Culture & Recreation
Explore the great outdoors in Rapides Parish. Adventure awaits visitors around every bend, turn, and hill in the Alexandria/Pineville Area. From the blooming azaleas in the Spring to the fall foliage throughout the area forests in the Fall, even a simple drive can be an adventure for the eyes.
Enjoy hiking, biking, horseback, ATV, and multi-use trails in the Kisatchie National Forest, as well camping areas, beaches, piers, and historic sites. You can also try to see the endangered Red Cockaded Woodpecker in the Forest, or ask about the three bat caves on the land. Visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/kisatchie for more information about this area.
Hike the Wild Azalea Trail – Louisiana’s longest hiking trail at 31 miles long.
Enjoy a horseback ride through the forest. Hayes E Daze Riding Adventures will take you on a guided ride along trails in the National Forest.
Camping, picnicking, swimming and fishing can be found at Indian Creek Recreational Area in the Alexander Forest.
A walk along the boardwalks at Forts Randolph/Buhlow State Historic Site will introduce you to the indigenous trees and birds of the area. This is also a great area to take in the sites of the mighty Red River at the overlook at the site of Bailey’s Dam.
Hunting is a favorite pastime in Central Louisiana and all you need to hunt in the National Forest is an in-state hunting license. Central Louisiana offers guided hunts from places such as River Rouge Plantation along Red River. Visit www.riverrougeplantation.com to find out more!
Fishing opportunities are abundant. Of course, you can fish the recreation areas in the National Forest, or you can drop a line at Cotile Lake Recreation Area, Indian Creek, the Red River, and many other places. For more information about the Red River visit www.redriverwaterway.com.
Experience camping, trail riding, mud riding and more at Louisiana Mudfest in Colfax. Visit http://www.louisianamudfest.com for a list of special events, live entertainment, and camping rates.
Birding and nature watching is an easy pastime in Central Louisiana with so diverse a landscape and foliage.
The Alexandria Zoo – It is the mission of Alexandria Zoological Park to promote understanding and conservation of the natural world in which we live.
- Established 1926.
- Accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums since 1986.
- Over 500 animals representing 160 species.
- Award-winning Louisiana Habitat Exhibit.
- Land of the Jaguar opened 2013.
- Largest year-round family attraction in Central Louisiana.
http://www.thealexandriazoo.com/index.html
To view a map of more parks and Recreation areas:
http://parksandrec.cityofalexandriala.com/
Local Events
For more upcoming event check out http://alexandriapinevillela.com/events
Alexandria Golf and Country Club
8637 Hwy 165 S
Woodworth, LA 71485
P:(318) 442-2870
18 Holes/Private
Bringhurst Golf Course
2822 Masonic Drive
Alexandria, LA 71301
P: (318) 448-9021
9 Holes/Public *Par 3 Courses
Golf Club at Timber Trails
8311 Shreveport Hwy
Pineville, LA 71360
United States
P: (318) 640-4030
9 Holes/Semi-Private
Links on the Bayou
271 Vandenburg Drive
Alexandria, LA 71303
United States
P: (318) 473-1331
18 Holes/Public
LSU Alexandria Golf Course/ Oakland Plantation
8100 Hwy 71 S
Alexandria, LA 71303
United States
P: (318) 473-6507
9 Holes/Public
OakWing Golf Club
2345 Vandenburg Drive
Alexandria, LA 71303
United States
P: (318) 561-0260
Audobon Golf Trail/Course