Monroe is a big city located in the United States, Louisiana. History has it that it’s the 8th largest city in Louisiana, and its population in 2020 was 47,702.
The city has a strong economy with job openings to prevent unemployment. Education is at its peak in Monroe because of the quality of colleges and varsities.
The city is an attraction center because of the many amenities it offers. You can see quality restaurants, zoos, museums, shopping malls, and many important places.
Here is a guide to the 15 Best Things to do in Monroe, Louisiana
1. Showcase your Golf Skills at Frenchman’s Bend
Playing golf here is one of the fun things to do in Monroe, LA. Golf lovers won’t miss swinging a golf club at Frenchman’s bend. It features a par 72 golf course which comes with 18 holes.
Both professionals and beginners can play in this magnificent place, and you will be given different challenges to showcase your skills. In this sublime environment, you will be amazed by how friendly their staff is, as they also offer tips and tricks to swing your golf club to scale through some complex challenges.
Golf is not the only thing done here. You get to enjoy quality drinks and food at the restaurant made available within the environment.
Address: 1484 Frenchmans Bend Rd, Monroe, LA 71203, United States
2. Learn about African American History at African American Museum
The African American Museum, located in Monroe, Louisiana, was established in 1994 to collect and preserve antiques relating to African culture. The museum is owned by an artist named Don Cincone.
The museum showcases unique artwork from black people like Daryl Triplet and Bernard Mayweather. Artifacts that existed for so many years in Northern Louisiana, which depict African American stories, are also kept here.
A tour around the museum will educate you on the history of African American leaders and their contributions. You get to see stories of Frederick Douglass, Mary Bethune, and the first African American millionaire and businesswoman, Madam C.J. Walker.
Students can visit this magnificent place for school trips to learn about history because the museum organizes essential seminars. It is a perfect place for those who want more knowledge about African American history.
Address: 1051 Chennault Park Dr, Monroe, LA 71203, United States
3. Take a Tour of William Harris Homestead
William Harris Homestead is a place that offers you historical knowledge with a beguiling environment. This historical site was built in 1825 and became recognized by the national register of historic places in 1982.
It is situated on a massive 367 acres of land, with features like agricultural outbuildings, agricultural fields, log houses, lush gardens, and beautiful scenery. A tour inside the homestead will show you different antique objects used while still active.
William Harris Homestead is perfect for school field trips to teach students about the homestead’s history and its cultural and historical importance to the city.
Suppose you seek historical knowledge about Monroe or an open space for a special event. In that case, William Harris Homestead is the place. An enormous open space is available at this homestead that can be used to host special occasions like weddings, receptions, and family picnics.
Address: 3636 State Hwy 11, Monroe, GA 30656, United States
4. Get Enlightened at the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum
The Chennault Aviation and Military Museum was established in the year 2000 to keep artifacts about the aviation sector during World War. It’s not just limited to the world war but also the Afghanistan war.
The museum was named after a prominent army air force general, Claire Lee Chennault. Taking a museum tour, you will see different kinds of weapons, military uniforms, photographs taken during the war, and other exciting artifacts.
Outside the museum, there are tons of aircraft used during the first world war to date. Going to Chennault Aviation and Military Museum should be one of the things to do in Monroe, LA.
Address: 701 Kansas Ln, Monroe, LA 71203, United States
5. Pay a Visit to the Monroe Civic Center
The Monroe Civic Center is massive as it has about 44000 square feet of space and approximately 5600 seats. Its enormous space is perfect for banquets and circus shows.
Inside the Monroe Civic Center, B. D. Robinson Conference Hall, the Monroe Convention Center, and W. L. Jack Howard Theatre are used to host other activities. They can contain 2200 people each.
Lovers of tennis and basketball won’t miss visiting Harvey H. Benoit Recreation Center to enjoy sports activities.
Address: 401 Lea Joyner Memorial Expy, Monroe, LA 71201, United States
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6. Learn About Coca-Cola History at Coca-Cola Museum
A Coca-Cola Museum exists in Monroe, LA, within Biedenharn Museum & Gardens. The museum was erected in Monroe because it was the first city where Coca-Cola was produced.
A tour of the museum will guide you on how Coca-Cola was made and the processes involved in producing Coca-Cola. You will see different artifacts, like the first bottle design for Coca-Cola, the first truck that marketed the tasty drink, and many other fascinating things.
It will be fantastic to find out that you can enjoy a chilled Coca-Cola for five cents in this magnificent place. Visiting this site is one of the best things to do in Monroe
Address: 2006 Riverside Dr, Monroe, LA 71201, United States
7. Enjoy Quality Shopping at Pecanland Mall
Step up your shopping experience by visiting Pecanland Mall in Monroe, LA. The mall has a unique design, and it is called “Pecanland” because the land was formerly used as a pecan farm.
Pecanland Mall became functional in 1985, but it was later bought in 2002 by a ‘general growth properties’ group. The mall has 83 fantastic stores that offer you excellent services.
You can see stores like Victoria’s Secret, Buckle, Bath & Body Works, The Camouflage Shoppe, Old Navy, Rue 21, and many others.
Apart from offering you a great shopping experience, a large hall is used as a food court containing 450 people. There’s also a cinema to improve your cinematic experience.
Your kids are not left out because there’s a two-story Carousel to keep them engaged and give them a fun-filled moment while you shop.
Address: 4700 Millhaven Rd, Monroe, LA 71203, United States
8. Grab a Bottle of Beer at Flying Tiger Brewery
Flying Tiger Brewery has been producing quality drinks since 2016. Getting quality beer at this brewery should be added to the list of things to do in Monroe, LA, if you are a beer lover.
