Webster Parish, Louisiana

Attractions

Whether you've come to sit on one of our famed Southern porches or verandas or visit many of our historic, cultural, or entertainment sites, there is much to do and much to see in Webster Parish, Louisiana!

Historical Communities and Settlements

Germantown Colony and Museum

Germantown Colony is one of three sites founded by the Utopian Movement or Harmonist Society in the early days of the 19th Century. In 1835, a group from the Economy, Pennsylvania site, under the leadership of "Countess von Leon", established a colony seven miles northeast of Minden, Louisiana (Webster Parish Road 114) in what was then Claiborne Parish. For 37 years the colony operated on a communal basis, finally dispersing in 1871. Of the three Harmony Society Colonies, Germantown was the most successful and lasted the greatest number of years.

On March 12, 1979, Minden’s Germantown Colony was placed on the official list of the Nation’s Cultural Resources Worthy of Preservation by the U.S. Department of Interior, Heritage Conservation and Recreation Service.

The Germantown Colony and Museum is located at 120 Museum Rd. Go 7 miles northeast of Minden on Germantown Road. Turn right on Museum Road. It is open Wednesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Closed in January and February.

Sibley / Yellow Pine Area

Traveling South from Minden, along Highway 371 you will see to your right a lovely home just north of Sibley. It was this charming home that inspired the Calloway Corners series of Super Romance novels. The grounds boast one of the most lovely private gardens in North Louisiana with classic oak magnolia and pecan trees as well as hundreds of named daylily cultivars and thousands of the owner's own hybridizing efforts. The front yard is home to the 10th largest water oak in Louisiana. Guests are welcome overnight in this enchanting bed & breakfast.

For more information call Toll-Free 800-851-1088

A little farther south brings you to the YELLOW PINE CHRISTIAN CHURCH, formerly the Union Church, built in 1902 and listed in the National Register.

The former Yellow Pine School, now serves, perfectly preserved as a unique Bed & Breakfast. Located on 116 acres of meadows and woodlands, the Yellow Pine Inn is the perfect place to relax and get away from a fast-paced, stressful world. See listing for more details.

Historic Homes and Buildings

Minden Historic District

Minden, the parish seat, is conveniently situated just north of Interstate 20 and boasts an Historic District that includes 71 properties. You can view homes and churches dating as early as the 1850's. Many structures retain their unique period architecture and are on the National Register of Historic Places.

Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Collection

Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of Minden features a vast array of Coca-Cola collectibles from past to present, including a clock collection, antique bottle collection, antique Coke cartons/cases, Santa Claus and Christmas collection, antique Coke boxes/machines, antique processing equipment, advertising memorabilia, T-shirts and other collectibles.

While the collection is not open to the general public, appointments for private tour groups can be arranged. For more information, contact the Webster Parish Convention and Visitors Commission at (318) 377-4240 or call Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Minden, Inc. at (318) 377-6846.

Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of Minden is located at 412 Pine St. in Minden.

W. R. Shadows Estate

Homesteaded in 1838, this once thriving farm earned it's owner the title of Model Farmer of North Louisiana." Once known as the Sunnyside Plantation, this farm grew from 100 acres in cultivation to 2000 in 1880.

In 1906, it would become the Dixie Nursery, leaving behind valuable information on early landscape nursery trade. Today, restoration of this project has begun so that we may share the richness of our history with others.

The Shadow Estate is located 1 mile south of Interstate 20 on La. Hwy. 531 between Minden and Dubberly. The site is open for tours each Saturday by reservation with tour times at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Admission is charged with all proceeds going directly to the continued restoration of the historic site. For reservations, call (318) 377-9311 or (318) 371-1568.

Cotton Valley's Hodges House

Be sure to bring along a camera when you take Highway 371 to Cotton Valley, home of the Hodges House, which entered the National Register in 1983. This proud representation of Greek Revival architecture was built in 1872 by Floyd Crawford Hodges, whose son would later establish one of Louisiana's most popular tourist attractions, Hodges Gardens near Many, Louisiana.

Picturesque farms and rolling hills catch your eye as you travel east across Scenic LA Highway 2 into Shongaloo. Between Sarepta and Shongaloo, you will see Munn's Hill. This is an authentically preserved example of early tenant farming in the rural Southern United States. You can still see the old tenant quarters, barns and well house.

Learn about life in rural Louisiana in the mid-to-late 1800's at the Log Cabin Museum and the Union Springs Church and Cemetery. This original log cabin was one the home of one of North Louisiana's first doctor's. Union Springs School, established before 1850 and Union Church organized in 1852 are also in Shongaloo. Descendents of the original settlers in this community have taken care of this site for over 150 years.

Farther north, in Cullen, the old Kansas City Southern Railroad Depot has been given new life as a museum for the preservation of history and artifacts in the Cullen and Springhill area.

