Things to Do in Monroe, LA
Kayaking at Cheniere Lake, Monroe Louisiana

Things to Do

Things To Do in Monroe, LA

Monroe and West Monroe have more activities and attractions than most visitors expect. The Twin Cities cover a surprising range: alligators in a federal wildlife refuge inside the city limits, WWII aviation history, kayak trails on the Ouachita River, escape rooms, axe throwing, a nationally accredited zoo, and free riverside parks. Whether you're figuring out what to do in Monroe, Louisiana for a weekend trip, looking for fun things to do in Monroe, LA for adults, or planning a family outing, browse below or jump to our guides.

Stories & Guides

4th of July fireworks guide for Monroe and West Monroe, Louisiana, 2026

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.
Sunrise over the Ouachita River at Lazarre Park during the West Monroe Gar Rodeo in West Monroe, Louisiana.

Events & Festivals

West Monroe Gar Rodeo: Tournament Guide, Weigh-In Highlights & Results

Every late August, anglers from across Louisiana take to the Ouachita River for the West Monroe Gar Rodeo - a premier tournament celebrating one of the state's most ancient and formidable sport fish.
Ark-La-Miss Fair carnival midway and ferris wheel at the Ike Hamilton Expo Center in West Monroe, Louisiana.

Guide

Ark-La-Miss Fair 2026: Rides, Livestock, and Midway Traditions in West Monroe

Every October, the Ark-La-Miss Fair brings classic carnival lights, Belle City Amusements rides, 4-H livestock shows, and hot funnel cakes to West Monroe.
A live band performs under evening stage lights at Alley Park during an Ouachita Live concert in West Monroe.

Guide

Ouachita Live at Alley Park: West Monroe's Free Summer Concert Series

On the last Friday of every month from spring to fall, downtown West Monroe trades quiet shopfronts for live bands, food trucks, and open-container block party energy.
A charming row of historic brick storefronts along Trenton Street in West Monroe's Antique Alley.

Guide

Antique Alley in West Monroe, LA: Shopping, Treats & Historic Charm

Six blocks of red-brick storefronts, dozens of independent antique dealers, artisan bakeries, and views of the Ouachita River: this is how to spend an afternoon on Trenton Street.
A paved trail lined with park signs winds through tall pine trees at Kiroli Park in West Monroe, Louisiana.

Guide

Kiroli Park West Monroe: Trails, Fishing & Visitor Guide

Tall pines, quiet trails, a pond stocked with catfish and a sunken garden that surprises first-time visitors: this is what a day at Kiroli Park in West Monroe looks like.
Wide shot of a large event hall at the Monroe Civic Center set up with round tables for a formal dinner.

Guide

Monroe Civic Center: Events, Seating, Box Office & Visitor Guide

Your complete guide to attending an event at the Monroe Civic Center, from arena seating and Jack Howard Theatre capacity to the box office and bag policy.
Kayaking at Cheniere Lake, Monroe Louisiana, view from inside the kayak

Guide

Best Things to Do in Monroe, LA (2026)

Ten years of living in Monroe and I am still finding reasons to stay out all day. These are the 15 places I actually take friends when they visit. Ranked by how often I go back.
A curated selection of Rosé wines lined up for a tasting event at Apero in Monroe, LA.

Field Notes

A Rosé Tasting Experience at Apero & The Trove in Monroe

We attended a Rosé pairing class at Apero, a sophisticated spot that's more than just a wine shop, it's a standout experience in Monroe's evolving culinary scene.
Masur Museum carriage house entrance in Monroe, Louisiana, with the museum logo and colorful handprints covering the windows, children arriving for the MasurKIDS drop-in

Field Notes

Masur Museum Runs Free Art Drop-Ins for Kids. Here's What the Saturday Session Looked Like.

