Things to Do in Jeff Davis

FIND YOUR FUN

GATOR CHATEAU
(ALLIGATOR HOUSE)

Interact with live alligators and learn about them!

The Gator Chateau is home to baby alligators as well as larger alligators.  Our alligator handlers are educational ambassadors for gators and will educate you in everything you ever wanted to know about them! Our babies are hand fed, they don’t bite, and you can hold them and take your picture!

The Gator Chateau is located inside the Jeff Davis Parish Tourist Center, which houses a visitor center complete with brochures covering the whole state, a gift shop, and clean restrooms.

Click here for more information!

Open year-round!
Monday thru Saturday, 9AM to 5PM
Alligator feeding times: June thru September, Fridays at 3:30PM
Louisiana Oil & Gas Park
100 Rue de l’ Acadie, (I-10 park Exit 64)
Jennings, LA 70546
(337) 821-5521 or 1-800-264-5521
No admission charged, but donations are accepted.  Motor coaches are welcome.
Email us for more information: [email protected]

bayou rum bottles

BAYOU RUM DISTILLERY

Winner of the Louisiana Travel Promotion Association “Attraction of the Year!” Award for 2015.

A  state of the art distillery in Lacassine, LA. Home of “Bayou Rum”. Set on 22 acres featuring a 109 year old farmhouse, natural ponds, and a sugar cane field, the new facility offers free tours to see firsthand how Bayou Rum is pasteurized, fermented, distilled, aged in their barrel storage, bottled up, and served at their in-house tasting bar. Also houses a gift shop and visitors center. Exit 48 off I-10 with easy access. Bus parking available.

For more information or to schedule a tour, visit their website at bayourum.com or call 337-588-5800

Telephone Museum

CHILDREN’S TELEPHONE MUSEUM

An interactive learning experience centered around a number of communication and historical telephone exhibits.

Children learn about the science of communication and the development of telephone technology while playing with their friends and classmates. The museum is designed for a controlled, yet imaginative experience for children of all ages.

Call to make your group appointment. 337-821-5532.
Open Monday-Friday, 10:00am-4:00pm.
Museum is located in the W.H. Tupper Museum located at 311 N. Main Street, Jennings, La. 70546.

CASINO

COUSHATTA CASINO RESORT

Louisiana’s Premier Casino Resort land based casino near Kinder, 40 minutes from Jennings.

3200 slots, 70 tables, 5 restaurants, 500 luxurious rooms, RV resort with 100 chalets, special events arena, onsite fuel facility, championship golf course.

1-800-584-7263
Contact Bryan Williams
777 Coushatta Dr.
Kinder, LA 70645
coushattacasinoresort.com

Flyway Byway Canoes

FLYWAY BYWAY

DRIVING, CANOEING, EXTREME BIKE TRAIL, FABULOUS BIRDING OPPORTUNITIES! A NEW OUTDOOR ADVENTURE IN JEFF DAVIS PARISH!

Explore the Flyway Byway, a scenic trail through swamp, river, farmland and unique terrain. You can drive, bike, canoe or kayak the waterways. See if you can spy any strange critters and beware of gators!

The 55 mile driving trail takes you on a scenic loop throughout our Parish. The Flyway Byway is now part of the Louisiana Trails and Byways Program. And Jeff Davis Parish is home to over 160 species of birds..a birders’ paradise! One stop is the beautiful Lorraine Bridge, off Niblett’s Road on Hwy 99, an old scenic bridge worth its own trip. See if you can spot members of our vast wildlife community and test your terrain skills.

What can you do on the FLYWAY BYWAY?

Drive for pleasure – See the countryside – Watch Birds and Wildlife – Take a walk or a boat ride – Experience nature – Shop in small towns – Eat local food – Enjoy area hospitality – Relax and unwind in area hotels – Experience unique festivals and events – Learn about area agriculture and industry

Call 800-264-5521 for more information.

Exit 54-I-10, Welsh, LA South on HWY 99 to HWY 14, loop through the town of Lake Arthur, then North on Hwy 26 through Jennings, to I-10, Exit 64.

Click here for more information.

founders park

FOUNDERS PARK

Located in the heart of historic downtown Jennings, this park is a tribute to the history and founding fathers of the city.

Wrought iron benches, landscaped brick patios, a fountain, and an antique clock are the perfect compliment to the 40-foot by 138-foot, hand-painted mural by artist Ronnie Collins. The mural depicts five different glimpses into the history of Jennings.