Springhill boasts several homes and buildings dating from early in the 19th century. Among them are the old Martin Home (currently under renovation) on 7th Street S.W., and the original blacksmith shop, visible from Machen Drive, near Downtown. The North Webster Chamber of Commerce is housed in the old train station and is open to the public and across the street is a beautifully preserved example of a turn-of-the-century mill workers home.

Historic Main Streets

Both Minden to the south and Springhill in far North Webster Parish, boast beautifully restored Historic Main Street Districts.

Founded in 1837, Mined has maintained much of its historic integrity. The nostalgic downtown invites you to go back into time. With its early 1900's brick Main Street, beautiful parks and sidewalk benches, downtown promises a relaxing shopping and dining experience just a short distance from Interstate 20. Minden boasts a lovely historic residential district, located adjacent to downtown Minden. Sixty-nine residences and two churches are within the district, with several of the residences on the National Registry.

Established in 1896 the small village of Barefoot, Louisiana officially became the City of Springhill. Springhill, the second largest city in Webster Parish, grew up around the Piney Wood Lumber Company which harvested timber from the lush pine forests found in the area. Visit the Historic Downtown District. Have lunch on an old style Southern Veranda, and while your there, visit the newly restored Spring Theatre, featuring the largest single screen in any small town in Louisiana.

Historic Cemeteries

Cemeteries, the final abode of our bodies, is a place most people would believe is best associated with the adjective "dead". Thus it seems ironic to describe such places as living source books for the history of a community; however, that is exactly the role that cemeteries can fill. Webster Parish, Louisiana, has its share of fascinating stories that can be learned from visiting its many cemeteries. While the parish itself was not created until February 28, 1871, settlement within its borders began in the 1820s. The cemeteries in our parish, like those in most Southern communities, are largely associated with the primary social institution in our society, the church. However, there are town cemeteries, family cemeteries and even plantation cemeteries in the parish. Be sure to request a brochure with a map and description of our many historic cemeteries.

Cultural Attractions

The Moess Center for the Arts & City Farm

The Moess Center for the Arts & City Farm is located on four acres of property donated to Cultural Crossroads of Minden, Inc. in 2000 by one of its charter members. A modest farmhouse, several floral gardens and a mandella garden planted by children are all enhanced with various public art pieces created by local professional artists .

Special events hosted at the City Farm over the past few years include “Moon Over Minden,” “Daffodils, Dungarees and Dirt” and the “Spring Arts Festival.” Hundreds of folks are drawn to the picturesque grounds that mix agriculture with art.

The Moess Center for the Arts & City Farm is located just blocks from downtown Minden at the corner of Talton and East Union streets.

The Neighborhood Art Gallery and Museum

The Neighborhood Art Gallery and Museum was created through a partnership with Cultural Crossroads of Minden, Inc. and the Dorcheat Historical Association in an effort to unite the arts and humanities. Displays include local and regional photography, historical exhibits, original artwork and more. The Neighborhood also hosts monthly art classes on a variety of topics, including crocheting, mosaic, clay sculpturing, etc.

The Neighborhood is supported by grants from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, the Office of Culture Recreation and Tourism and the Shreveport Regional Arts Council.

The Neighborhood Art Gallery and Museum is located at 116 Pearl Street in Minden and is open to the public every Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. , and every other Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. There is no admission, but donations are accepted and appreciated.

Springhill Art League

Located on Main Street in Historic Downtown Springhill, the Springhill Art League is open to the public. Here you can view art in a mediums by a variety of local artists.

Frank Anthony Park and Pine Woods Lumber Steam Engine

Visit Frank Anthony Park in Springhill, on Church Street between Arkansas Street (Highway 371) and Main Street. Walk the nature trail, linger by the newly built lake, and view the original steam engine that powered the Pine Woods Lumber Company at the turn of the century.

Scenic Byway

Along the Northwest Louisiana Scenic Byway, Louisiana Highway 2 in Northwest Louisiana - and a network of other nearby scenic trails - you'll find a side of the state that reflects other, perhaps lesser-known aspects of Louisiana's varied culture.

It's peas and cornbread, fried okra and fresh corn on the cob. It's berry picking on a bright sunny morning or a lazy afternoon of fishing on a tree-studded lake, pond or river. So, co. Take a trip down the road less traveled, come see how the other half lives. Louisiana Scenic Byway 2 travels through North Webster Parish, and through the towns of Sarepta and Shongaloo.

Area Lakes and Bayous

Bayous and lakes formed the very lifeblood of Webster Parish before and after its creation by the Louisiana Legislature on Feb. 27 1871.

Today, the waterways and piney woods of Webster Parish constitutes a year-round paradise for hunting and fishing. Scenic Lake Bistineau is a favorite spot for bass fishermen, both amateur and professional.

