Things to do in Alexandria

There are plenty of things to do in Alexandria, Louisiana. It is also a great place to live because it offers a unique blend of history, culture, and recreation. It’s also a great place to work and raise a family. 

The city offers a strong economy, quality education, good public safety, and plenty of recreational activities, such as shopping, dining, golfing, fishing, and more. 

There are also plenty of historic attractions and landmarks for history buffs to explore. Alexandria is also a great place to experience the Louisiana lifestyle, with its friendly people, vibrant music and art scene, and delicious local cuisine.

The median home cost in Alexandria is $143,700. Home appreciation in the last 10 years has been 14.6%. Home Appreciation in Alexandria is up 1.7%.

If you are thinking of moving to Alexandria, you can find a realtor by asking friends, family, and colleagues for referrals. You can also search online for an Alexandria Realtor in the area and read reviews to find the right one for you. 

Alexandria is a great place to live or plan your next vacation.

Here are some of the top things to do in Alexandria:

Alexandria Museum of Art

This museum, which was established in 1977, is associated with the Louisiana State University at Alexandria. It hosts numerous exhibitions throughout each year that feature works from its permanent collection.

You will also find creations from internationally acclaimed artists in the museum. They also host free yoga, music concerts, movie screenings, and educational programs.

Take a tour of the museum to see some truly outstanding artistic pieces.

Participate in the Louisiana Mardi Gras Parade

Alexandria is home to over 120,000 people each year for this lively annual festival. You will find a variety of parades, vintage car shows, motorcycle shows, and parties.

You can enjoy delicious food, drinks, animal encounters, and live music. There are also brilliantly-colored costumes and many other activities. This is one of the most important events in the city.

Participate in the celebrations and enjoy Alexandria’s amazing local culture.

Kent Plantation House

The Kent Plantation House preserves a glimpse of pre-Civil War Central Louisiana life. This building was built by Creole settlers Pierre Baillio II in 1796. It is the oldest still-standing structure in the area.

The house, which is a fine example of French Colonial architecture and was originally granted by the King of Spain to its original owner, is a significant example of French Colonial architecture. It was used in many different ways over the years before it was finally restored and made into a museum in 1970.

The artifacts provide a glimpse into the life of a plantation worker for an affluent Creole family, as well as the slaves who made this possible.

You’ll be amazed at how much of the structure is made from local materials. This includes the clay used in supporting brick piers, the cypress used in beams, and the mud and deer used for the walls. The outhouses have a milk house and a blacksmith shop. There is also a kitchen and a slavery cabin.

Alexandria Zoological Park: Meet Exotic Animals

Alexandria Zoological Park was established in 1926 and is one of Alexandria’s most popular tourist attractions. The collection includes over 500 exotic animals from diverse species.

The Louisiana Habitat is one of the exhibits, which showcases the state’s native species. Other exhibits include the Latin American-themed Land of the Jaguar and the Australian Walkabout. There is also a stunning lion habitat with a 17-foot waterfall.

Regular keeper chats provide an opportunity to get a fresh perspective on the park’s inhabitants. Kids will love the train Bayou Le Zoo Choo Choo that departs throughout the day.

Forts Randolph and Buhlow State Historic Site

The area around Pierson Lake in Pineville is rich in Civil War history. It’s the location of two Confederate earthwork fortifications that were built in October 1864.

Forts Randolph & Buhlow were built by 1,500 soldiers, civilian workers, 500 enslaved African Americans, and another 500.

The attack did not occur and there was no fighting at the site. This state historic site preserves remnants of the earthworks and has a visitor center, interpretive trails, a view of the Red River, and an elevated boardwalk.

The remains of Bailey’s Dam can be seen as well. This famous example of wartime engineering was built in just a few days in April/May 1864.

Union Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Bailey planned this. He raised the Red River’s level to allow Rear Admiral David Dixon Porter’s Mississippi River Squadron through the rapids. The reservoir was then opened to allow the boats to continue downstream.

Lake Buhlow: Enjoy the Beauty of Nature

This man-made lake is located north of the state’s historical site. It was built in 1956 and covers more than 280 acres. Lake Buhlow was partially built on an area of former pasture which once housed the Central Louisiana State Hospital dairy.

Sunsets from the east and southern shores of the public boat ramp are beautiful if you’re just here to take in the sights. Lake Buhlow, which is accessible by boat or banks, is a popular fishing spot with largemouth bass, white crappie, and black crappie.

It is also a hotspot for watersports and has a history of setting outboard speed records. This earned it the nickname “Fastest Lake In The USA”.

The Louisiana Dragon Boat Race is the most important event of the year, and teams from all over Louisiana will compete in them.

Randolph Riverfront Center

The Gillis William Long Bridge’s top convention and meeting venue in Central Louisiana is located on the levee. It is an important asset to Alexandria.

The Main Exhibit Hall at Randolph Riverfront Center can accommodate 2,600 people and hosts a variety of events.

