Natchitoches, Louisiana

===Tourism===
The [[Cane River National Heritage Area]] is a {{convert|116000|acre|km2|adj=on}} area which includes many sites such as [[Oakland Plantation (Natchez, Louisiana)|Oakland Plantation]], [[Melrose Plantation]], [[Badin-Roque House]], [[Magnolia Plantation (Derry, Louisiana)|Magnolia Plantation]], [[Kate Chopin House (Cloutierville, Louisiana)|Kate Chopin House]], Cherokee Plantation, Cane River Heritage Scenic Byway, [[Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site]], [[National Historic Landmark]] District (Old Courthouse Museum, Bishop Martin Museum, Landmarks in Time Exhibit), and  [[Los Adaes State Historic Site]]. Because of this richness of culture, the area is one of the destinations on the [[Louisiana African American Heritage Trail]] newly designated by the state.

Natchitoches, a popular tourism area of the state, is equipped to serve visitors with 11 national chain hotels, and 27 bed-and-breakfast inns,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.natchitoches.net/accommodations/bed-and-breakfasts/|title=Bed & Breakfasts, Cabins, and Guest Houses in Natchitoches, LA}}</ref> including the Steel Magnolia House.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.steelmagnoliahouse.com/|title=Home|website=steelmagnoliahouse.com}}</ref>

Natchitoches attracts over one million visitors annually. The city is known as a retiree-friendly city. In 2006, Natchitoches was awarded the [[Great American Main Street Award]] for the effort the community has put into revitalizing and restoring much of the historic district.

The city's tourism center is the downtown river walk. This includes Front Street, which becomes Jefferson at the Texas Street light. Front Street is the jewel of the city. It overlooks the river walk and is bordered by an assortment of shops and boutiques. The city has identified this area as its historical district. The [[Historical Society]] maintains the area through regulations on changes and restorations. Natchitoches has a mini "Walk of Fame" located in the historical district of the city.

While visiting the area, tourists may notice many unusual structures; these are many of the Natchitoches Christmas Festival lights. The city recently built a small convention center located on Second Street, which holds many city events.

The [[Bayou Pierre Alligator Park]] is a major tourist attraction, where tourists may feed the alligators and dine and shop. The park teaches school children to respect nature and to conserve its many habitats. Natchitoches is home to a branch of the [[Kisatchie National Forest]], a designation promoted by naturalist [[Caroline Dormon]] to preserve regional natural wonders.

Opened December 2005, the [[Natchitoches Events Center]] is in the [[Natchitoches National Historic Landmark District]]. Located at 750 Second Street, the facility has a {{convert|40000|sqft|m2|adj=on}} meeting facility, a {{convert|15000|sqft|m2|adj=on}} exhibit hall with three meeting rooms, a board room, and a full-sized catering kitchen.