Free to the public.
341 North Main St.
Jennings, LA 70546
(337) 821-5500

Oil Rig at tourist center

JEFF DAVIS TOURIST INFORMATION CENTER

Located in the Louisiana Oil and Gas Park

Friendly staff offers visitor information on the surrounding area as well as the entire state. Also home to the Gator Chateau. Complimentary Louisiana coffee served. Clean restroom facilities available. Gift shop on site.

100 Rue de l’Acadie (I-10 park Exit 64)
Jennings, LA 70546
Open year-round Monday through Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.
(337) 821-5521 or 1-800-264-5521
Please Email Us your inquires.
Motor coaches welcome.

Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge

LACASSINE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Established in 1937 as a haven for wildlife, the Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge is strategically located at the southern end of the Mississippi and Central Flyways.

It preserves one of the major wintering grounds for waterfowl in the United States. Peak populations reach over 300,000 ducks and 80,000 geese. Also inhabiting the refuge are armadillos, swamp rabbits, fox squirrels, nutria, mink, otters, raccoons, coyotes, white-tailed deer and a large population of the American alligator. Hunting and fishing are permitted at designated times on the 34,878-acre site. The refuge is home to many types of common freshwater fish such as black bass, crappie, bluegill, red-ear sunfish, largemouth bass, striped bass, and blue catfish.

The Illinois Plant Road, just south of Hayes off La. 14 leads to a 16,000-acre marsh impoundment called the Lacassine Pool, complete with boat launch, parking area, shelters, and handicapped accessible fishing piers. In addition to duck hunting and fishing, other activities allowed at the refuge are hiking, biking, berry-picking, wildlife observation, boating, crawfishing, and deer hunting; however, some restrictions do apply.

The refuge is open year-round, seven days a week from sunrise to sunset.
The office is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
For more details, write the refuge at 209 Nature Road, Lake Arthur, LA 70549, or call the Refuge Manager at (337) 774-5923.

Lake Arthur park

LAKE ARTHUR PARK

The Centerpiece of the Town of Lake Arthur is its downtown park facility and waterfront area.

The park is an 11-acre facility that is situated on the north shore of the freshwater lake (also Lake Arthur) and features a beach area perfect for sunning and swimming. The park boasts a concrete boardwalk that expanses out over the lake making it a beautiful setting for walkers and sightseers. There are 10 large picnic pavilions situated within the park affixed with barbecue grills as well as a playground area for the kids to enjoy. There are huge, century-old live oak trees throughout the park that offer shade to visitors. On beautiful Lake Arthur, visitors can enjoy boating, water skiing, swimming and fishing, as well as observe the abundant wildlife in the area. The bald cypress trees and majestic live oak trees that surround the entire lake add to the scenic beauty of the area. Be sure to take a pic in the ‘Big Blue Chair’, located at the entrance to the park! Perfect photo op!

Take I-10 Exit 64 in Jennings, LA and follow Hwy 26 south 10 miles to Lake Arthur. Follow signs to Main Street.
Town of Lake Arthur
(337) 774-2211

lorrain bridge

LORRAIN BRIDGE AND LORRAIN PARK

Historic and scenic bridge that connects Jeff Davis Parish to Calcasieu Parish.

Just outside the small town of Bell City, LA, nine miles from Interstate 10 (Lacassine Exit), it’s a place where time stands still. This park is located at the foot of Lorrain Bridge. Because of it’s unique design and construction, it is being considered for placement in the National Register of Historical Sites. This site was acquired in 1894 and the bridge was constructed around 1895 as a wooden type draw bridge. It was damaged in 1950, repaired in 1951 and in 1955 the draw bridge portion was disabled. The bridge remains open after restoration in 2004. Also features Lorrain Park, including an outdoor pavilion, camper and tent sites, a boat launch, and picnic tables.

7803 Lorrain Road, Hayes, LA
(337) 721-3540

Telephone Museum

LOUISIANA TELEPHONE PIONEER MUSEUM

As we enter the Age of the Information Super Highway, it is quite interesting to look back at the history of the information explosion.

Located in the W.H. Tupper General Merchandise Museum, the Louisiana Telephone Pioneer Museum is the state’s only museum depicting the history of the telephone. The museum includes exhibits and audio/visual presentations. In conjunction with the telephone museum there is also an interactive learning experience centered around a number of communication and historical telephone exhibits. Children learn about the science of communication and the development of telephone technology while playing with their friends and classmates.

