Places to visit in Monroe, LA.
The city of Monroe, Louisiana, is a great place to visit for many reasons. It has a variety of attractions, from historic museums to outdoor activities. So whether you’re a history buff, a sports enthusiast, or just looking for something fun to do with the kids, there’s something for everyone.
Located in the northern part of Louisiana, Monroe is a quaint and charming city with fun things to do. There are numerous places to visit while in the area, from the Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge to the Biedenharn Museum and Garden.
Duck Commander
Duck Commander is a family-owned company that produces duck calls and other outdoor equipment. Its products are sold in all 50 states. In addition, there is a store in West Monroe, Louisiana, that you can visit to see the family’s products and learn about the company’s history.
Phil Robertson founded the company. He invented a unique, handcrafted duck call that is still used today. In addition to the famous Duck Commander duck call, the company manufactures deer hunting merchandise under the Buck Commander brand. They also produce turkey hunting merchandise under the Strut Commander brand.
Another notable attraction is the Duck Commander Museum, which features set recreations and artifacts from the show. A visit to this facility is a must for fans of the show.
Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo
The Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo in Monroe, Louisiana, is a large zoo and garden, but it is more than just a zoo. It also features a petting zoo, parks, and two miles of pathways. There are a variety of animals, from apes to peacocks to ostriches.
If you’re a fan of animals, it’s worth visiting. In addition to the central zoo, you can ride on the water, which is a worthwhile extravagance. You can do so from late March through October.
The Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo has several awards and accolades to its credit. They were named one of the top ten zoos in the United States in 2017 by the Department of Agriculture. Their mission is to help protect and educate people about the natural world.
Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge
The Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a beautiful place for a day trip from Monroe. Its scenic lake and surrounding hardwood forests offer plenty of outdoor activities. From canoeing to wildlife photography, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
The refuge is surrounded by wildlife, including alligators, turtles, frogs, and migratory birds. This refuge is one of five in the North Louisiana Refuge Complex. It is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. You can visit the refuge at any time.
The refuge has a visitor center. Here you can see displays about the different kinds of birds, mammals, and fish found on the refuge. There is also a prairie demonstration area and an arboretum with native Louisiana woody plants.
Biedenharn Museum & Garden
The Biedenharn Museum & Gardens is located on the Ouachita River in Monroe, Louisiana. This attraction offers a mixture of excitement and education for the whole family.
Biedenharn Museum & Gardens features several exhibits, including the formal English gardens, the ELSong Conservatory, the Musical Grotto, and the Coke museum. There are also concerts, guided tours, and children’s programs.
The Coke Museum has a variety of displays, including historical artifacts and vintage signs. Visitors can also see a Model T Coke delivery truck. In addition, a soda jerk will tell visitors the story of Mr. Joe Biedenharn, the founder of Coca-Cola.
The Emy-Lou Biedenharn Bible Museum is another attraction in Monroe. Visitors can view the Bibles and religious artifacts collected by Emma Louise Biedenharn. In addition, there are several temporary exhibitions.
Layton Castle
Layton Castle is a historic red brick castle in Monroe, Louisiana. It is located on seven acres. The rambling structure was constructed in 1814 by Swiss immigrant Henry Bry. He also built a wine house and sugar mill.
The tower on the grounds of Layton Castle was the first of its kind in the area. Aside from its rounded top and sturdy construction, the building boasts corbelling, a parapet, and a round base.
Eugenia Stubbs Layton, the wife of the late Judge Henry Bry, started the renaissance of the plantation house in 1910. This entailed a red tile roof, a rounded tower, and a port-cochere, all enclosing a fanciful ‘château-like’ structure.
Another awe-inspiring tower on the grounds is the Carriage House. This quaint little nook is perfect for a honeymoon suite or couples’ getaway. As a bonus, it is located near the family cemetery. If you take the time to walk around the property, you can see the tomb of Henry Bry.