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Your curated guide to food, culture, and stays in Monroe, LA.
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From Monroe
Stories, reports, and field notes from around Monroe and West Monroe.
Guide
4th of July in Monroe, LA: Your 2026 Guide
Every parade, fireworks show, and free event happening across Monroe and West Monroe for America's 250th.
Guide
Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo in Monroe, LA
The splash pad alone is worth the $10 admission. We spent five hours here on a Wednesday in July and could have stayed until closing.
Field Notes
Southern Escape Room Monroe LA: All Five Rooms, Prices & What to Expect
Southern Escape Room sits on Louisville Avenue a few blocks from downtown Monroe. We went on a weekday to find out what's inside before you book.
Guide
Surge Entertainment West Monroe: Prices, What's Inside & Is It Worth It
Drew Brees co-owns a family entertainment center on Mane Street in West Monroe with bowling, laser tag, a ninja course, and a full restaurant. We went to check the prices and see what is actually inside.
Field Notes
How Monroe & West Monroe Celebrated the 4th of July
Five events across two cities. A morning race, a children's parade, floats throwing beads, live music in Art Alley, and a double rainbow that showed up right before the fireworks.
Field Notes
There Is a Free Natural History Museum on the ULM Campus. I Finally Went.
The ULM Museum of Natural History has been on University Avenue for years. I had never walked through the door. Then Mystery Monday happened and I finally had an excuse.
Guide
Chennault Aviation and Military Museum, Monroe LA
Free admission. The building looks modest from the outside, and that is the first thing you need to know.
Guide
Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Monroe LA
A 5,300-acre federal wildlife refuge sitting inside Monroe city limits. Free to enter. Open daily. Most Monroe residents have never been.
Guide
Date Night in Monroe, LA: 6 Restaurants Worth the Reservation
Monroe has a short list of places that take dinner seriously, and most of them require advance planning. Here is the current list, with what each one is actually good at.
Guides
Curated lists of the best spots in Monroe & West Monroe.
Best Breakfast and Brunch in Monroe, LA
7 places · occasions
BBQ in Monroe, LA: The Best Smokehouses and Pits
5 places · cuisines
The Best Coffee Shops in Monroe, LA
11 places · cuisines
Fresh Catch: Where to Find the Best Seafood in Monroe
10 places · cuisines
Tacos, Tequila & More: The Ultimate Mexican Food Guide
10 places · cuisines