311 North Main Street
Jennings, La. 70546
337-821-5532

Mr. Clint’s

More than a store..it’s an experience! An attraction you don’t want to miss!

Mr. Clint’s is a variety shop with an emphasis on CANDY, SODA, GIFTS, and ODDITIES!  Come in and browse our collection of signs, memorbilia, and much more. A fun time for ALL AGES! For kids and kids at heart. Hours: Sunday 12:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Closed Mondays.

205 South Adams Street
Welsh, La. 70591
337-930-4227

strand theater front

THE STRAND THEATRE

Art Deco style movie theatre, circa 1939, located on historic Main Street in Jennings. Home of “A Block off Broadway” community theater group.

Tours by appointment.
Located at 432 North Main Street.
(337) 821-5532 or (337) 821-5500

Attractions

SWLA ACOUSTIC CAJUN MUSIC JAM

Held every other Saturday from 10am-1pm, at the Jeff Davis Parish I-10 Visitor Center (Exit 64) in Jennings, LA, this unique event is for musicians and music lovers alike!

Bring your instrument and jam along, or order a burger and listen to the sounds of some of the best Cajun musicians in our area! This organization is dedicated to promoting the Cajun heritage in our local youth.

A free event!
Every other Saturday 10am-1pm
100 Rue de l’Acadie, I-10 Exit 64, Jennings, LA
cajunjam.org

Flyway Byway

WELSH MUSEUM

The museum, located at 202 East South St., is a project of the Friends of the Welsh Museum.

It is housed in the old town VFW Hall and showcases hundreds of old photographs, schoolhouse items, farm equipment, and other memorabilia highlighting the history of Welsh.

Open Wednesdays and Fridays, 10:00am -2:00pm or by appointment
For more information about the Welsh Museum, contact Mary Sue Lyon
202 East South St.
Welsh, LA
(337) 734-3811

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

The monument is located at the entrance to the La Oak & Gas Park, I-10 Exit 64 in Jennings, LA

This memorial was erected in late 2022 after years of work from locals Veteran organizations. It has a landscaped garden, benches, and plaques throughout the garden with information honoring local fallen Vietnam Veterans.

100 Rue de l’Acadie, Jennings, LA
(337) 734-3811

tupper museum

W. H. TUPPER GENERAL MERCHANDISE MUSEUM

If you’ve ever wondered what life was like 50 years ago, take a step back in time at the W.H. Tupper General Merchandise Museum.

You can visit an authentic country store which operated in rural Jeff Davis Parish from 1910-1949. The original store, located about 12 miles north of Jennings, was opened during the Great Depression to serve the large number of farm workers in the area. It sold everything- groceries, medicines, meat, hardware, dry goods, and even clothing. A realistic capsule of early 20th century lifestyle, the museum features antique toys, newspapers, games, hats, fashions, sewing notions, fabric, patent medicine, school supplies, and hardware. The Tupper Store also served as the area’s post office.

Open year-round Tues-Saturday 10a-2p
Tours after hours available by appointment.
311 North Main Street
Jennings, LA
For more information, call (337) 821-5532
Admission is $3 for adults, $1 for students

ziegler art museum

ZIGLER MUSEUM

One wouldn’t expect to find a museum of this caliber in a small rural community.

In the fall of 2015, the Zigler Art Museum finds a new home in the heart of downtown Jennings. Located in the recently renovated City Hall building at the end of Main Street, the new location affords visitors easy access to Jennings’s other art attractions. The modern design of the new space showcases the Zigler’s permanent collection to better effect.

The museum’s collection surveys and celebrates the development of visual art in Louisiana. Its objects span several hundred years and range from early folk paintings, to native craft, to contemporary painting and sculpture. Highlights from the collection include several works by John James Audubon, a large collection of work by William Tolliver, and Helen Turner’s Impressionist painting, Morning. The museum exhibits selections from the permanent collection at all times, and visiting exhibitions emphasize the museum’s focus on emerging Louisiana artists.

The Zigler Art Museum was established with a trust fund set up by Ruth Zigler in 1963 when she donated her home and personal art collection. After adding two additional wings to the home in 1969, the museum opened to the public in 1970. This historic home has housed the Museum’s growing art collection and welcomed visitors for the past 45 years.

Open year-round Monday through Saturday from 10:00am to 5:00pm. Closed for major holidays.
Admission to the Museum is free for active members, $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $2 for children.
154 North Main St.
Jennings, LA
E-mail: [email protected]
For more information, call (337) 824-0114

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