10 Easy Road Trips From Monroe, Louisiana: Fun Things To Do Just Outside Ouachita Parish
If you live in or around
Monroe, Louisiana, you probably know the local favorites already. But what about those quick little adventures just beyond Ouachita Parish?
Today, we’re hitting the road for
10 short out‑of‑parish road trips from Monroe into nearby parishes—Caldwell, Jackson, Lincoln, Morehouse, Richland, and Union. Each stop is close enough for a day trip, but different enough to feel like a mini vacation.
So gas up the car, pack a small cooler, and let’s explore what’s waiting just down the highway.
1. Caney Lake at Jimmie Davis State Park (Jackson Parish)
If you’re craving water, woods, and quiet,
Jimmie Davis State Park on
Caney Lake is an easy win.
It’s about an hour and a half southwest of Monroe, and the drive itself is relaxing—lots of trees, small towns, and that “I’m getting away from it all” feeling.
- Swim at the sandy beach area in warm weather
- Rent a cabin or camp for a weekend getaway
- Try for bass and crappie—Caney is known for good fishing
- Walk the simple nature trails and enjoy lake views
I like to pack a simple picnic—sandwiches, chips, and cold drinks—and find a shady table by the water. It’s not fancy, but that’s the point.
Tip: Go early on summer weekends to grab a good parking spot near the beach area.
2. Downtown Ruston & Railroad Park (Lincoln Parish)
Ruston is one of the easiest
road trips from Monroe. It’s roughly an hour west on I‑20 and has a lively small‑town feel with just enough to fill a whole day.
Start with a stroll around
Downtown Ruston:
- Walk through Railroad Park and let kids run off energy
- Check out local boutiques and antique shops
- Grab coffee or dessert at a local café
- Catch outdoor events or live music on select weekends
Ruston is also a fun spot if you like college‑town energy thanks to nearby Louisiana Tech. On game days, the whole town feels different—louder, brighter, more alive.
SEO tip for planners: If you’re searching online, look up
“things to do in Ruston LA” or
“day trip from Monroe to Ruston” to find up‑to‑date events.
3. Lincoln Parish Park – A Hidden Gem for Nature Lovers
Just a short drive north of Ruston,
Lincoln Parish Park is one of those places locals rave about once you finally go. It’s a perfect Monroe day trip if you love the outdoors but don’t need a huge state park.
Here’s what makes it special:
- Beautiful lake with a small swimming area
- Shady walking trails around the water
- Well‑known mountain bike trails (seriously, some folks travel just for this)
- Grills and picnic spots for family get‑togethers
If you’re not a mountain biker, don’t worry. You can still enjoy the park without touching a bike. Just bring a camp chair, a good book, and let the kids play.
Travel idea: Pair Downtown Ruston in the morning with Lincoln Parish Park in the afternoon and you’ve got a full, affordable road trip from Monroe.
4. D’Arbonne National Wildlife Refuge (Union Parish)
If you ever feel like Monroe is too busy and you just want woods, water, and birds, head north to
D’Arbonne National Wildlife Refuge in Union Parish.
It’s a peaceful escape with:
- Bottomland hardwood forests and bayous
- Bird‑watching opportunities (especially in cooler months)
- Fishing spots along Bayou D’Arbonne
- Quiet, scenic drives through the refuge
This isn’t an amusement‑park style place. It’s more, “roll down the windows, breathe, and listen to the wind.” If you’re into photography, the reflections on the water and the tall trees make for great shots.
Remember: Bring bug spray, especially in warmer weather. The mosquitoes do not play.
5. Lake D’Arbonne State Park (Union Parish)
Not far from the refuge, you’ll find
Lake D’Arbonne State Park near Farmerville. If you like lakeside weekends, this one should be on your list.
You can:
- Fish for bass, crappie, and catfish on Lake D’Arbonne
- Rent a cabin overlooking the water
- Walk simple nature trails and enjoy the pine forest
- Use the playgrounds and picnic areas for family gatherings
This is a great spot if you want a “mini vacation” close to Monroe. It feels far away, but you’re really just a short drive north.
Road‑trip tip: This is an easy Saturday‑morning‑leave, Sunday‑afternoon‑come‑home kind of place. Great for testing out camping with kids.
6. Bonita & Mer Rouge Backroads (Morehouse Parish)
If you enjoy
scenic drives near Monroe, head into
Morehouse Parish toward small communities like
Mer Rouge and
Bonita.
