- 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.
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1. 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. 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.
Marksville, LA
3. 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. 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. 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
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
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