Other Attractions Near Sabine Parish

There are many and varied activities you will enjoy in Sabine Parish. But, if you're planning an extended visit or a move to this area, you'll want to know that it is a quick trip to some other great attractions, too. Sabine Parish can be your central point for shopping and visits to these other areas, too.

Alexandria     Fort Polk Military Area     Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Commemorative Area     Kisatchie National Park     Lake Charles     Leesville      Logansport     Mansfield State Commemorative Area     Natchitoches      Sabine National Forest     Shreveport / Bossier City     Toro Bayou Canoe Expeditions      Wild Azalea Canyons

Alexandria

Alexandria, and its nearby neighbor, Pineville offer extensive shopping opportunities for much of more rural Louisiana. Founded as a river port in the late 18th century, Alexandria evolved first into a rail center and then into the heart of the burgeoning lumber industry. Sawmill owner J. A. Bentley built the Bentley Hotel, in which the city takes great pride. Today, Alexandria's streets are home to a bustling city population with sophisticated tastes and a city that expresses them.

Attractions include a beautiful riverfront park, a magnificent 1896 cathedral, Alexandria Zoological Park, River Oaks Square Arts Center, Alexandria Museum of Art, Tyrone Plantation, and Kent Plantation House. One of Alexandria's most recent historical and cultural projects is the restored home of Harlem Renaissance writer Arna Bontemps. It now houses the African-American Museum and Cultural Arts Center.

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Fort Polk

Ft. Polk is the nation's fifth largest military installation and is the cornerstone of this west central part of Louisiana. It began as Camp Polk in the early 1940's, but has evolved into one of the U.S. Army's most modern facilities. It now serves as the home of the Army's Joint Readiness Training Center.

This center provides training for the Army's light infantry units and special operation units from other branches of the American Armed Forces. The presence of such a diverse and cosmopolitan population of soldiers, retired military and their families creates a significant social and economic impact on the neighboring communities.

Ft. Polk operates numerous recreational facilities, a commissary and Post Exchange. The Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital is a 165-bed hospital with a full complement of services. Primary care is provided by the Family Practice Clinic. An elementary school for grades K to 4 is located on the base. Warrior Hills, an 18-hole golf course, is open to the public.

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Fort St. Jean Baptiste

Now in the heart of historic downtown Natchitoches, Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site portrays the history and culture of French Colonial Louisiana. Located on the Cane River, the fort is a replication of the original fort that was built in 1732 to prevent the Spanish of East Texas from advancing into French Louisiana. Experience the customs and traditions of the period authentically reproduced by interpreters and reenactors during living history programs and special events.

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Kisatchie National Forest

The Kisatchie National Park offers campgrounds, picnic areas, group use areas, swimming beaches, boat landings and several places of special interest including trails and auto tours. Some of the areas require special care and protection for their outstanding botanic, geologic, historic or scenic qualities. Kisatchie also offers a wilderness area, a national wild and scenic river and many acres of undeveloped forest land.

Louisiana's favorable climate and the accessible terrain of the Kisatchie National Forest offer a wide variety of recreation opportunities that attract visitors throughout the year. The climate is characterized by hot humid summers and short mild winters. The frost-free season extends from mid-March until mid-November.

As the only national forest in Louisiana, the Kisatchie has always been a popular area for recreationists. This is becoming increasingly true as private forest lands are closed and posted, leased for exclusive uses, or cleared for agriculture or other cultural development. Despite the forest's popularity, the choices are diverse; visitors can still find quiet, remote areas away everything - or they can enjoy the social interaction to be found in a developed recreation site.

Horseback riding opportunities on forest roads and old logging trails are plentiful, forest wide. In addition, there are approximately 10 miles of developed trail available for riding. Trails designated for foot travel only will be signed to indicate this restriction. Additionally, if dogs are taken on any trail, they should be reliably obedient or leashed. Off-highway vehicles (OHV) are used in many areas of the Kisatchie. No specific areas or trails are designed for exclusive use of OHV's at the present time.

Hunting on the Forest is permitted in all areas except developed administrative and recreation sites, or unless prohibited by posted warnings or regulations. Fishing is allowed in all areas unless posted otherwise. All state hunting and fishing regulations, seasons and fees apply to national forest lands. There are special hunting and fishing regulations that apply to the Kisatchie's two National Wildlife Management Preserves.

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Lake Charles

In Lake Charles you'll find the only white-sand inland beach on Interstate 10. Return to the days of yesteryear at the Imperial Calcasieu Museum and Brimstone Museum, or take the kids to the Children's Museum. The historic Charpentier district has Victorian era homes built in a style so unique it's been called "Lake Charles Architecture". See alligators in their natural habitat and explore the Creole Nature Trail Scenic Byway. For adults, Lake Charles features riverboat casinos and horse racing at Delta Downs. Of course, this city also features plenty of great shopping opportunities.