Flying Tiger Brewery was built to appreciate those legendary Flying Tigers fighters who partook during World War II.
A tour inside the taproom will show you a portrait of General Claire Chennault and many unique artifacts depicting Flying Tiger history.
Drinking is not just the only thing done here. You also get to enjoy concerts outside the building.
Address: 506 N 2nd St, Monroe, LA 71201, United States
9. Have a Tour of the Cooley House
The Cooley House is worth going to because of its unique features. Walter Burley Griffin built this fantastic place for Gilbert Brian. The latter is popularly known as Captain Cooley between 1925 and 1926.
The house has a concrete texture and a unique green roof. It was also honored by the National Register of Historic Places in 1986.
Taking a tour inside the house, you will see a central vacuum system, sunken tub, steam shower, and many other amenities.
Address: 1011 S Grand St, Monroe, LA 71201, United States
10. See the Beauty at Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo
Lovers of animals and plants won’t want to miss a fantastic time at Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo. This beautiful place offers different events that will make you add stopping by here to your list of things to do in Monroe, LA.
During a tour, you see different types of animals worldwide, like a lion, kangaroos, bears, and many more. There is also a provision for children to feed some animals.
During the Safari tour, you will enjoy a boat ride that will take you through a swap as you feast your eyes on different aquatic animals.
Inside the beautiful garden, a greenhouse showcases different plants for you to see. This place is perfect for school field trips.
Address: 1405 Bernstein Park Rd, Monroe, LA 71202, United States
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11. Enjoy Delicious Steaks at Warehouse No. 1 Restaurant
Warehouse No. 1 Restaurant has a simple and plain design that offers delicious meals. They cook their seafood and steaks with freshly gotten ingredients.
They offer delicacies like Ribeye Salisbury steak, fillet and lobsters, Chilean sea bass, and many tasty cuisines. Treat yourself to a fantastic meal, which could be on the menu for either lunch or dinner.
A patio is provided outside the building, which makes it possible for people to enjoy their meals. There is also a provision for cocktails, tea, and live music to keep you entertained as you eat.
Catering services for special occasions can be booked ahead to make your event memorable with their cooking skills. Visiting here is one of the best things to do in Monroe, LA, if you are looking for a place to eat delicious food.
Address: 1 Olive St, Monroe, LA 71201, United States
12. Order Delightful Meals at the Waterfront Grill
Waterfront Grill is one of the finest restaurants in Monroe, LA, which can give you an unforgettable dining experience. They offer tasty grilled meat that will leave you drooling. While eating outside the building on the deck, you can enjoy the tranquil Bayou DeSiard.
They use fresh ingredients to make palatable dishes like black Angus steaks, Catfish Desiard, Pepper Jack Spinach Dip and Chips, BBQ Shrimp, and many others.
Waterfront Grill has a magnificent room accommodating meetings with about 60 seats. Don’t forget to call them for their catering services, if you want a memorable occasion.
Address: 5201 Desiard Street, Monroe, LA 71203, United States
13. Enjoy Freshly Prepared Seafood at Catfish Charlie’s
Catfish Charlie’s offers you homemade seafood prepared with only the finest ingredients. You get to choose delicious meals from their menu.
You can choose from various appetizing meals like Crispy Catfish, Fried Oysters, Fried Mushrooms, Chicken, Salmon, and other yummy foods.
There is also an outdoor deck available for people who would love to eat outside the building. Getting a nice meal here should be on your list of things to do in Monroe, LA if you love seafood.
Address: 2329 Louisville Ave, Monroe, LA 71201, United States
14. Have a Taste of Delicious Italian Cuisine at Geno’s Italian Restaurant
Geno’s Italian restaurant offers you delectable Italian dishes. It has a conducive environment where you can relax and enjoy your meal. The restaurant’s history dates back to 1906 with Geno’s grandmother. It became officially opened in 1996.
Italian cocktails and wines are also available to dilute your palatable meal. Ingredients are locally sourced, and Sandwich bread is baked fresh by the best baker in town.
They serve foods like Italian Roast Beef, Polpette Parmigiana, Sausage and Peppers, Panino di Pollo Grigliato and other tasty Italian foods.
Making a stop by this restaurant is one of the best things to do in Monroe, LA, if you love Italian cuisine.
Address: 705 N 8th St, Monroe, LA 71201, United States
15. Buy Different Flavors of Frozen Custard at Eskamoe’s Frozen Custard
Eskamoe’s Frozen Custard makes one of the most delicious frozen custard treats. There are over 30 frozen custard flavors you can choose from, which will leave you in awe.
Frozen custard shouldn’t be confused with ice cream because it contains more eggs, while ice cream has more cream. Frozen custard is usually served at a warmer temperature compared to ice cream.
Apart from frozen custards, you get to buy sundaes, milkshakes, malts, freshly baked brownies, hotdogs, and many other delicious snacks.
The environment has a sublime look, and the seating arrangement is unique, with fancy seats accommodating few people. If you haven’t tried frozen custards, you should include it in your list as one of the things to do in Monroe, LA.
Address: 2800 Forsythe Ave, Monroe, LA 71201, United States
Plan a Trip to Monroe, Louisiana
Monroe, LA, is a beautiful city with mind-blowing places to visit. You can’t be bored when you have a great time with your family or friends. This article will guide you through planning a visit and what to do in Monroe, LA.
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