Need a small-town getaway with deep roots and Cajun charm? Head to Marksville! Nestled in central Louisiana, Marksville blends Creole culture, Native American history, gaming, and natural beauty. Whether you're exploring ancient mounds or enjoying spicy Southern cuisine, Marksville offers a warm and authentic Louisiana experience.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Marksville is during the spring and fall (March–May and September–November). Enjoy comfortable temperatures, local festivals, and colorful seasonal scenery without the summer heat or humidity.
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: Marksville is located at the junction of LA Highways 1 and 107, about 1 hour southeast of Alexandria and 2.5 hours northwest of New Orleans.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Alexandria International Airport (AEX), approximately 1 hour away by car.
- By Bus: Limited regional bus service is available; driving is the most convenient option for reaching and exploring Marksville.
Where to Stay
- Paragon Casino Resort – Full-service resort with a casino, hotel, spa, golf course, and indoor pool.
- Tunica Hills RV Park & Cabins – Rustic cabins and RV spots surrounded by nature, ideal for quiet getaways.
- Hampton Inn & Suites Marksville – Comfortable chain hotel with free breakfast and proximity to Paragon Casino.
Top Attractions
1. Explore Tribal Heritage at the Tunica-Biloxi Cultural and Educational Resources Center
The Tunica-Biloxi Cultural and Educational Resources Center in the town of Marksville, Louisiana is a sprawling 40,000-square-foot complex that is made up of tribal government offices, meeting rooms, a distance learning center, classrooms, an auditorium, a research library, a gift shop, a restoration and conservation laboratory, and a museum exhibit gallery. The “Tunica Treasure” is showcased at the Tunica-Biloxi Museum, an extensive Native American European trade item collection, as well as other artifacts, that were deposited as “grave goods” from 1731 to 1764 by the Tunica. The museum is typically open from 9:00am until 4:00pm, Monday to Friday.
151 Melacon Rd, Marksville, LA 71351, Phone: 318-253-9767
2. Spot Wildlife and Enjoy Nature Trails at Grand Cote National Wildlife Refuge
Established in 1989, the Grand Cote National Wildlife Refuge was put in place to preserve a habitat for waterfowl in the Red/Mississippi River floodplain. The large expanse of shallow wetlands attracts a broad diversity in species of waterfowl. Along with opportunities for wildlife viewing, visitors will also find other outdoor recreation activities within the Grand Cote National Wildlife Refuge as well, such as hiking, fishing, and hunting. A permit is required for hunting in the regufe. A hike along the Mark Dupuy Hiking Trail is one of the best ways for guests to see the wildlife of the area.
Romantic Activities and Attractions:
3. Walk Through Civil War History at Fort DeRussy State Historic Site
The Fort DeRussy State Historic Site was constructed back in 1862 during the Civil War as a Confederate stronghold, just a few miles outside of Marksville. The fort was captured by Union forces two years later in 1864. Fort DeRussy was built in order to defend Louisiana’s lower Red River Valley and was designated in 1994 as a state historic site, and later added in 2016 to the National Register of Historic Places. Fort DeRussy is named after Colonel Lewis DeRussy, who was the oldest graduate of West Point to serve as part of the Confederate Army.
Fort Derussy Rd, Marksville, LA 71351, Phone: 318-357-3176
4. Let the Kids Play at Kids Quest and Cyber Quest at Paragon Casino Resort
Kids Quest and Cyber Quest at the Paragon Casino Resort in Marksville, Louisiana offer fun-filled activities for younger guests. Kids Quest is a center open seven days a week for children between the ages of six weeks and twelve years old, featuring arts and crafts, computer and video games, a karaoke stage, an indoor playground with tunnels and spiral slides, and more. There’s also the Cosmic Club for preteens. Cyber Quest is an arcade with many of the latest non-violent games for people of all ages, offering over fifty attractions and arcade games, and the Cyber Quest Prize Zone.
