Now, the south is generally known as being friendly. After all, it’s not called “northern hospitality!” There’s one incredible town in South Louisiana that’s worthy of a road trip from any corner of the state, and that’s Natchitoches, Louisiana. Whether you’re a history lover, wildlife enthusiast, shopper, or foodie, one of the friendliest towns in Louisiana truly has something for everyone. 

There’s a lot to love about Natchitoches, Louisiana.
Natchitoches Tourism/Facebook
Louisiana’s oldest city was established in 1714 and incorporated as a town in 1819, making it the oldest permanent European settlement within the borders of the Louisiana Purchase. It was originally founded as a French outpost for trade with the Spanish along the Red River as early as 1699.
The Cane River Lake runs through the town, and it's the perfect spot for a stroll to begin your adventure.
Cane River Lake, Louisiana, USA
St_Matty/Trip Advisor
You can also rent a kayak or a stand-up paddle board to explore the town from an entirely new perspective!
The 33-block Historic District is full of homes and businesses with fascinating histories.
Natchitoches Tourism/Facebook
Pictured above is the Prudhomme-Roquier House, which has a few different claims to fame, including being the only example of a two-story Bousillage house in the United States. Bousillage is a combination of clay and various fibers (like deer hair and Spanish moss).

Related Stories

13 Out Of This World Summer Day Trips To Take In Louisiana

13 Out Of This World Summer Day Trips To Take In Louisiana

 Hike Through An Enchanted Forest Then Dine At A Small-Town Restaurant On This Delightful Adventure In Louisiana

Hike Through An Enchanted Forest Then Dine At A Small-Town Restaurant On This Delightful Adventure In Louisiana

 Gator Country Alligator Farm In Louisiana Makes For A Fun Family Day Trip

Gator Country Alligator Farm In Louisiana Makes For A Fun Family Day Trip
Perhaps the most recognizable home is the Steel Magnolia House.
Steel Magnolia House LLC, 320 Jefferson St, Natchitoches, LA 71457, USA
Natchitoches Tourism/Facebook
Yep, the same one from the movie!

Fun fact: this home was originally much closer to the road. In fact, the sidewalk passed underneath the front porch! In 1908, workers dismantled the entire house, brick by brick, and moved it back about 40 feet, giving it much more curb appeal.
History lovers will love getting to explore all of the historic sites here in Natchitoches.
American Cemetery, 2nd St STE 200, Natchitoches, LA 71457, USA
Natchitoches Tourism/Facebook
The American Cemetery is one of the oldest remaining cemeteries in the country. It was used as a burial ground for the area’s early French settlers, but it was always an integrated cemetery; people of Native American, European, and African descent are all buried here. The oldest grave dates back to 1797, but it’s believed that the cemetery was used as early as 1737.
Front Street is the town's main drag, and that's where you'll find all sorts of local boutiques and restaurants, including the oldest general store in Louisiana.
Kaffie-Frederick Inc., 758 Front St, Natchitoches, LA 71457, USA
DeCarlos/Google
Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile dates all the way back to 1863 and is a massive space filled with everything you could possibly imagine! It's a great spot to pick up a few souvenirs and maybe even some household items including hardware, cooking supplies, and more.
And of course, no visit to Natchitoches is complete without getting your hands on a meat pie.
Lasyone's Meat Pie Restaurant, 622 2nd St, Natchitoches, LA 71457, USA
Cody Bruce/Google
This iconic Louisiana dish was invented at Lasyone's here in Natchitoches. These fried pockets of meat-filled goodness pair well with breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Check out this YouTube video by OfficialBestOfAmerica for a virtual tour of some of the most iconic spots in Natchitoches, Louisiana:

No matter what time of year you visit, Natchitoches is a perfect spot to spend a day exploring. For more adventures, you may want to grab your sneakers and hit the trails within the Kisatchie National Forest.

Have you ever been to Natchitoches, Louisiana? If so, do you think it’s one of the friendliest towns in Louisiana? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! Don’t forget to nominate your favorite places to visit in South Louisiana for the chance to see them featured in an upcoming article.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Friendliest Towns In Louisiana & Related Info

Katie Lawrence | March 15, 2023

What else can I do in Natchitoches? 

Besides the attractions outlined above, some of the best things to to in Natchitoches include:

  • Visit Fort St. Jean Baptiste
  • Hike or drive the Cane River National Historic Trail
  • See alligators up close at Gator Country Louisiana Alligator Park
  • Experience the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum

Besides Natchitoches, what are the friendliest towns in Louisiana?

Some of the friendliest towns in Louisiana are:

This charming small town is a nature lover's dream, boasting a state park and a botanical garden. Being surrounded by natural beauty has a way of lifting one's mood - you'll instantly notice how friendly everyone is!

A quaint coastal community, Grand Isle is the only inhabited barrier island in Louisiana. It's home to fewer than 1,000 people, and they take very kindly to tourists. Some of the best public beaches in the state can be found here!

One of the most historic towns in Louisiana. St. Francisville is home to the Myrtles Plantation, which is now a bed and breakfast (and a haunted one, at that). Life is slow here, and the townspeople are eager to get to know everyone who visits.

Located in the heart of Cajun Country, Breaux Bridge has some of the best seafood (especially crawfish) in Louisiana. It's also home to the beautiful Lake Martin, plus about 7,500 residents who can't wait to meet you.

Just a stone's throw from New Orleans, Abita Springs is oozing with small-town charm. Fun fact: the town is named after a natural spring that was once thought to have healing powers! Oh, and did we mention the locals are friendly as can be?

 

 

Related Articles

Explore Louisiana

Featured Addresses
Natchitoches, LA, USA