These could be trade shows or conventions, dog shows and markets, sporting events, concerts, festivals, traveling exhibitions, graduation ceremonies, or sports events. You can park for free in central Alexandria, despite being located in the middle of downtown.

A Show at Rapides Parish Coliseum

This arena, which holds 10,000 people, was built in 1965 and is located on Louisiana Highway 28 to the west of Alexandria. It underwent a major renovation in 2017.

The work brought new life to an old facility, by creating a stunning new lobby and expanding the seating capacity. It also updated every aspect of the Coliseum’s amenities.

The Rapides Parish Coliseum has a stunning dome that encapsulates the venue. It is the best regional venue for arena events, from WWE to circus shows as well as concerts by famous artists.

It is impressive to see the list of notable performers and personalities who have stepped into the arena, including President Ronald Reagan, Willie Nelson, Martin Luther King Jr., and Elvis Presley.

River Oaks Square Arts Center

This center, which showcases the talents of CENLA artists, reinforces downtown Alexandria’s status as a hub for the arts.

Three galleries are housed in the main building at 3rd St., which also houses an arts academy and 25 studios. This includes a full-size ceramics workshop with four kilns.

The James Wade Bolton House, which dates back to 1899, can be found on 2nd Street. This historic residence, which has Ionic capitals on its porch and a great gift shop, also contains more studios.

Enjoy an Exciting Day at T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum

Rapides Exploratory Education House (T.R.E.E.). The Museum is open to children up to 12 years old. It provides a safe environment that encourages a love of learning and encourages a lifetime of it.

Through interactive exhibits that engage all the senses, children will be able to learn about science, math, and social studies.

Children younger than two years old can visit the museum for free. There’s also a Toddler Corner that offers a rewarding visit for those with little ones.

Other exhibits include the Kid TV Studio and the Junior League Mini Mart, the Listening Center, Illumination Station, Construction Tables, and wildlife displays related to turtles or bald eagles are also included.

Alex River Fete

We have seen Alexandria pack a big cultural punch. This is also true for events that draw thousands of people downtown.

The Alex River Fete is an annual event that takes place in April or May. The main stage is located next to City Hall and features live music, food vendors, and the ArtFete, which is organized by Central Louisiana Arts Council.

A procession is also held at the Alexandria Museum of Art on Friday night as part of the Louisiana Dragon Boat Races build-up.

Downtown Rocks is a concert series that takes place on Friday nights for several weeks in spring.

Shop for Fresh Goods at Alexandria Farmers Market

Alexandria’s farmers market is open every week throughout the year. This is a great place to get a glimpse into the local culture.

You can find fresh fruits, vegetables, jellies, honey, dairy products, poultry, bakery goods, and flowers here.

All products were sourced from Central Louisiana farmers and producers.

Admire the Architecture of St. Francis Xavier Cathedral

This Roman Catholic church, dating back to 1817, was the first in the city. The original building was set on fire in 1895. The current one was built in 1899.

It is well-known for its magnificent Gothic revival architecture, stunning glass windows, and hand-carved woodwork.

After the Civil War, this church was the last remaining structure in the city.

Enjoy some quiet time here, praying or appreciating its beautiful interiors. This church has the largest kaleidoscopic rose window in the state.

Alexandria Levee Park

The entire length of Alexandria’s riverfront is paved. It starts in the north at this park near the Rapides Regional Medical Center.

You can spend time at the Red River from this spot. It has a shelter and grills as well as more than 20 tables for picnicking. There is also a wharf, a three-lane boat launch, and a scenic overlook that allows you to take in the view of the river.

The levee is home to the Alexandria Riverfront Amphitheater and hosts many outdoor events, including fireworks shows.

From here, the trail continues south along the grassy riverbank and under the Gillis William Long Bridge. The trail then cuts inland at Pineville under U.S. Route 167.

The Louisiana History Museum offers a variety of regional history exhibits.

Alexandria also has a fine museum in the downtown area. It focuses on Louisiana’s history with a particular focus on Central Louisiana or Rapides Parish.

This is the location of the Alexandria Library Building, which was built in the Beaux Arts style and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989.

It has one of the most significant and extensive historical collections in the state. The museum began with a few displays in the Alexandria Genealogical Library upstairs and has more than 50 exhibits and displays on the ground floor.

These artifacts include the history of Native Americans in Louisiana and Louisiana’s Spanish colonial past. They also cover the Civil War, Louisiana’s Spanish colonial past, Louisiana’s French colonial past, Louisiana’s WWI Camp Beauregard facility, and important Central Louisiana politicians.

Conclusion

Alexandria, LA is a great place to live for those who want to experience southern hospitality and culture. It offers a variety of attractions, including historic sites, a vibrant downtown area, and beautiful parks. 

With its affordable housing options, low cost of living, and excellent job opportunities, Alexandria is an ideal place to call home. An Alexandria Realtor can help you find the perfect home if you’re looking for a family-friendly environment or a place to retire.