Step up to the soda counter to hear the tale of Coca-Cola’s bottling beginnings from an entertaining soda jerk. Then refresh with a 5 cent Coke and the nostalgia of early Coca-Cola memorabilia displayed in an indoor and outdoor setting of the Coke Museum. Walk among the wonderful collection of Coca-Cola artifacts including a delivery truck, signs, posters, bottles and Coke machines.
Tour the elegant home of Joseph Biedenharn, first bottler of Coca-Cola, every room lovingly decorated by his daughter Emy-Lou Biedenharn, a renowned opera singer during the pre- World War II years.
Stroll through the beautiful ELSong Gardens behind the home with over an acre of terraces, fountains, formal plantings and statues, interlaced amid French iron grillwork, tailored boxwood walkways, and year-round blooms all enshrined by an English-style brick wall.
Explore the extensive collection of historically significant and unique Bibles, including a Gutenberg leaf, in the Bible Museum adjacent to the home. Also on permanent display is the impressive Russian Icon Exhibition. A variety of other exhibits from institutions such as the Smithsonian are displayed on a rotating basis.
A wonderful retail shop with a variety of Coke merchandise, local souvenirs, jewelry and home decor is also on the premises.
Hours: 10 am-5pm Tues-Sat Cost: Adults $7, Students $4, Military & Seniors $6, Garden & Bible Museum only $4
Immerse yourself in nature at the Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge. This majestic 4,500-acre expanse of lake, swamp, bottomland hardwoods, mixed pine and hardwood uplands is a wildlife habitat with all manner of plant species and everything from small alligators and turtles to coyote, deer and a wide variety of fowl.
Delight in the beauty of herons, egrets, orioles and red-winged blackbirds from the wildlife pier or bird blind. Walk on a nature trail that meanders through a forested wetland. Marvel at the quiet beauty of the 1,600-acre lake from the quiet of your rented canoe with stately cypress and tupelo trees towering overhead.
The Visitors’ Center, a restored 1880s Acadian house, offers interactive exhibits and a nature shop. Behind the center is a covered amphitheater for educational programs. Visit the conservation learning center with its mural of the lake and live animal exhibits of native fish and reptiles. Other features include an arboretum with labeled Louisiana native tree and woody shrub species, a photo blind, boat launch, canoeing, year-round fishing, and seasonal hunting opportunities.
Hours: Refuge open daylight hours. Visitor Center open 8-4 weekdays; 9-5 Sat.; 1-5 Sun. Cost: Admission: Free; Boat launch fee: $2; Canoe rental fees: $20 for 1/2 day (4 hours), $35 for a full day. Call to schedule
Beautiful 3,000 acre lake, covered picnic areas, playground, boat launches and climate-controlled lodge available for weddings, receptions and reunions.
104 Cheniere Lake Road West Monroe, LA
Tel: (318) 387-2383
Chennault Park Golf Course
An 18-hole, par-72, 7,042-yard municipal course with flat wooded landscape. Driving range and carts with GPS systems. Check out the 2007 Buick Open Winner Brian Bateman's trophy display. Hint: Look out for the 18th hole - it's par-4 with water all the way down the right side.
8475 Millhaven Road Monroe, LA 71201
Tel: (318) 329-2454
Excalibur Family Fun Center
Upon entering this fun castle, you are faced with a soaring rock wall, right at the center of a room full of arcade games and giant indoor playground. A covered walkway brings you to a 3,000-square-foot laser tag course. Outside you will find two go-kart tracks, batting cages and miniature golf.
Hours: Monday-Thursday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM, Friday-Saturday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM, Sunday: 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
A neighborhood park encompassing over 53 acres with picnic areas with metal and wooden pavilions, park restrooms, bandstand/stage area, a 9-hole golf course, putt-putt golf, tennis courts, softball, soccer fields, and children's park. Beach volleyball courts, a jogging path and a public boat launch are located over the levee along the Ouachita River. The Monroe Advocates for Safe Streets (MASS) have developed 6 bike trails through the City of Monroe based out of the park.
Hours: Park closed from 12:00 AM (Midnight) until 5:00 AM Daily
160 acres of park with forested areas and large playing areas, including the Smiles Park an all-inclusive park where all kids can play and the Raising Cane’s Dog Park, which is separated into two sections for large and small dogs. Jogging and nature trails, a fishing pond, beautiful gardens, covered picnic areas, and a theatre stage for performances. Home to the Ballet Under the Stars in the spring. A climate-controlled lodge is great for receptions and family reunions.
820 Kiroli Road West Monroe, LA 71291
Tel: (318) 396-4016
Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo
This is an 80 plus acre zoological park and gardens for family fun and education with almost 2 miles of pathways wondering through animal exhibits, park like grounds and gardens. Don’t miss the Zooasis Splash Pad, playground, Safari Boat ride, and the Train (Opening Summer 2018). You can see over 400 birds and animals with over 100 species. Areas include the Land Down Under, The Louisiana Purchase and a petting zoo. Want to bring a group? We offer group rates and you can rent a pavilion for your family or business events. Enjoy hours of fun at a family friendly price.
Hours: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day. Cost: Adults $4.50, Seniors $3, Children $3, 2 & under are free. Call for group rates.
It's so much fun, they'll never know it's a museum! This is a super place, where adults and kids can learn and grow together. Permanent exhibits include the Firehouse, a replica with a sliding pole; Health Hall, where kids can be a paramedic; Toddlertown, a cool, whimsical area for those under 4; Kids' Café, be a server, cashier, chef; Bubbleworks, make a giant bubble; and The Big Mouth, walk in and explore! Great traveling exhibits from across the U.S. are featured throughout the year, too. From mid-November to Christmas, the museum transforms to Santa’s Christmas Village with ice skating, holiday crafts, storytime with Mrs. Claus, the Peppermint Post Office, and visits with Santa. Party packages are available, and a gift shop is on the premises. It's where learning is fun!
Hours: 9:00-2:00 Tues-Fri; 10:00-5:00 Sat Cost: $6 per person - group rates available
Fun for all ages with a skating rink, arcade games, and a snack bar. Specializing in parties, church groups, school groups and private parties. They do all the work -- you have all the fun!
3151 Sterlington Road Monroe , LA 71203
Tel: (318) 387-7051
Skatetown West Monroe
Fun for all ages with a skating rink, arcade games, and a snack bar. Specializing in parties, church groups, school groups and private parties. They do all the work -- you have all the fun!
Located inside Pecanland Mall. Play an exciting game of laser tag, bumper cars, or challenge everyone to a round of mini bowling or mini golf. Grab a snack before playing your favorite video, ticket, or merchandise games.
Hours: Monday-Thursday: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM, Friday-Saturday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM, Sunday: 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM
