Overview
Central is a region in Louisiana. This area is also known as Cenla or the Crossroads.
1 sights
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Central
Fort Beauregard
Site of old Army fort and May 1863 skirmish between Union Navy and Confederate garrison during the Civil War. Historical markers, picnic areas, and scenic views of Harrisonburg and the Ouachita River.
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 36°F. Very hot (Jun, Jul, Aug) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Mar and Dec. (climate data from nearby Mansfield)
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.
- AEX Alexandria International Airport, Alexandria — 6 mi away. Directions
- LFT Lafayette Regional Airport, Lafayette — 80 mi away. Directions
- MSY Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, New Orleans — 158 mi away (major hub). Directions
Alexandria International Airport (AEX)
Full “Get in” guide ↓Sample 3-day trip
- Day 1: Alexandria — Kent Plantation House, Alexandria Zoological Park, Forts Randolph and Buhlow State Historic Site.
- Day 2: Vidalia — Tacony Plantation, Frogmore Cotton Plantation & Gins, Delta Music Museum & Arcade Theatre.
- Day 3: Many — North Toledo Bend State Park.
Built from the best-covered destinations in this region; open each for its own day plan.
Places in Central
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
The Red River flows through the center of this region. Agriculture dominates in the alluvial plain along the Red River where crops such as cotton, soybeans, and corn are grown. The eastern part of Central Louisiana is part of the Mississippi River Alluvial Plain. A large portion of Central Louisiana is covered by Kisatchie National Forest, which contains an abundance of pine trees and rolling hills. Some parts of Central Louisiana are swampy and bayous flow through the area as well.
Typical Deep South culture is predominate in this area. However, there is a significant Cajun presence in some areas, including the Alexandria area, and there is a unique Creole culture around Natchitoches.
Regions
Cities
- Alexandria - the principal city of Central Louisiana
- Campti
- Colfax
- DeRidder
- Lecompte
- Leesville
- Many
- Natchitoches
- Pineville
- Vidalia
- Woodworth
Other destinations
- Kisatchie National Forest
Get in
Alexandria International Airport (AEX)
See
See Fort Beauregard
Site of old Army fort and May 1863 skirmish between Union Navy and Confederate garrison during the Civil War. Historical markers, picnic areas, and scenic views of Harrisonburg and the Ouachita River.
Nearby
Marksville
City / town · 6 listings · 26 mi away
Natchez
City / town · 4 listings · 43 mi away
Simmesport
City / town · 2 listings · 44 mi away
Winnfield
City / town · 7 listings · 45 mi away
Natchitoches
City / town · 19 listings · 49 mi away
Eunice
City / town · 7 listings · 55 mi away
Opelousas
City / town · 2 listings · 57 mi away
Church Point
City / town · 2 listings · 63 mi away
My experience
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