Overview
Coushatta, nestled on the banks of the Red River, is a small, quiet town. Founded in the 1870s, Coushatta serves as the heart of Red River Parish. While many of the structures of its past have long since faded, there are still a handful of markers in and out of town that indicate the town's heritage and its role in local and state history. In addition to historical markers throughout the area, there is a variety of outdoor activities, especially for lovers of fishing.
4 things to do · 11 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés · 1 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Coushatta
Coushatta Recreation Area
A place to picnic and fish the Red River under the US 84 bridge coming into Coushatta. Can be very quiet and peaceful in the evenings, but loud during the day due to traffic on the bridge. Boat ramp for launching into th…
Russell B. Long Lock and Dam Park
Part of the Red River's lock and dam system to assist barges traveling between Shreveport and the Mississippi River. Picnic area and public restrooms. This is also the site of the American Civil War's Battle of Blair's L…
Gold Mine Casino
Lott's O'Luck
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.
- SHV Shreveport Regional Airport, Shreveport — 41 mi away. Directions
- AEX Alexandria International Airport, Alexandria — 67 mi away. Directions
- IAH George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston — 184 mi away (major hub). Directions
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 Coushatta Recreation Area, Gold Mine Casino
- Lunch Old Folks Cafe
- Afternoon Lott's O'Luck, Russell B. Long Lock and Dam Park
- Dinner Crawfish King
- Evening Silver Dollar Liquor
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
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
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Coushatta is a small town of only a couple thousand people. It is the parish seat of Red River Parish, one of the later of the civil parishes to be organized in Louisiana, founded in 1871.
See
There is relatively little to see within the townsite of Coushatta. There are a few historical buildings in the downtown strip, and the former railroad depot is used by the Red River Council for Aging. The town does not have any museums or galleries. The majority of activities around Coushatta will be outdoors or tied to one of the two video poker casinos.
There is a singular building in town at the corner of Carroll and Abney Streets that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The building is in use as a dry cleaners.
Do
Outdoors
Do Coushatta Recreation Area
A place to picnic and fish the Red River under the US 84 bridge coming into Coushatta. Can be very quiet and peaceful in the evenings, but loud during the day due to traffic on the bridge. Boat ramp for launching into the Red River.
Do Russell B. Long Lock and Dam Park (Site of the Battle of Blair's Landing)
Part of the Red River's lock and dam system to assist barges traveling between Shreveport and the Mississippi River. Picnic area and public restrooms. This is also the site of the American Civil War's Battle of Blair's Landing, fought on April 12, 1864. During the Red River Campaign, United States forces began to retreat after losses at Mansfield and Pleasant Hill. The US Naval component had retreated to this point when attacked by the Confederate Army's cavalry under Brig. Gen. Thomas Green. Casualties were light, though the USS Black Hawk was damaged, and Brig. Gen. Green was killed by an artillery shot from one of the ships. There is a historical marker to the battle just before entering the park.
Events
- Red River Parish Fair & Rodeo is held during the first week of October.
Casino
Do Gold Mine Casino
Do Lott's O'Luck
Buy
Coushatta
Shop Maxway Supercenter
Shop Rivertown Market
Eat
Coushatta
Unincorporated area
Drink
Sleep
Stay Woodland Inn
Stay safe
Emergency services
- For all emergency services, dial 911.
- Law enforcement is provided by the Red River Parish Sheriff and the Coushatta 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 Christus Coushatta Health Care Center. The hospital is located on Marvel Street.
Nearby
Mansfield
City / town · 17 listings · 21 mi away
Natchitoches
City / town · 19 listings · 23 mi away
Natchez
City / town · 4 listings · 29 mi away
Many
City / town · 6 listings · 32 mi away
Logansport
City / town · 5 listings · 39 mi away
Jonesboro
City / town · 3 listings · 40 mi away
Bossier City
City / town · 13 listings · 40 mi away
Winnfield
City / town · 7 listings · 42 mi away
My experience
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