De Soto: Pine Forests, History and River Experiences

In De Soto Parish, tourism ranges from outdoor activities to historic sites and events along the Sabine River. The pine forests offer opportunities for hiking, cycling, ATV riding and birdwatching. There are also freshwater fishing opportunities and cultural offerings with a variety of focuses. If you’re planning a hotel trip to De Soto, first consider whether nature, history, fishing or an event date will shape your visit.

Nature and Outdoor Activities

The pine forests of DeSoto Parish offer various ways to spend time outdoors: hiking and cycling alongside ATV riding and birdwatching. Freshwater anglers can fish for largemouth bass, white bass, sand bass, crappie, bream and catfish. This means different interests can be accommodated without letting any one activity define your stay.

The Desoto Motorsport Park offers a different kind of orientation: depending on the course layout, the track is 1 to 1.4 miles long. This range makes clear that the selected layout determines the track length.

History and Memorial Sites

The Mansfield State Historic Site offers living history events, exhibits, battle reenactments and interpretive programs. Programs vary from year to year. The Mansfield Female College Museum also offers a glimpse into the history of education: it was the first college for women west of the Mississippi.

Several historic sites offer their own historical and architectural highlights. Keachi Presbyterian Church was built in the Greek Revival style in 1858 and added to the National Register of Historic Places on June 30, 1988. Rock Chapel was built in 1891 by Carmelite monks who traveled to DeSoto Parish from West Texas. Moses Rose Grave in Ferguson Cemetery is believed to be the resting place of Louis Moses Rose, the only known survivor of the Alamo.

The Battle of Pleasant Hill Reenactment recreates the April 9, 1864, Union–Confederate battle on the actual battlefield. The event weekend also includes educational offerings and family-friendly activities; dates and programs vary from year to year.

Along the Sabine River in Logansport

At Dennis Freeman Memorial River Park, a 1,000-foot-long promenade follows the Sabine River to an observation point. A walking trail also runs through the park grounds. There are also three designated boat launches near the Logansport riverfront. Launch conditions and facilities may change; check them before your trip.

The River Stage at Dennis Freeman Memorial River Park hosts band performances, film screenings, pageants, gospel singing and other events. The program varies from year to year. The event calendar also includes the annual Barber Sand Bass Tournament, which starts at the park in Logansport, and River City Fest, held annually on the banks of the Sabine River. Dates and programs for both events may vary; check the specific dates before your trip.

Regional Orientation

For a sense of the region as a whole, De Soto Parish is about 35 miles south of downtown Shreveport via Highway 171. It is about 35 miles north of Natchitoches via Interstate 49. Both road distances are approximate; route conditions may affect the actual distance.

Explore more destinations: Stonewall, St. Landry Parish, Beauregard Parish, Terrebonne Parish, St. Tammany Parish, Ouachita, Lafayette County, Lincoln.

View the main travel overview: Louisiana.