Overview
Arcadia is a town of 2,700 people (2019) in North Louisiana and the parish seat of Bienville Parish. At 384 feet above sea level, Arcadia has the highest elevation of any town in the state of Louisiana. About 15 miles south lies Driskill Mountain, the highest point in Louisiana. For U.S. highpointers, Arcadia is usually a stopping point before or after taking the drive down to Driskill, as it is the closest town.
2 sights
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Arcadia
Bonnie and Clyde Ambush Museum
The notorious Bonnie and Clyde were shot and killed a few miles south of Gibsland.
Driskill Mountain
Hiking to the top of Driskill Mountain is the major draw to this area and is about 15 miles south of Arcadia. At 535 feet above sea level, the highest point in Louisiana is not very tall by national standards. However, i…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Summer highs reach about 93°F; winter lows dip to about 35°F. Very hot (Jul, Aug) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Dec and Jan.
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- ELD South Arkansas Regional Airport at Goodwin Field, El Dorado — 47 mi away. Directions
- MLU Monroe Regional Airport, Monroe — 52 mi away. Directions
- IAH George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston — 228 mi away (major hub). Directions
The only way to get to Arcadia is by car. No public transportation goes to or from this city. It is possible to take rideshare services to Arcadia from Shreveport or Bossier City, but would likely be very expensive.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Bonnie and Clyde Ambush Museum
- Afternoon Driskill Mountain
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Climate
Get in
By car
The only way to get to Arcadia is by car. No public transportation goes to or from this city. It is possible to take rideshare services to Arcadia from Shreveport or Bossier City, but would likely be very expensive.
- Interstate 20 passes through the northern edge of town from west to east. Shreveport is to the west, while Ruston is to the east.
- US Highway 80 passes directly through the center of Arcadia, and also connects with Shreveport and Ruston. This route is generally used if wanting to cross northern Louisiana at a slower pace.
- Louisiana Highway 147 enters Arcadia from the southeast and is generally used by visitors going to and from Driskill Mountain.
Get around
By car
The best way to get around town. Arcadia is very easy to navigate and there is plenty of parking at all points of interest.
On foot
Only practical in the downtown area of Arcadia. It is not recommended to try to walk from the hotel near Interstate 20 to the downtown area. Best place to park would be around the Bienville Depot Museum and to explore on foot from there.
See
Do
See Driskill Mountain
Hiking to the top of Driskill Mountain is the major draw to this area and is about 15 miles south of Arcadia. At 535 feet above sea level, the highest point in Louisiana is not very tall by national standards. However, it is often an easy mark for Highpointers looking to collect all 50 U.S. state high points. It is an easy hike from the parking lot near Louisiana Highway 507 and is just under 2 miles round trip (100 ft of elevation gain). Timber has been cleared to give visitors a clear view of the forested hills of Louisiana's Hill Country.
Stay safe
Emergency services
- For all emergency services, dial 911.
- Law enforcement is provided by the Bienville Parish Sheriff and the Arcadia Police Department. The Louisiana State Police generally patrol areas outside of the city limits and often assist on major crimes.
- For all health concerns, medical assistance can be found at the Bienville Medical Center. The hospital is northeast of the downtown area on Pine Street.
Nearby
Ruston
City / town · 16 listings · 17 mi away
Minden
City / town · 2 listings · 21 mi away
Jonesboro
City / town · 3 listings · 25 mi away
Coushatta
City / town · 20 listings · 44 mi away
Bossier City
City / town · 13 listings · 45 mi away
Winnfield
City / town · 7 listings · 46 mi away
Monroe
City / town · 16 listings · 47 mi away
El Dorado
City / town · 2 listings · 48 mi away
My experience
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