of the end of 2020.
Museum • History museum
Louisiana History Museum
The Louisiana History Museum is located in the historic downtown portion of Alexandria, Louisiana, USA, near the Red River. It showcases the social evolution of all of Louisiana, but centers on the history of Central Louisiana, Rapides Parish, and Alexandria.
Church • Gothic Revival architecture
Emmanuel Baptist Church
The Emmanuel Baptist Church in downtown Alexandria, Louisiana was built in 1950. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on November 21, 2001. The building was designed by New Orleans architects Favrot & Reed. Jacoby Stained Glass Studios of St. Louis also contributed to the project.
Church
Mt. Olivet Episcopal Church and Cemetery
Mt. Olivet Episcopal Church and Cemetery is an historic Carpenter Gothic style Episcopal Church building and its adjoining cemetery located at 335 Main Street in Pineville, Louisiana.
Museum • History museum
Kent Plantation House
Kent Plantation House is the oldest standing structure in Central Louisiana. Listed since 1971 in the National Register of Historic Places, Kent House is located in Alexandria in Rapides Parish.
Museum • Historical place
Bontemps African American Museum
The Arna Bontemps African American Museum was a museum in the United States city of Alexandria, Louisiana. The museum was housed in the restored home that was the birthplace of the poet Arna Bontemps, renowned as one of the leaders of the Harlem Renaissance.
Museum • Downtown Alexandria
Arna Wendell Bontemps House
Arna Wendell Bontemps House is located in Alexandria, Louisiana. On October 13, 1902, author Arna Wendell Bontemps was born there. It was the childhood home of Arna Wendell Bontemps. Avoiding demolition due to construction of Interstate 49, the house was moved six blocks, in 1991. And it was then renovated.
Concerts and shows • Theater • Opera
Rapides Opera House
Rapides Opera House is located in Alexandria, Louisiana. It is a Romanesque building designed by Favrot & Livaudais and built in 1903. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on June 11, 1981. It was delisted on December 28, 2015.
Synagogue
B'nai Israel Traditional Synagogue
B'nai Israel Traditional Synagogue is a Jewish synagogue located in Alexandria, Louisiana. It was founded in 1913 as an Orthodox synagogue by Jews from Poland and Russia, many of whom arrived in Alexandria and Central Louisiana as part of the Galveston Movement. In the 1950s the congregation became Conservative.
Skyscraper • Downtown Alexandria
Commercial Building
The Commercial Building in Alexandria, Virginia, home of the Commercial Bank and Trust Company after it was built in 1915, is a historic commercial building located at the corner of Third Street and Johnston Street.
31°18'36"N • 92°26'32"W
River Oaks Square Arts Center
Museum • Art gallery
Church • Downtown Alexandria
First Methodist Church
The First Methodist Church in Alexandria, Louisiana was built in 1907. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. It was deemed notable in part as it is "the city's only monumental example of the Romanesque Revival. Other churches are designed in the Gothic or Classical style.
31°18'34"N • 92°26'30"W
T.R.E.E. House
Museum • Children's museum
Forts and castles
Fort Buhlow
Fort Buhlow is an American Civil War fort site located in Pineville, Louisiana. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on June 1, 1981.

Day trips

Alexandria – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Alexandria, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Louisiana Political Museum and Hall of Fame (Winnfield), Kisatchie National Forest (Pineville), Casino Golf Cabins (Mansura).

44 milesN
Specialty museum, History museum, Museum
Louisiana Political Museum and Hall of Fame, Winnfield
The Louisiana Political Museum and Hall of Fame is a museum and hall of fame located in Winnfield, Louisiana. Created by a 1987 act of the Louisiana State Legislature, it honors the best-known politicians and political journalists in the state.
3.4 miNE
Nature, Natural attraction, Forest
Kisatchie National Forest, Pineville
Kisatchie National Forest, the only National forest in Louisiana, United States, is located in the forested piney hills and hardwood bottoms of seven central and northern parishes.
27 milesSE
31°6'19"N • 92°3'47"W
Casino Golf Cabins, Mansura
Nightlife, Casino, Campsite
48 milesNW
Museum, Historical place, Forts and castles
Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site, Natchitoches
Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site, or Fort des Natchitoches, in Natchitoches, Louisiana, US, is a replica of an early French fort based upon the original blueprints of 1716 by Sieur Charles Claude Dutisné and company.
49 milesNW
Church, Neo-renaissance architecture
Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Natchitoches
The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception is a Minor Basilica located in Natchitoches, Louisiana, United States. It is also a parish church in the Diocese of Alexandria.