Rapides Parish: Discover Nature, History and Art

The Evangeline Unit covers 97,000 acres in Rapides Parish. Nature and culture highlights for your trip include lakes, forest landscapes, Civil War history, art and interactive exhibits. If you’re looking for a hotel in Rapides Parish, you can plan your stay around the interests you’d like to focus on.

Lakes, Forests and Trails

At the Kincaid Lake Recreation Area, the shores of Kincaid Lake offer panoramic views, and swimming is also available. Valentine Lake offers opportunities for picnicking. The two locations have different focuses: Kincaid Lake is known for its views and swimming, while Valentine Lake is a place to take a picnic break.

The Castor Creek Scenic Area covers 90 acres of large pine and hardwood trees preserved in their natural state. Pine hills and wooded bottomlands are also part of the scenery along the Wild Azalea Trail. The trail is designated for hikers and mountain bikers only. Trailheads are located at Town Hall in Woodworth and at the Valentine Lake Recreation Area—helpful points of reference when planning your outing.

Civil War History and Historic Sites

Forts Randolph and Buhlow were built after the Battle of Mansfield to repel further Union attacks through northwest Louisiana. The Forts Randolph & Buhlow State Historic Site has a visitor center with exhibits on the Red River Campaign of the American Civil War. A raised boardwalk loops around the fort site, and there is also an observation point near the site of Bailey’s Dam. The forts were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981. Here, you can explore both the forts’ historic purpose and the themes covered in the exhibits.

Kent Plantation House, the oldest surviving structure in Central Louisiana, was built between 1796 and 1800. Another reason to visit is the annual Kent House Sugar Day, which features blacksmithing and corn-grinding demonstrations. The program may change; check the dates and program for that year’s event before your visit.

Art and Exhibits

The Alexandria Museum of Art’s September Competition is an annual juried exhibition of contemporary art from across the country. Each edition varies, so check the current dates before your trip. The same museum also offers free, public yoga every Tuesday from 5:45 to 7:00 p.m. As the schedule may change, it’s a good idea to check the current calendar beforehand.

The Louisiana History Museum’s collection now includes more than 50 exhibit areas and objects. Nearly 700 unique photographs dating from the 1860s to the 1960s give the collection an additional broad historical perspective. You can explore the photographic holdings through the period that interests you, rather than treating them as equivalent to the themes of any one exhibition.

The Treehouse Children’s Museum offers hands-on exhibits and interactive programs on science, math, art and the world around us. The grounds include a playground and community garden. The River Oaks Square Arts Center is in the wider region, where visitors can watch local artists at work in their studios. While a juried exhibition highlights finished contemporary art, a studio visit offers a glimpse into the artistic process.

Discover more destinations: Alexandria, Pineville, Ball, Boyce, Caddo, St. Mary Parish, Pointe Coupee Parish, Tangipahoa Parish.

For the broader travel overview: Louisiana.