Attractions and Things to Do Around Pineville Louisiana
Pineville and several surrounding nearby towns have a variety of attractions and things to do.
From museums and zoos, to outdoor recreation and historical sites, there is something to do for area residents, and visitors alike!
Buhlow Lake
Buhlow Lake is a popular destination near Pineville in Central Louisiana for various boating, racing, fishing and recreational activities. Built in 1956, it covers an area of 282 acres.
Buhlow Lake is located on the north side of Pineville, bounded on the south by U.S. Highways 165-71, and the Red River to the north.
Buhlow Lake has been the site of power boat racing since the 1960s, and is known for its flat, fast race course due to the shallow lake being sheltered from winds by surrounding hills. The City of Pineville has several sanctioned motor boat racing events annually on the lake.
It has the distinction of being the location for many world speed records. The lake is often called "The Fastest Lake in the USA". At the west end of the lake is the historic Civil War-vintage Fort Buhlow.
In addition to Buhlow Lake, other bodies of water close to Pineville include the giant Catahoula Lake, Cocodrie Lake, Saline Lake, Cotile Lake, Williams Lake, Little River, Walker Lake, Hog Lake, Kincaid Lake, and others. The Red River in downtown Pineville has become a popular spot for boating, fishing, hiking and walking.
Fireworks, Music and Fun at Buhlow Lake! |
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Fort Buhlow Recreation Area
The Fort Buhlow Recreation Area is nestled between Buhlow Lake and the Red River. Access to this area is via the Lake Buhlow Road past the Pineville Airport.
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It features a three lane boat launch, boat dock, picnic shelters, hiking trails, parking, comfort stations, lighted ballfield, disc golf courses, and more facilities. Access to this area is via the Lake Buhlow Road past the Pineville Airport.
It is a popular venue for many sports, from bass fishing in the Red River to cross-country track events to disc golf tournaments. For example, the Louisiana D.A.R.E Officers Association’s (LDOA) 5K in support of the Buddy Camp, and the Running Man Dash, have been held at the recreation area.
Visitors to Buhlow Recreation Area can take advantage of two woodland disc golf courses. Although shaded by surrounding forest, the fairways are kept trimmed and neat.
The Gold 6,483' course contains a number of longer holes including an 846', par 5, along with forested, tunnel holes, and has more elevation than the Purple course.
The courses have been the site of the two-day Louisiana State Disc Golf Championship Tournament, and the Red River Rendezvous Tournament.
The recreation area is operated by the Red River Waterway Commission.
Fort Randolph & Fort Buhlow State Historic Site
Located on the Red River in downtown Pineville, the Fort Randolph & Fort Buhlow State Historic Site includes a visitor center with exhibits on the Civil War Red River Campaign, an elevated boardwalk around the fort area, with an overlook near the Bailey's Dam site, and an open field for Civil War re-enactments. Forts Randolph & Buhlow were placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.
 Visitor Center at the Forts Buhlow and Fort Randolph State Historic Site (Courtesy of the Louisiana Dept of Culture, Recreation and Tourism) |
The Fort Randolph & Fort Buhlow State Historic Site includes a visitor center, interpretive areas and walkways.
The site is today commemorated with interpretive signage and a scenic overlook of the Red River. Located on the Red River in downtown Pineville, the site includes a visitor center with exhibits on the Civil War Red River Campaign, an elevated boardwalk around the fort area, with an overlook near Bailey's Dam site, and an open field for Civil War re-enactments.
Forts Randolph & Buhlow were placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.
The historic site is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday, and closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. A small entrance fee is charged. Seniors over 62 and children 12 and under are admitted free.
Phone 318-484-2390 or 1-877-677-7437. The official address is 135 Riverfront Street, Pineville, LA 71360
Take I-49 into Alexandria and take Exit 85A onto 10th Street; visitors exiting from I-49 northbound will turn right onto Jackson Street (Hwy. 165), while visitors exiting from I-49 southbound will turn left onto Jackson Street (Hwy. 165). Cross the Red River, then take the first right onto Main Street, then right onto Riverside Drive, which will take you to the site.
