Where Cultures Connect

Where Cultures Connect is a multi-parish route running through Vernon, Rapides, and Avoyelles parishes. Take a trip and get to know the entire area’s history, culture, and outdoors offerings!

The Outdoors

The great outdoors are calling and you can answer right here in central Louisiana – Where Cultures Connect. You can take a boat ride down Spring Bayou in Marksville. Discover the flora and fauna of the Wild Azalea Trail in Woodworth, the state’s longest hiking trail. Speaking of trails, tee off at one of our top-rated golf courses along the Audubon Golf Trail. Explore Louisiana’s Wildflower Capital and the Wolf Rock Cave outside of Leesville. We even have festivals for the outdoor enthusiast: Louisiana Nursery Festival and West Louisiana Forestry Festival and Fair.

Arts & Culture

Louisiana is brimming with arts and culture – and Where Cultures Connect is no different. Come for a festival, such as the Avoyelles Arts and Music Festival, Leesville’s Mayfest, or Alex River Fete. And stay to visit galleries and museums for a taste of the area’s arts and culture.

History

Step back in time to No Man’s Land. Discover how the Civilian Conservation Corps developed this area prior to World War II. Travel the steps of Solomon Northup, of 12 Years a Slave. Take a photo in front of the Sarto Old Iron Bridge, built in 1916. Where Cultures Connect offers a wide-array of historical attractions from plantations and museums to churches and cemeteries. Allow us to help you build an itinerary that capitalizes on the special historical aspects of our region.

Highways & Byways

Stay connected through our area’s highways and byways. Stop at points of interest and historical sites along the Northup Trail Byway in Rapides and Avoyelles Parishes. Or step back to No Man’s Land on the Myths and Legends Byway in Vernon Parish. You will love rambling through pine forests and blackberry farms during a drive based on true stories, tall tales and a gunslinger named Leather Britches Smith. Embrace more than 100 historic sites along the Colonial Trails Scenic Byway where you can take a look at the mixed cultures and traditions of the French, Creole, Anglo and African-Americans.

Agriculture

Savor the richness of central Louisiana’s agricultural past and present by exploring plantation homes featuring sugar mills and museums displaying early farming implements. Take time to tour a modern-day farm or plant nursery. Unique tour offerings include a crawfish experience – from the pond to the table – and a timber tour – to learn about the expansive timber industry of the area.

Food, Festivals & Fun

Everyone knows Louisiana has the best food – and central Louisiana is no different! We boast fine-dining, mom-and-pop eateries, casual dining and even convenience stores offering delicious, Louisiana dishes that are worthy of seconds. Taste craft brews from Broken Wheel Brewery. And don’t forget our festivals! Especially unique to central Louisiana are food festivals such as the Corn Festival, the Cochon de Lait Festival, the Bordelonville Cake Festival, and the Lecompte Pie Festival. And make some time to pull the slots at one of our area casinos.