You won’t find big attractions here, but you’ll find:
- Old farmhouses and wide‑open fields
- Long, straight country roads perfect for a slow drive
- Classic small‑town churches and historic buildings
- Beautiful sunset views, especially in late summer and fall
Think of this as a “mental reset” drive. Put on your favorite playlist, stop at a small local store for a cold drink, and just wander a bit.
Personal note: Some of the best conversations happen in the car when you’re just driving with no rush and no exact plan.
7. Poverty Point Reservoir State Park (Richland Parish)
Over in
Richland Parish, near Delhi, you’ll find
Poverty Point Reservoir State Park—not to be confused with the ancient mound site in a different parish. This one is all about the water.
Here you can:
- Fish off the pier or from the bank
- Rent or bring a small boat for a day on the reservoir
- Stay in lakeside cabins or on‑the‑water lodges
- Walk easy trails and watch for birds
If you’re looking for peaceful
weekend getaways from Monroe, this spot checks all the boxes: close, calm, and budget‑friendly.
Tip: Sunrise over the reservoir is worth waking up for at least once. Bring coffee and a light jacket if you go in cooler months.
8. Rayville’s Small‑Town Charm (Richland Parish)
Rayville may look like a quick I‑20 exit town, but it’s worth slowing down for, especially if you love simple, small‑town Louisiana.
Things to do in and around Rayville:
- Browse local shops and markets when they’re open
- Check out community events and festivals during the year
- Grab a classic plate lunch or Southern comfort food at local spots
- Use it as a base and then explore country roads in Richland Parish
If you grew up in a small town, Rayville feels familiar. If you didn’t, it’s a nice peek into everyday life outside the bigger cities.
Road‑trip idea: Combine Rayville with Poverty Point Reservoir in one loop—lake time plus a bite to eat before heading back to Monroe.
9. Caldwell Parish Country Roads & Columbia Views
Head south into
Caldwell Parish and the Columbia area for a slow, scenic road trip along the Ouachita River—without actually staying in Ouachita Parish itself.
You’ll find:
- Pretty river views from highway pull‑offs and bridges
- Quiet backroads lined with trees and open land
- Small shops and local cafés in and around town
One of the best ways to enjoy this area is to simply pick a direction, drive for 20–30 minutes, and then stop wherever looks interesting—an old church, a little store, or a riverside spot.
Tip: Bring a cooler and grab cold drinks and snacks at a local gas station. It’s not fancy, but it’s very “real Louisiana.”
10. Jackson Parish Backroad Loop & Hometown Eats
Jackson Parish is another underrated place for a
day trip from Monroe. Think quiet roads, pine trees, and local diners.
Here’s how to make it a simple loop:
- Drive southwest from Monroe into Jackson Parish
- Stop in towns like Jonesboro or Chatham for a meal
- Explore side roads and small communities at your own pace
- End your day watching the sky change colors on the way back
This type of road trip is less about a single “must‑see” attraction and more about the experience—the people you meet, the places you stumble upon, and the chance to slow down.
Travel thought: Not every adventure needs an itinerary. Sometimes you just need a full tank of gas and a curious mood.
How to Make the Most of Your Monroe Road Trips
To keep your
short road trips from Monroe fun and stress‑free, a little planning helps:
- Check hours: Parks, shops, and diners may have seasonal or limited schedules.
- Pack a simple kit: Water, snacks, sunscreen, bug spray, and a phone charger.
- Bring cash: Some small places still don’t love cards.
- Take your time: The best moments often come when you’re not rushing.
If you like variety, alternate your trips:
- One weekend at a lake
- Another weekend exploring a new small town
- Then a quiet nature drive with no real plan
Before long, you’ll know the backroads around Monroe better than most people in town.
Share Your Favorite Monroe‑Area Road Trips
Now it’s your turn.
Have you taken a great day trip from Monroe to one of these parishes—Caldwell, Jackson, Lincoln, Morehouse, Richland, or Union? Did I miss one of your favorite hidden spots?
Drop your stories, tips, and favorite stops in the comments. I’d truly love to hear:
- Which lake or park you like best
- Your go‑to small‑town restaurant or café
- Any scenic drives you think more people should know about
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends and family who are looking for new things to do near Monroe, Louisiana. A simple share can turn someone else’s boring weekend into a little adventure.
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