Old Town Hall Museum
 Old Town Hall Museum, Pineville |
Pineville is home to the Old Town Hall Museum, the only museum in Louisiana dedicated to municipal government. It is located at 731 Main Street in Pineville, and open 8 am-12 pm Monday-Friday, and by appoinment. Admission is free.
Visit the City of Pineville's web site for more information about the museum.
Gone Wild Safari
Located on Hooper Road in Pineville is Gone Wild Safari. Facilities include a petting zoo, playground, gift shop, party room, parakeet enclosure, mining company and concession stand.
A large variety of animals roam the safari, such as giraffes, bisons, zebras, llamas, big horn sheep, kankaroos and more.
Gone Wild Safari is USDA licensed and inspected to ensure the health and safety of our animals and our guests. The Safari is located at 805 Hooper Road, Pineville, La. 7136. Call 318-787-6902 for more information and opening hours.
Kisatchie National Forest
The Kisatchie National Forest offers many opportunities and venues for visitors to enjoy the beautiful natural scenery of Central Louisiana. Groups can view or stop at recreation areas, view endangered species or geologic sites, or participate in tree identification.
The national forest includes Kincaid Recreation Area, Valentine Lake Recreation Area, and the Wild Azalea Trail. Admision fees may be charged.
Popular Mutli-Use trails are available at Camp Livingston and Camp Claiborne for hiking, walking, and biking.
The main office is located at 2500 Shreveport Highway in Pineville. Phone 318.473.7160 for more information.
Louisiana Maneuvers & Military Museum
 Louisiana Maneuvers & Military Museum |
The Louisiana Maneuvers & Military Museum tells the story of the massive army maneuvers that prepared the United States for World War II and was centered on several army camps in the Pineville area.
Built as a replica WWII barracks, this museum houses memorabilia and artifacts from the WWII era, as well as WWI and earlier time periods. View life size military vehicles, authentic military uniforms, and historic pieces from the home front.
Admission is free. It is located at 623 G Street, Camp Beauregard. For additional information, phone 318.641.5733.
Korean War Memorial
Pineville is also the site for the Louisiana Korean War Memorial, at Kees Park. The "Freedom Is Not Free" memorial was erected and maintained by Crossroads Chapter 205 of the Korean War Veterans Association.
Historic CemeteriesMt. Olivet Chapel & Cemetery
Mt. Olivet Chapel is the oldest standing structure in Pineville. During the Civil War, the chapel was used as headquarters for the Union Army, and was therefore spared from the burning of Alexandria. The adjacent cemetery is the second oldest in the area. Many early Pineville and Alexandria pioneers and prominent citizens are buried there. It is located at 335 Main Street in Pineville. Tours are by appointment. Phone 318.473.8787 for more information. Rapides Cemetery The historic Rapides Cemetery is located on the banks of the Red River in downtown Pineville, and is the oldest cemetery in Rapides Parish. In 1711, Franciscan missionaries established a Catholic mission at the "Grand Rapides" on what is now the site of the Rapides Cemetery. The French, in 1723, built a post there, known as Post du Rapide. Under Spanish domination in 1763, it was renamed Post el Rapido.
The oldest marked grave existing today is that of Pierre Baillio who died in 1809. Many of the earliest graves have fallen victim to time, and the nearby Red River. The river levee was actually built on top of some graves. Alexandria National Cemetery in Pineville The Alexandria National Cemetery, located in Pineville on East Shamrock Street just off Main Street, was established in 1867 to offer a permanent place of rest for the many Union soldiers who died in Central Louisiana from wounds and disease during the Civil War. It later took in the remains of veterans from other conflicts, including many from the Indian Wars in Texas. The site is rectangular in shape, and the main entrance is located on the west side of the property. The cemetery is enclosed by a brick wall, constructed in 1878. The cemetery is located at 209 East Shamrock Street, Pineville, LA 71360. Phone: 318-449-1793 for more information. |
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Hotels in Pineville |
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| Holiday Inn Express & Suites - 2820 Monroe Highway, Pineville, LA |  |
| Country Inn & Suites by Radisson - 2727 Monroe Highway, Pineville, LA |  |
| Sleep Inn & Suites - 3411 Highway 165, Pineville, LA |  |
Alexandria-Pineville & CenLA Attractions and Things to Do |
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