707 Paragon Place, Marksville, LA 71351, Phone: 318-253-1967
5. Unwind with Local Brews at Broken Wheel Brewery
Broken Wheel Brewery was created out of a shared love of “local beers,” bringing together a native of Colorado and a Cajun from Marksville, Louisiana. The approach the brewery takes to brewing is to make what they like, however the owners of Broken Wheel Brewery still like to push the limits of brewing beer. The taproom is open to the public Tuesday to Saturday from 11:00am until 9:00pm. In addition to craft brews, the brewery also has its own brew pub known as Fresh Catch Bistreaux, which serves a food menu featuring plenty of authentic Cajun flair.
109 Tunica Dr E, Marksville, LA 71351
Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:
- Marksville State Historic Site – Tour Native American mounds and archaeological exhibits at this significant prehistoric site.
- Hypolite Bordelon House – Step inside a restored Creole cottage built in the early 1800s.
- Spring Bayou Wildlife Management Area – Go fishing, boating, or birdwatching in this serene natural area nearby.
- Downtown Marksville – Browse quaint shops, visit local restaurants, and explore historical architecture in the town center.
Where to Eat
- Broken Wheel Brewery – Local microbrewery with Louisiana-inspired dishes, pub snacks, and craft beer.
- Juneau’s Cajun Meats – Great for boudin, cracklins, and authentic Cajun take-home meals.
- Fresh Catch Bistreaux – Casual eatery serving fried seafood, steaks, gumbo, and Southern favorites.
If you are interested in local events:
- Marksville Farmers Market (Spring–Fall) – Local produce, crafts, baked goods, and music in the town square.
- Annual Cochon de Lait Festival (May) – Celebrate Cajun culture with live music, carnival rides, and whole-hog roasting.
- Avoyelles Arts & Music Fest (July 4th) – Fireworks, music, food trucks, and artisan vendors in downtown Marksville.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Marksville, Louisiana:
- Bunkie (25 min) – Explore antique shops, local diners, and small-town charm in this rural community.
- Simmesport (30 min) – Fish the Atchafalaya Basin or enjoy scenic drives through Cajun country.
- Hessmer (15–20 min) – Grab Southern comfort food or visit one of the region's historic churches.
- Mansura (10–15 min) – Home of the Cochon de Lait Festival and rich in Creole-Cajun culture.
- Bayou des Glaises (20–30 min) – Birdwatching and bayou photography in this peaceful, off-the-beaten-path setting.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- How was the town of Marksville, Louisiana founded?
- The town of Marksville, Louisiana was founded by accident.
- A Venetian peddler named Marco was traveling in the area during the 1790s when one of his wagon’s wheels broke.
- He decided to stay put and establish a trading post, and the town today offers a unique patchwork of history.
- Where can visitors learn about the early inhabitants of Marksville?
- Visitors can learn about some of the Marksville area’s first inhabitants at the Tunica-Biloxi Cultural and Educational Resources Center.
- What historic sites can be explored in Marksville?
- Explore the prehistoric side of Marksville at the Marksville State Historic Site.
- Discover the Civil War era at Fort DeRussy and other historical landmarks in the area.
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming landscapes, great for exploring nature and cultural sites.
Paragon Casino Resort – A full-service resort with gaming, entertainment, and spa facilities.
Visit the Marksville State Historic Site – Learn about the indigenous history and prehistoric mounds.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and lively, ideal for festivals and outdoor activities.
Hampton Inn & Suites Marksville – A convenient stay with modern amenities.
Explore the Spring Bayou Wildlife Management Area – Go fishing, boating, or birdwatching.
Fall (September-November) – Cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, perfect for scenic drives and local events.
Quality Inn Marksville – A budget-friendly stay near key attractions.
Attend the Tunica-Biloxi Pow Wow – Experience Native American culture, music, and dance.
Winter (December-February) – Mild winters with holiday festivities and indoor entertainment.
Paragon Casino Resort – A great place for winter entertainment and relaxation.
Try Cajun cuisine at a local restaurant – Enjoy regional specialties like gumbo and crawfish étouffée.
Plan Your Trip