Location: Monroe
Top Things to do in Monroe
Countries
Top 5 Budget-friendly Things to do in Monroe, Louisiana (LA)
Monroe (historically French: Poste-du-Ouachita) is the eighth-largest city in the U.S. state of Louisiana. It is the parish seat of Ouachita Parish. In the official 2010 census, Monroe had a population of 48,815. The municipal population declined by 8.1 percent over the past decade; it was 53,107 in the 2000 census. After a recheck in 2012, the Census Bureau changed the 2010 population from 48,815 to 49,147. Mayor Jamie Mayo, however, maintains that the Monroe population is more than 50,000 and indicated that he will pursue a continued challenge to the count.
Restaurants in Monroe
1. Chennault Aviation and Military Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 137 reviews
Located in one of the last standing buildings from the World War II Selman Field Army Air Corps Navigation School, the Chennault Aviation & Military Museum highlights northeast Louisiana's impact on aviation and military history. Admission is always free. Exhibits feature weaponry, uniforms, photographs, documents and other artifacts. A growing collection of military aircraft is located outside. All branches of the U.S. military are featured, from World War I through the present day, and there are also exhibits on Selman Field (which trained over 15,000 navigators) and Delta Airlines (which was born in Monroe from a regional crop dusting service). An extensive exhibit is dedicated to the life and times of Gen. Claire L. Chennault (a northeast Louisiana native) and his Flying Tigers fighter group.
Reviewed By A6943GEmariar
Housed in one of the last remaining school buildings that comprised the largest navigation school in the United States during World War II, the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum is definitely a must see. More than 11,000 artifacts are on display, with many personal stories from local veterans. The museum docents are extremely personable and knowledgeable as they relate the story of General Chennault, the Selman Navigational School, and the birthplace of one of the largest airline companies, Delta Airlines. The Chennault Aviation and Military Museum is truly a fascinating place to visit. And admission is free, too!
2. Biedenharn Museum & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 157 reviews
Built in 1913 by Joseph A. Biedenharn, visitors can tour this historic home and magnificent Elsong Gardens located on the estate.
Reviewed By papertravel - Alexandria, United States
We'd been meaning to go here for years because everyone says it's an amazing experience but we kept putting it off for some reason. Finally went and we were just floored. The house is amazing, every single thing about it is fun, interesting, cool as all get-out. The museum is wonderful too and has a really nice gift shop. Employees are personable. I won't even try to describe the house furnishings, the grandeur, etc. The daughter was an internationally celebrated opera singer and the dad was basically Mr. Coca Cola. Everything is just stunning. The gardens alone kill ... beautiful and elegant and plenty of wow factor. Maybe you have to live in a brick ranch like I do to truly appreciate the grandeur and how above our pay grade to walk such a house and such gardens. Extra nice thing happened day we were there. A group of gorgeous black ladies who all looked like super models were in one particular area of the gardens doing some kind of I think super fancy (as in not standard) yoga class. I love wondrously serendipitous stuff like that in life ... and in gardens, lol.
3. Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 99 reviews
Reviewed By Julestwo - Canton, United States
We were on a road trip from Georgia to Texas. I investigated different places we could stop along the way. So glad I discovered this little hidden jewel. It was only about seven miles from the interstate and kind of tucked away on a side road. The volunteer at the visitor center was super nice telling us exactly where to go and what to see. We did not have much time, but took a stroll down to the side of the pier that is still usable. ( They are making repairs so you could not go all the way across) If you have time they will even rent out a canoe or kayak so that you can explore. There were a few hiking trails to explore too. I enjoyed seeing the bayou and if our travels take us that way again, we plan to spend a little more time exploring this area.
4. Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 139 reviews
Reviewed By AHodges79
We went to the zoo today. The train ride was great. The train conductor was very nice. The ULM mascot Warhawk was out doing tricks. The zookeeper who ran the petting zoo as exceptionally nice. The animals were obviously well cared for. It is a little older, but has some nice features. We will definitely go back.
5. Enoch's Irish Pub & Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