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Leesville

Leesville has an abundance of recreational facilities and many can be enjoyed year round. There are numerous public and private facilities for golfing, tennis, boating and swimming. A movie theater with 6 screens, a skating rink. a country club, 4 local parks and a bowling alley, are utilized by area citizens.

The new Leesville Recreation complex, located adjacent to the parish fairgrounds, offers five lighted baseball/ softball fields and a centralized concession stand. Future plans include a walking path, football field, basketball and tennis courts.

If you like to shop you will enjoy browsing through our shopping centers, which include: Berrytown Shopping Center, L-Plaza, Leesville Square, New Llano Plaza, Phillips Square and Southgate Plaza. But if you're looking for that special something we have a host of charming shops dotted throughout the area with everything from arts and crafts, to exclusive apparel. What ever your needs are you can find it in Leesville, LA!

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Logansport

Logansport is a scenic small town located on the Sabine River which flows into Toledo Bend Reservoir. Logansport is home to drag boat racing every year in June.

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Mansfield State Commemorative Area

History
With the fall of Vicksburg and Port Hudson in July 1863, the Mississippi River was entirely controlled by the Union. President Lincoln and his staff decided that the capture of Texas would be the next objective in the trans-Mississippi area. The Red River was chosen as the best approach into Texas, and a navy-army advance was planned with the army (35,800 troops) under the command of General N. P. Banks and the navy under the command of Flag Officer D. D. Porter.

The Union surmised that a successful Red River campaign would accomplish several important goals: it would lead to the confiscation of cotton for New England mills and to the destruction of Confederate supply plants; it would prevent the French-Mexican force from joining Confederate forces and prevent supplies from reaching the Confederate troops; it would provide protection for the loyal Union population in Texas; and it would bring Texas back into the Union as a voting state.

Following the course of the Red River, the Union army and navy progressed with little opposition through Alexandria and reached Natchitoches by early April 1864. At Natchitoches the army veered away from the Red River, going toward Shreveport by way of Mansfield, which left them without the support of the navy. This and other tactical blunders on the part of General Banks, as well as a series of successful maneuvers by Confederate commander General Richard Taylor (son of President Zachary Taylor), decisively influenced the final outcome of the battle. 

Confederate Victory at Mansfield
Like many important battles, the Mansfield-Pleasant Hill engagement was actually a series of encounters taking place over several days. After a two-hour cavalry fight with Union forces near Wilson's Farm on April 7, 1864, General Taylor elected to defend a site, about four miles south of Mansfield, now the location of the state commemorative area. General Hanks did not expect the Confederates to fight until he reached Shreveport, so the Union army became stretched out along the narrow road leading to Mansfield. This allowed Taylor to deal with his opponents on more equal terms since the Confederate troops were heavily outnumbered.

At 12 p.m. on April 8, the head of the disorganized Union army (5,700 troops) was confronted by the Confederate army (8,800 troops) in battle formation. The Union troops quickly formed a line of battle along a rail fence and a ridge known as Honeycutt Hill. On orders from Taylor, General Alfred Mouton's Division charged the rail fence. Mouton was killed leading the attack, but French born General C. J. Polignac, along with other Confederate forces, continued the attack and overwhelmed the Union line.

A fresh unit of 1,700 Union troops formed another line of battle about a mile south of the first. After a brief encounter, Taylor and the Confederates routed the Union forces, taking many prisoners and seizing guns, small arms and wagons abandoned by the fleeing soldiers.

The Battle of Pleasant Hill (click here for information on the Battle of Pleasant Hill Festival)
Two miles south of the second line, another 6,000 Union troops formed a defensive position at Chapman's Bayou and held this location until dark. During the night the defeated Union forces fell back to Pleasant Hill. On April 9, the fierce Battle of Pleasant Hill was fought, with both sides taking heavy losses and withdrawing from the field after dark.

The Union army rejoined the navy in Natchitoches and began a long retreat down the Red River. The river had dropped to an unusually low level, trapping the navy in a series of rapids near Alexandria. Union engineer Joseph Bailey solved the problem by having wing-dams built in the river to raise the water level. The navy finally floated free and the combined Union forces left Alexandria. Confederates opposed the Union retreat first at Mansura and then at Yellow Bayou.

