Things To Do in West Feliciana Parish

Calling all outdoor adventurers, families, girlfriends, shoppers, and creatives! Visit West Feliciana Parish and you’ll soon see it’s a place that truly offers something for everyone. 

Visit One of America’s Most Haunted Homes 

Snap a picture at The Myrtles antebellum home, and you might just see a ghostly apparition along for the fun. Thousands of visitor’s flock to this famous historic property every year, especially in October, to experience its supernatural reputation and the occasional appearance of resident ghosts, who sometimes show up in pictures.  

Tour its rooms and grounds and hear about the former occupants said to haunt it. All scariness side, The Myrtles features well-appointed accommodations both in the main house and onsite guest quarters for a relaxing overnight stay. Enjoy a gourmet dinner at Restaurant 1796, specializing in wood fired cooking with Southern flair. Grab a specialty coffee at Elta Coffee, and don’t forget to stop by the gift shop for a fun remembrance.    

Soak in the Area’s Fascinating History  

Experience West Feliciana Parish’s rich history with a trip to one its many historic sites and museums. Get your bearings at the free West Feliciana Historical Society Museum downtown for an overview of the area and its local waterway, Bayou Sara. The friendly staff are happy to provide additional information about the region’s many attractions. Don’t miss the stunning manicured gardens on the site of the ruins of a burned plantation at Afton Villa Gardens, open in the fall and spring. Presidential history buffs will enjoy a visit to the Locust Grove Historical Site, the final resting place of President Zachary Taylor’s daughter, Sarah Knox.  

A West Feliciana must-see is the gripping Louisiana Prison Museum and Cultural Center at Angola Prison, which documents the history of the country’s largest maximum-security correctional facility. Just like Alcatraz Island, the site tells the complex history of crime, punishment, rehabilitation, criminal justice, and reform at the legendary prison known as “The Farm.” Thousands of visitors from around the country and world tour the museum annually.   

Shop and Dine in Downtown St. Francisville  

With its artsy vibe and friendly people, downtown St. Francisville is a fantastic place to shop, dine, and relax. Park your car and spend the day—or better yet, the weekend—perusing a variety of shops and eateries along its historic streets. Update your wardrobe with fashion forward looks from shops like NK Boutique and the Cotton Exchange. Check out Barlow Fashion and Deyo, which feature popular designers for men and women under one roof. Booklovers can’t get enough of local bookstore, The Conundrum, a trove of best-selling fiction, nonfiction, regional authors, and jigsaw puzzles. Pick up eclectic gifts and home furnishings from Birds of a Feather, the large and longtime retailer, Sage Hill, and many other spots.  

All that shopping works up an appetite, but there’s plenty of great food to restore your energy. A favorite stop among locals and visitors is the casual and lively Magnolia Café, the “Mag” for short. For fine dining in a beautifully designed space, try the St. Francisville Inn’s The Saint Restaurant & Bar, which earned OpenTable’s award for one of America’s Top 100 restaurants in 2021.

Stretch Your Legs Amid Stunning Nature  

West Feliciana Parish’s rolling hills and pristine scenery has long been appreciated by naturalists and adventurers, including John James Audubon, who found inspiration for his famed Birds of America series while living in St. Francisville. Today, nature enthusiasts find plenty of opportunity to explore the verdant forests and bucolic byways the area is known for. A favorite is Tunica Hills Wildlife Management Area, a 6,500-acre site that’s perfect for a day hike. Pack along a picnic and traverse spectacularly beautiful and rugged hills, bluffs, ravines, and waterfalls. Bring along your binoculars to spot native and migratory birds. Tunica Hills Wildlife Management Area includes a nature trail, three hiking trails, and a primitive camping area.  

Keep the Family Smiling with Kid-Friendly Activities  

Children and teens will find plenty of family-friendly things to do in West Feliciana Parish. Check out the historic West Feliciana Railroad on St. Ferdinand Street for a glimpse into a real, old-fashioned caboose. Explore downtown shops like The Conundrum, a locally owned bookstore that carries a large selection of puzzles and popular children’s and young adult books. Satisfy your sweet tooth with ice cream or old-fashioned candy at the Away Down South. Spend the day getting in touch with St. Francisville’s wild side by renting a kayak and exploring the peaceful beauty of Bayou Sara.