Because of Bossier City’s location in the Ark-La-Tex, Bossier adventurers are in the perfect spot for several amazing road trip destinations! Here are three of our favorite choices for weekend adventures! While big cities like Dallas, Texas; Little Rock, Arkansas and New Orleans, Louisiana are in drivable distance, check out these smaller towns for a quick weekend getaway.
Jefferson, Texas.
Distance from Bossier City: 54 miles
Tucked away along the historic Big Cypress Bayou, the town of Jefferson offers weekenders a long list of activities. With more than seventy historic landmarks, Jefferson is also rich with history!
Things to do in Jefferson:
- Visit the downtown district. This area includes restaurants, antique shops, a thriving nightlife, and horse-drawn carriage tours.
- Stay in a bed and breakfast. Jefferson offers a multitude of bed and breakfast options for overnight visitors.
- Historic Jefferson Railway. Ride on an open-air train along the historic Big Cypress Bayou. (Closed for the winter.)
- Historic Jefferson Ghost Walk. Considered one of the most haunted towns in Texas, Jefferson offers visitors a weekend ghost tour downtown.
- Turning Basin Riverboat Tours. Learn about Jefferson’s colorful history as the stopping point for steamboats in the 19th
- Captain Ron’s Swamp Tours. Enjoy a relaxing boat tour of the world-famous cypress swamps of Caddo Lake, guided by the light-hearted and fact-filled Captain Ron
– Go to visitjeffersontexas.com for more information
Natchez, Mississippi.
Distance from Bossier City: 194 miles.
Residents of Bossier City might be surprised to learn that Natchez, Mississippi, is a mere three-hour drive away! Once serving as a strategic military location on the Mississippi River, things to do in Natchez center on the city’s significant Civil War history.
Things to do in Natchez:
- Natchez Visitor Center. A great starting point for any visitor to Natchez, the Visitors Center offers the history of Natchez as well as a helpful directions on how to explore Natchez.
- Historic antebellum homes. Natchez boasts numerous historical homes, many of which are bed and breakfasts. History enthusiasts will enjoy learning about their colorful history on a historical home tour.
- St. Mary Basilica. Built in 1842, this Catholic Church is recognized as an architectural wonder of the South.
- Natchez Bluffs and Under-the-Hill Historic District. Once the original town site of Natchez, this river landing is now on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Natchez Trace Parkway. Spanning from Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee, this recreational road and scenic drive covers 444 miles and three states. The parkway commemorates the Old Natchez Trace, a trail used by Native Americans, settlers and soldiers.
- BONUS: The Delta Music Museum. The small town of Ferriday, Louisiana, directly across the Mississippi River from Natchez, is the birthplace of both Mickey Gilley and famed rock and roller Jerry Lee Lewis. Visit this museum that commemorates theirs and others’ contributions to American music.
Mena, Arkansas.
Distance from Bossier City: 176 miles.
Like Natchez, Mena is within easy reach for weekend adventurers from Bossier City. Nestled in the scenic Ouachita Mountains of West Central Arkansas, Mena’s activities most often involve the great outdoors. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Mena and the surrounding area.
- Talimena National Scenic Byway. This 50+ mile long highway cuts a ribbon across the top of scenic Winding Stair and Rich Mountains offering spectacular vistas along the way. The byway starts in Mena and ends in Talihina in Eastern Oklahoma
- Queen Wilhelmina Lodge and State Park. Located on the Talimena National Scenic Byway, the Queen Wilhelmina Lodge is located inside the Queen Wilhelmina State Park. The 40-room lodge boasts front porch views of the Ouachita Mountains.
- Ouachita National Forest. With more than 1.8 million acres to explore, the Ouachita National Forest covers parts of West Arkansas and Eastern Oklahoma. The forest contains numerous waterfalls, rivers, creeks, as well as camping and hiking opportunities.
- Downtown. Shopping includes an art gallery, restaurants, and antique shops
- Wolf Pen Gap Trail. This renowned destination for ATV enthusiasts offers 31 miles of trails to explore.
- Mena Kansas City Southern Depot. Learn about Mena’s history in this converted train depot, which now serves as a museum.