Louisiana Travel Directory

Cane River Lake in Natchitoches, Louisiana. Photo by Lisa D. Smith

Louisiana: The Southern Terminus of the Jefferson Highway

Welcome to the Louisiana section of the Jefferson Highway, the thrilling final leg of the historic "Palm to Pine" route as it guides travelers toward the international port city of New Orleans. This segment of the highway plunges you into the heart of Cajun and Creole country, where the landscape transitions from rolling piney woods in the north to the iconic bayous and cultural crossroads of the south.

Louisiana offers a truly unique experience, blending deep-rooted French, Spanish, and African American heritage with world-class cuisine, stunning historic architecture, and vibrant music. Use the map (a work in progress) and directory below to plan your journey. You'll find everything from Civil War battlefields and rural farm tours to exceptional dining and cozy lodging as you trace the final steps of this grand auto trail.

Louisiana Travel Directory Map

A work in progress, this Louisiana Travel Directory Map displays the Jefferson Highway corridor within Louisiana, from the Texas border down to New Orleans. Use the interactive pins to locate our featured listings, including Visitor Bureaus, historic lodgings, restaurants, attractions and activities, and other businesses that welcome travelers along the route.

Lodging Destinations

Find the perfect place to stay and plan your Louisiana Jefferson Highway adventure with these lodging destinations.

Church Street Inn
Enjoy comfortable and modern lodging right in the heart of Natchitoches' beautiful historic district near dining and shops.

Address: 120 Church St, Natchitoches, LA 71457
Phone: (318) 238-8888
Website: https://churchstinn.com/

Jefferson House Bed & Breakfast
A charming B&B offering historic comfort and warm Southern hospitality near downtown Natchitoches attractions.

Address: 229 Jefferson St, Natchitoches, LA 71457
Phone: (318) 352-5834
Website: http://www.jeffersonhousebedandbreakfast.com/

Steel Magnolia House
Stay in the famous historic home used as the primary filming location for the movie Steel Magnolias in Natchitoches.

Address: 320 Jefferson St, Natchitoches, LA 71457
Phone: (318) 238-2585
Website: http://www.steelmagnoliahouse.net/

Violet Hill Bed & Breakfast
Experience classic Southern charm at this elegant B&B, providing a historic and comfortable stay in Natchitoches.

Address: 917 Washington St, Natchitoches, LA 71457
Phone: (800) 441-8343
Website: http://www.violethillbandb.com/

Hotel Bentley Experience elegance at the historic Hotel Bentley, a beautifully restored landmark offering luxury lodging in downtown Alexandria.

Address: 200 Desoto St, Alexandria, LA 71301
Phone: (318) 442-2226
Website: https://www.visithotelbentley.com/

Visitor Information Centers & Tourism Operations

Plan the Louisiana portion of your Jefferson Highway adventure with these travel and tourism organizations.

Avoyelles Commission of Tourism

Discover the historic crossroads of Louisiana culture and cuisine in Avoyelles Parish, a key destination on the Jefferson Highway. Click here to learn more...

Address: 8592 Hwy. 1, Mansura, LA 71350
Phone: (800) 833-4195
Website: https://travelavoyelles.com/

DeSoto Parish Tourism Commission

Explore DeSoto Parish's Civil War history, Greek Revival architecture, and piney woods beauty at the junction of the Jefferson Highway. Click here to learn more...

Address: 115 N Washington Avenue, Mansﬁeld, LA 71052
Phone: (318) 872-1177
Website: https://discoverdesoto.com/

Natchitoches Parish Convention & Visitors Bureau

Plan your visit to Natchitoches, the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase, famous for its historic district and unique culture.

Address: 780 Front St, Suite 100, Natchitoches, LA 71457
Phone: (318) 352-8072
Website: https://natchitoches.com/