On May 18, 1864, the Union forces crossed the Atchafalaya River, ending the disastrous Red River campaign. By turning back these large Union forces, the Confederates were able to prevent complete Union control of Louisiana and stop progression of the war into Texas. In fact, the Confederate victory at Mansfield may have prolonged the war by several months.

Step Back in Time
Through living history events, exhibits, battle reenactments and interpretive programs, Mansfield State Commemorative Area allows you to travel back to the unrest of the Civil War years. Interpretive trails and a picnic area will make your stay memorable and pleasant. Watch for musket demonstrations, candlelight tours of the battlefield and other exciting events scheduled throughout the year.

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Natchitoches

Natchitoches, the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase Territory (1714), is proud of its heritage. Unique architecture, including the largest assortment of Creole architecture in the Mississippi Valley, scenic beauty, the 33-mile-long Cane River Lake meandering through the center of the city, a Historic Landmark District, Landmarks Melrose Plantation and Kate Chopin Home, Magnolia and Beau Fort Plantations and an abundance of bed & breakfast establishments capture the imagination of its historic past. Trolley and boat rides, a National Fish Hatchery and Aquarium, Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, National Center for Historic Preservation, museums, art galleries, theaters, Fort St. Jean Baptiste - the list of things to see and do is endless! Five major festivals culminate with the 69th annual Christmas Festival of Lights (first Saturday in December), with fabulous lighting displays throughout the month in the "City of Lights." November and December are "musts" for a visit!

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Sabine National Forest

The Sabine National Forest, largely in Sabine County, Tx. and extending into Shelby and San Augustine Counties boasts some of the best outdoor recreational areas around. The Yellowpine (Texas) District of the Sabine National Forest has 83,700 acres for the enjoyment of county residents as well as visitors from all over the country. Primitive camping is permitted on the National Forest land unless posted otherwise.

There are recreational areas and wilderness areas located in the Sabine National Forest. These areas are easily accessible and they are for the public to enjoy.

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Shreveport / Bossier City

Do you enjoy Broadway and ballet? Be sure to get tickets to the historic Strand Theater. For more culture, visit the R. W. Norton Art Gallery, featuring American and European masterpieces and a private collection of Remingtons. Shreveport is linked to neighboring Bossier City by the nation's largest neon-lit bridge. There is abundant shopping and fabulous specialty foods such as Cajun, Tex-Mex, French, Italian, and Oriental. Louisiana Downs is the area's premier thoroughbred racetrack and there are a number of casinos for those wishing to visit Lady Luck. Hamel's Amusement Park and Water Town USA are musts for the family! You may like a leisurely stroll through the Gardens of the American Rose Center and the Barnwell Garden and Art Center.

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Toro Bayou Canoe Expeditions

Let the adventure begin as you glide down beautiful Toro Bayou with its white sand beaches, tall pine trees, rock ledges and clean swift water. Toro Bayou is 22 miles from Leesville, LA and 2 miles from Toledo Bend Dam.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has graded the Toro as one of the best streams in Louisiana for its clean water, natural beauty and wilderness characteristics. The Toro offers an abundance of petrified wood, good fishing, swimming, rock gardens, wildlife and botanical beauty.

The Sabine below Toledo Bend Reservoir to Bon Weir is considered one of the most scenic trips in the state and you should allow approximately four days if you intend to float the full 50.3 miles. Except for a few downed trees, stumps and a Class I + Rapid, there are few hazards. Due to the width, distance between access points, and extreme isolation you should prepare for the elements (little shade, wind, insects, etc.) in planning for your trip. Any section you choose will take all day so start early. The land on both sides of the river is mostly privately owned. If you venture outside of the river banks make sure you have permission from the land owner. Abundant and beautiful white sand bars offer numerous natural campsites. However, be aware that the river can rise quickly when the power plant is generating electricity so check the high water marks when you plan to camp.

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Wild Azalea Canyons

Canyon paths can be steep and slippery, especially from the carpet of Long Leaf Pine needles. Before exploring the canyons, it is advisable to bring along a good pair of   walking shoes, a walking stick, and plenty of time! Binoculars are useful for birders.

The area is owned and made available to the public by Temple-Inland Forest Products Corp. Please keep our forests clean!

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E-Mail the Sabine Parish Chamber of Commerce      Call Us: (318) 256-3523 - (800) 358-7802

Email the Sabine Parish Tourism Commission      Call Us: (318) 256-5880 - (800) 358-7802

Information Request Form - CLICK HERE
(c) Copyright 1999, 2003 by Sabine Parish Tourism Commission / Sabine Parish Chamber of Commerce
NOTICE: Every effort is made to have accurate and current information, but we do not guarantee the accuracy of any information and you use the information presented here at your own risk.