On a Saturday in late July, Masur Museum opened the carriage house studio to any kid who walked in. No registration, no cost. The activity connected directly to the exhibition upstairs, so what kids made was actually linked to what was hanging in the gallery.
Boba Fett, two Stormtroopers, and a Jawa from the 501st Legion at the Northeast Louisiana Children's Museum in Monroe

Events & Festivals

The 501st Legion Brought Star Wars to Monroe. The Kids Went Wild.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I walked into the Northeast Louisiana Children's Museum on a Saturday morning and found Boba Fett standing by the entrance.
Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo entrance sign in Monroe Louisiana with zebra statues and tropical plants

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.
Interior of Southern Escape Room Monroe Louisiana showing themed puzzle room atmosphere

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.
Surge Entertainment by Drew Brees in West Monroe Louisiana, a modern entertainment center with bowling, laser tag and arcade signage

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. Bowling, laser tag, ninja course, golf sims, arcade, full restaurant. I showed up before they opened, got politely kicked out, waited ten minutes, and went back in.
Art Alley in downtown Monroe during The Good Daze Block Party on July 4th 2026. Colorful ground mural, vendor tents, food truck, and historic buildings under a blue sky.

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.
Allosaurus fragilis skull cast on display at ULM Museum of Natural History in Monroe Louisiana

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.
A wide shot of Black Bayou Lake, showcasing numerous lily pads covering the water's surface and many bare cypress trees rising from the water under a clear blue sky.

Guide

Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Monroe, LA

Explore the boardwalks and cypress-filled waters of Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge, a quiet natural escape right inside Monroe.
Outdoor aircraft display at Chennault Aviation and Military Museum in Monroe, Louisiana

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.
Dimly lit interior of Parish Restaurant in Monroe, Louisiana, with fire pit and cocktail bar

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.
Restoration Park in West Monroe, Louisiana, green open space with walking trails

Guide

8 Free Things To Do in Monroe, LA

Monroe has more genuinely free things to do than most people expect. Not free-with-a-suggested-donation, not free-for-members-only. Just free. Here are eight worth your time.
Annual Business Expo 2026 floor at West Monroe Sports and Events Center, hundreds of attendees and 100+ local business booths

Field Notes

What Really Happens at Monroe's Business Expo

Free admission. 100+ local businesses. Live music and food samples from Newk's. The West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce fills the Sports Center every June, and this year someone walked out with a $500 gift card.
1936 Pierce Arrow motor car inside Vintage Vehicles showroom in West Monroe, Louisiana

Made in Monroe

The 1936 Pierce Arrow Motor Car Hiding in West Monroe, Louisiana

Charles Rand has been collecting antique automobiles since 1994. His private showroom in West Monroe holds 17 vehicles, including one of the rarest American cars ever built.
Lady Chops leading a Broadway percussion session at Sterlington Memorial Branch library in Monroe, Louisiana

Field Notes

Lady Chops Brought Her Drums to Monroe. The Kids Did Not Want to Leave.

She drives across Louisiana with a full drum setup and teaches kids Broadway musical percussion. She was at Sterlington Library last Thursday. We were there.
View from inside a kayak on Cheniere Lake, Ouachita Parish, Louisiana. Cypress trees with Spanish moss on both sides.

Field Notes

Ouachita Paddling Trails Phase II Opens at Cheniere Lake. We Were There.

Six new trails and three new launch sites just came online in Ouachita Parish. I went to cover the ribbon cutting. I did not plan on getting in a kayak.
Best Things to Do in Monroe, LA

Featured Guide

Best Things to Do in Monroe, LA (2026)

The 15 places this local editor actually takes visiting friends. Ranked and grouped by type so you can build a half-day.

Read the full guide

Explore by Type

Image for Attractions & Museums

Attractions & Museums

Image for Parks & Outdoors

Parks & Outdoors

Image for Arts & Entertainment

Arts & Entertainment

Get the best of Monroe in your inbox every week.

All Things To Do

Get Monroe's best picks in your inbox every week.

Your free weekly guide to Monroe, Louisiana.