Welcome to Alexandria, the seat of the Rapides Parish, Louisiana. Whether you have just moved here, or are a tourist that is just passing by, you have come to the right place. Getting familiar with a new town is a very fun thing to do, but people sometimes don’t know where to start and need guidance. Learning about your new town is also the best way to blend in after relocation. If you are planning to move to Alexandria, contact long distance movers New Orleans for a smooth and stress-free relocation process. In this article, we will take a look at the most interesting tourist attractions in Alexandria, where to go, and what to do. So, pack your back, prepare your camera and get ready to spend a day in Alexandria LA. Let’s go.
A word or two about Alexandria, its history, culture, and livability
Known as “Alex” to locals, Alexandria has a population of 153,922 which makes it the ninth-largest city in the state of Louisiana. It lies on the south bank of the Red River and is famous for its rich history and many interesting cultural events. Originally a French trading outpost, Alexandria played a prominent role during the Civil War. The state of Louisiana has a great education system, and Alexandria is home to the renowned Louisiana State University. If you believe that Alexandria is the place for you and your family, renting storage containers Louisiana is the easiest and most affordable way of transferring your belongings to your new home.
The best way to spend a day in Alexandria LA is to go to nature
People are constantly under lots of stress because of their hectic schedules. We are so used to city hustle and bustle that we don’t even hear the constant noise anymore. So, the best way to forget about moving day, storage units Alexandra LA, and all other duties, is to go somewhere quiet. Fortunately, Alexandria has a lot to offer in this sense:
- Elbow Slough Wildlife Management Area. This is a nice area to walk around. It is very peaceful and there are lots of different types of birds to see. Formerly agricultural cropland, Elbow Slough is now home to numerous wildlife species. A wide variety of resident and migratory songbirds nest here.
- Indian Creek Recreational Park is a recreation area located inside Alexander State Forest. Green hills and beautiful river views make Indian Creek an excellent place to camp, picnic, and explore. The Area also offers over 2.5 miles of hiking and biking trails as well as the Indian Creek Reservoir – an artificial lake. You can spot a variety of wildlife along these trails, from deer, raccoons, beavers, to bull snakes and turkeys.
Where to go if you are interested in culture and arts?
If hiking trails and setting up tents is not your thing, you can still have plenty of fun in the city. The sheer volume of possibilities is the main reason why people are moving to Alexandria. But, let’s start with Alexandria’s culture scene. The city offers a wide array of galleries and museums, so let’s take a look at some of the best places for art buffs:
- Alexandria Museum of Art. The Museum holds between five and seven exhibitions each year, displaying a variety of historic and contemporary subjects. It also houses Louisiana’s largest collection of Louisiana Folk art.
- River Oaks Square Arts Center. This is the place to go if you love contemporary and visual arts. The museum often organizes exhibitions and workshops.
- Louisiana History Museum. This museum is not only dedicated to Alexandria but to the history of Louisiana in general. From Spanish and French influence in the early days to Louisiana’s participation in the Civil War.
River Oaks Square Arts Center has huge selection of contemporary artwork
Spend a day in Alexandria LA by visiting important historic sites
Like we already pointed out, Alexandria is a city with a rich historical heritage. So, let’s see what are some of the most interesting places you could visit:
- Kent Plantation House. The Kent House is an authentic Creole plantation house built in the 1800s, which makes it the oldest building structure in Louisiana. The house is still standing strong and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. You can book your tour from Monday to Saturday beginning at 9 am.
- Alexandria Holocaust Memorial. This imposing monument is 18ft high, and it serves as a reminder to six million Jews who lost their lives during the WW2 Holocaust.
- Frogmore Cotton Plantation & Gins is a historical cotton and gin plantation that still works today. Back in the day, it relied on enslaved African American workforce. Book your tour to see slave cabins and old cotton-processing technologies. You will also learn a lot about the history of the Civil War that you can’t find in history books.
- Forts Randolph and Buhlow State Historic Site. Confederate forces built these forts during the Civil War and today they are in the National Register of Historic Places. You can visit them on the bank of the Red River to learn more about the formation of the United States.
Spend a day in Alexandria LA visiting some of the state’s most important historical sites
Where to spend a day in Alexandria LA if you have kids?
Last, but not least let’s take a look at the available options for families with kids.
- Alexandria Zoological Park is by far the best Alexandria attraction for families with kids. Adults won’t be disappointed as well, especially if they love animals. The zoo covers an area of 33 acres and is home to as many as 500 different animal species. You can see everything from tigers and elephants to bears and tropical birds. The Zoo also has a playground for kids, a gift store, and an area where you can feed fish.
- R.E.E. House. This cute little place is actually a children’s museum that offers some great learning programs, as well as tons of entertainment.
So, there you have it, these were some ideas to spend a day in Alexandria LA. Whatever you decide, you can’t go wrong as Alexandria has a little something for everyone.