Lake Bistineau State Park offers modern cabins, swimming areas, boat rentals, group meeting facilities, and more. Or, take a lazy excursion around the lake on a rented houseboat or party-barge, available at any number of marinas. Beautiful Caney Lakes just north of Minden are a part of the Kisatchie National Forest. The upper and lower lakes are perfect for fishing, swimming, water skiing, hiking, and camping. The annual Caney-Dorcheat Triathlon attracts hundreds of athletes there each summer. If calm-water canoeing interests you, beautiful Bayou Dorcheat winds its way through the entire length of Webster Parish. The graceful "Dauchite" is a designated Louisiana Scenic Waterway. Canoers and sportsmen alike can access the bayou from a number of places, including historic SIKES FERRY near SAREPTA. The ferry, operated by Jesse Sykes in the early 1800's, was the only means of crossing the bayou until a bridge was built in 1910.

Whether you shoot with a camera or a rifle, the forests, lakes, bayous, meadows of Webster Parish are home to an abundance of whitetail deer and other game.

For more in depth information, see our Recreation page.

Entertainment

Piney Woods Palace

The Piney Woods Palace, located in the Frank Anthony Park and Community Activities Center, welcomes stars from all over the world. Recent performers have included Mel Tillis, Willie Nelson, The Cox Family, and more. For more information about upcoming concerts, plays or events go to our Calendar Page, or call the North Webster Chamber of Commerce at 318-539-4717.

The Spring Theatre

Rodeos, Ranches, and Cowboys

Webster Parish has a long history of farming and ranching. Long before the timber companies moved in, this area was homesteaded by farmers, cattle ranchers, and other rural inhabitants. To celebrate that heritage, Webster Parish, Louisiana, offers several area attractions.

Established in 1959 and produced by Redeemed Rodeo, Inc., the 2 X 4 Ranch is dedicated to providing western activities in a Christian atmosphere. Fourth generation management is provided by owners Joe and Delores Robinson. 

With a 40 year anniversary soon approaching, the 2 X 4 Ranch continues to provide a variety of events and activities for the entire family.

The 2 X 4 Ranch is located 10 miles south of Minden in the small rural community of Heflin, Louisiana.

One of the largest outdoor arenas in Louisiana can be found in  Springhill.  It is the site of the annual PRCA Rodeo, which is held the second weekend in August.  Cowboys and Cowgirls from across the nation , as well as locally, come to compete in a variety of events  on the finest rodeo stock on the circuit.

Pow Wow and Trade Days

Held the first weekend in April the Spirit of Leekie Kee's Pow Wow and Trade Days are held at the Minden Civic Center.

For more information, visit our Recreation page.

Sports

Minden Recreation Complex

Minden is home to one of the best recreation complexes in the state. The $8 million Minden Recreation Complex features a gymnasium with basketball courts, exercise rooms, meeting rooms, walking track and a heated exercise/aerobic lap pool. Outdoors is a large swimming pool, water playground, four basketball courts, two enclosed racquetball courts, four tennis courts, 18 softball/baseball fields, one soccer field, one football field, an outdoor walking trail and six restroom/concession/announcer buildings. The Recreation Complex is located off of Industrial Drive (I-20 Service Road) and encompasses more than 150 acres. See additional information under Recreation

Membership is free and open to everyone; however, a photo identification card must be obtained and presented to use Recreation Complex facilities. For more information, call (318) 371-4235.

Springhill Community Center

Offers a swimming pool, tennis courts, softball and baseball field, basketball court and other community recreational activities. The large pool is open to the public daily during the summer and is within walking distance of downtown and the Fran Anthony RV Park.

Golfing

See additional information under Recreation

Pine Hills Country Club

Pine Hills Country Club is a semi-private club featuring a nine-hole golf course, swimming pool, restaurant and banquet rooms. Club memberships are available.

Pine Hills Country Club is located at 100 Birdie Alley in Minden . For more information, call (318) 377-3024.

The Grove

The Grove is an 18-hole semi-private golf retreat located north of Minden between Dorcheat Road and La. 159 on Benson Road . Opened in 2003, the course sits on about 150 acres and plays about 6,400 yards from the tips. Par for the course is 72. Green size averages about 5,500 square feet. Those challenges include almost no flat spots in the course with mounds, bunkers, ponds, creeks and some thick roughs. Upon total completion, the course will also include a practice green, driving range and clubhouse.

Open daily. Weekday green fees are $25 with a cart and $15 without. For the weekend, green fees are $35 with a cart and $25 without. For more information, call (318) 377-9800.

Springhill Country Club

A beautifully maintained facility, this 9 hole course is nestled among ancient pine trees and colorful crepe myrtles. This is a member's only facility, so find a "friendly native" to take you along as a guest, or pay a nominal fee if you carry an out of town driver's license.

Raceways

See additional information under Recreation

Champion Park Speedway

Stock Car Racing

More Info: Call (318) 371-0077

Bayou Kajun Raceway

Go-Cart Racing (1886 Hwy. 532 in Dubberly)

Schedule: Season opens in April and closes in October. Racing on Saturday nights.

Participants: Ages 6 - through. Open to all go-kart owners.

More Info: Call Terry or Sheryl Humphrey at (318) 377-0333 or visit BayouKajunRaceway.com