Lake Providence Attractions

Louisiana Cotton Museum

The Louisiana State Cotton Museum sets on 7 acres of land and includes a Plantor's House, which is the original site of the museum, an original sharecropper's cabin was soon moved in to accompany the main house.  A small plantation church, commissary, replicated gin building, and an exhibit hall round out the old plantation feel of the museum. 

Exhibits on how cotton is planted, grown, picked, ginned and manufactured help to explain how cotton has played a pivotal role on our southern and American culture.  There are also interactive displays, historic footage, and many other attractions.  The museum is also the home of the historic Homer Cotton Gin, Louisiana's first electric powered cotton gin.

Byerley House Community and Visitors Center

The Byerley House is located on Highway 65 (Lake Street) and serves as a visitors' information and community center.  The house is of the Queen Anne Revival architecture and has been lovingly restored.  It's original location was about a block from its' present location and was set for demolition until the owners donated it to Doorway To Louisiana, Inc.  The house was carefully moved to the more prominent position on the lake and restoration that lasted for three years was began.  The house was opened to the public in June 1993.

Travelers will find a wealth of information at the Byerley House in the form of free brochures and from the friendly and knowledgeable volunteers that oversee daily operations.  It can also be rented out for community activities such as: receptions, dinner parties, conferences, and workshops among other things.

Grant's Canal Park and Lake Over-Look

Grant's Canal Park and Lake Over-Look is located directly across from the Byerley House and is a wonderful place for picnics and family gatherings.  The park boasts a beautiful gazebo and picnic tables that are shaded by giant cypress trees.  The area can be rented for private parties and other activities for a fee.  Contact the Byerley House staff for more information.

Adjacent to the park is a 600 foot long pier that provides a beautiful view of the lake. Visitors can feed the fish or take a stroll on the nature walk.  It will surely be the highlight of any visit to Lake Providence.

Lake Street Across from Byerley House
Lake Providence, LA

The Veteran's Memorial Plaza was constructed to honor those in the community who had served their country and to celebrate the centennial of the Louisiana Purchase.  Flags of the countries who had a part in shaping Louisiana culture are flown daily.  The top of the plaza is constructed with bricks that bare the name of local veterans from World War I to the present war in Iraq.  An example of the bricks (my father's and grandfather's) can be seen below.

Arlington

Arlington is a privately owned home that played a central role in the Union Army's occupation of Louisiana.  You can read more about Arlington on the Civil War page of this website.

Panola Pepper Plant

Panola Pepper Plant is a privately owned business on the outskirts of Lake Providence that loves to give tours of their facilities.  Visitors will see how beautiful peppers are made into their world famous hot sauce and other related items.

Poverty Point

Poverty Point is open to the public everyday except Christmas and offers many educational activities for visitors.  For more information on Poverty Point visit the Poverty Point page on this website.

Ole Dutch Bakery

The Ole Dutch Bakery has been the place to be in Lake Providence for over 10 years.  The owners, Marlin and Kathy Wedel, use the recipes that have been mainstays for the Mennonite people (the Wedel's Faith)  for decades.  The results are delicious baked items; doughnuts, breads, cakes, and pies, among other things.  The bakery is a comfortable place to have breakfast or lunch with tables inside the building and a few outside for those beautiful Louisiana days.  Travelers are welcome, just be sure your visit doesn't fall on a Sunday or Monday, the only 2 days that the bakery is closed.

Back to L.P.