Monroe Regional Airport (MLU) Layover Ideas

MONROE AREA ATTRACTIONS: There are many points of interest that draw visitors to the area:

Historic Homes & Buildings:

The Biedenharn Museum and Gardens
Built in 1914 by Joseph A. Biedenharn, the first bottler of Coca-Cola. Elsong Gardens, a magnificent formal estate garden, has several thousand flowering plants with seven water features and fine sculpture, and has a Conservatory patterned after fine English glasshouses which is home to hundreds of tropical and semi-tropical specimens. Address: 2006 Riverside Drive, Monroe's Historic Garden District. Tel: 318-387-5281 or 800-362-0983

Layton Castle
Originally the home of Swiss settler, Henry Bry, this European-style castle borders the beautiful Ouachita River and features numerous antiques and family portraits spanning over 200 years displayed. Address: 1133 South Grand Street. Tel: 318-322-4869

Museums & Galleries:

Aviation and Military Museum of Louisiana
Has displays on Delta Airlines, Selman Field, General Chennault, Flying Tigers, and rare war memorabilia. The museum is dedicated to preserving the history of aviation in the Northeast Louisiana area. Open Sat 9am-5pm; Sun 1pm-5pm. There is an admission fee. Address: 701 Kansas Lane. Tel: 318-361-9020

Masur Museum of Art
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this museum is filled with a fine collection of paintings, prints, photographs, and sculptures, plus features rotating art exhibitions. Address: 1400 South Grand Street. Tel: 318-329-2237

Museum of Natural History - Division of Zoology
One of the largest fish collections in the nation is featured at this unique museum that also has a large research collection of North American freshwater fish, reptiles, and amphibians, but also include Neotropical and Asian specimens. Tours are available by appointment. Address: 241 Hanna Hall. Tel: 318-342-1799

Northeast Louisiana Children's Museum
A hands-on educational facility helping children to learn about the world around them through numerous interactive exhibits that include a Kids Cafe, a Toddler Town, an AMR Ambulance, and an “Open Your Mouth and Say Ahhh” exhibit. Special exhibits are also featured throughout the year. Address: 323 Walnut Street. Tel: 318-361-9611

Northeast Louisiana Delta African American Museum
Offers a diverse cultural and artistic exhibits focusing on African-American contributions. Address: 503 Plum Street. Tel: 318-323-1167

Rebecca's Doll House
It features over 2,000 antique dolls on display and includes French and German antique bisque dolls, hand-carved wooden dolls that portray the Last Supper, artist dolls, and China dolls. Address: 4500 Bon Aire Drive. Tel: 318-343-3361

PARKS AND RECREATION:

Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Beautiful 1800 acre cypress-studded lake, nature trail, pier, wildlife observation deck, visitor/education center, arboretum. Fishing and hunting. Address: Hwy 165 North. Tel: 318-387-1114

Chennault Park
Golf course, flying-disc course, picnic areas and covered shelters, softball field, annual DeltaFest in September. Address" 8475 Millhaven Road. Tel: 18-329-2454

Forsythe Park
Picnic areas, a 9-hole golf course, tennis and volleyball courts, softball and soccer fields, children's park and public boat launch. Address: Corner of Riverside & Forsythe Avenue. Tel: 318-329-2440

Frenchman's Bend Country Club
Beautiful semiprivate championship 18 hole golf course that includes large undulating greens, a driving range, five sets of tees, a restaurant, and a bar. Tel: 318-387-2363

Monroe Civic Center
Region's premier multi-purpose events complex with facilities to suit any need. Address: 401 Lea Joyner Expressway. Tel: 318-329-2225

ZOO:
Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo
This unique zoo is the premier family attraction in Northeast Louisiana, with a collection of 500 animals from around the world. Enjoy a relaxing walking tour, boat excursion ride or draft horse-drawn wagon ride, the zoo’s newest feature. You can also sit atop these giant Percheron horses for the ride of a lifetime. The Louisiana Purchase Exhibit and Olive Baboon Exhibit are a must-see at this extraordinary zoo. Open daily 10:00am – 5:00pm. Admission, $4.50 adult; $3.00 children 3-12 and senior citizens; Free for children 2 and under. (Northeast Louisiana Celtic Festival in October.) Address: 1405 Bernstein Park Drive. Tel: 318-329-2400