West Monroe
Restoration Park, 700 Downing Pines Rd., is a wetland environment with ponds and dams—both the beaver and man-made varieties—and a walking trail with some interpretive information and several observation platforms. At 150-acre Kiroli Park, 820 Kiroli Rd., amenities include a covered bridge, a dog park, elevated walkways, fishing ponds, gardens, an observation tower, picnic shelters, playgrounds and trails. For more information about either park, phone (318) 396-4016.
Cheniere Lake Park, 104 Cheniere Lake Rd., has multiple boat ramps leading into 3,000-acre Cheniere Lake, where fishing is permitted by boat and along the bank. Boat/canoe trails have been created among the cypress and tupelo gum trees sprouting up from the lake, and you may see alligators, beavers, birds, otters and turtles. Playgrounds and picnic pavilions are available, and duck hunting is permitted; phone (318) 387-2383.
Lazarre Park, at the junction of Hamilton and Thompson streets, offers a boat ramp into the Ouachita River, which separates West Monroe from Monroe. Fishing is permitted, and the park also has two 18-hole disc golf courses; phone (318) 396-4016.
While visitors are certainly attracted to West Monroe's outdoor recreation opportunities, the town has also become a popular vacation destination thanks to the success of the “Duck Dynasty” TV series. The stars of A&E's scripted reality show, the Robertsons, live and work in West Monroe, which is the headquarters for Duck Commander, the family's multimillion-dollar duck call company.
Visitor Centers
Monroe-West Monroe Convention and Visitors Bureau 601 Constitution Dr. West Monroe, LA 71292. Phone:(318)387-5691 or (800)843-1872
Shopping
Antique Alley comprises the 100-300 block of Trenton Street in the Cottonport Historic Cultural District. There are almost two dozen antique shops and malls as well as about 20 boutiques, and most occupy historic buildings. Fans of A&E's “Duck Dynasty” show will want to stop in at the Duck Commander Store , 117 Kings Ln., to browse the selection of duck calls and, of course, souvenirs plastered with the bearded likenesses of good ol' boys-turned-national celebs Phil, Si, Jase, Willie and Jep.