Marksville Louisiana

When Mark Pelishe’s wagon broke down in the center of Louisiana, little did he know that 190 years later there would be a town named after him in the Louisiana Cajun Country. Welcome to Marksville LA, population approximately 5,500. Marksville Louisiana rose out of one man’s misfortune to an interesting old Louisiana town with over 100 historical markers.

Marksville LA is 62 miles north of Lafayette Louisiana. Best know for its annual events and a famous Marksville casino, Marksville LA is a taste of the country in the heart of Louisiana.

The Paragon Casino is a probably the biggest attraction in Marksville Louisiana. The Paragon Casino Resort is a Native American Casino and is open daily 24 hours. This Marksville casino has 72,120 square foot of gaming space and features 2,055 gaming machines, as well as fifty-six table and poker games. The Marksville casino has eight restaurants and a hotel with 386 rooms. There is entertainment with A-list stars in their showroom and an arcade for the kids. They also have an 18-hole golf course on property, which was ranked 4th in Louisiana. There is also an RV park at the Marksville casino for those who are passing through Marksville Louisiana in an RV and want to do a little camping.

The Native American history plays a big part of the city of Marksville LA. The Marksville State Historic Site, was built after the discovery of the Marksville Mound Builders, a Native American tribe that lived here prior to the European settlers arrival in the 1700’s. They have demonstrations with participation on pottery, hut building, Native American foods, dart throwing, Indian crafts and dancing.

Finding a hotel in Marksville can be easy with such a huge casino nearby, but there are also some historical properties like the Bailey Hotel, which was built in 1907. This hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Witness the history for the south as you are surrounded by antiques, the smell of Cajun cooking and sitting in the historic rooms sipping on a mint julep. You might also want to experience on of the many Louisiana bed & breakfasts while visiting Marksville LA. The Honeysuckle Bed & Breakfast is fashioned after a French country house. The owners surround you with Cajun hospitality and a warm country atmosphere. For a real treat ask them to speak a bit of Cajun French!

Don’t forget to take a tour of the historic homes there are several to see in this small town, Dr. Jules Charles Defosse" House even allows tourists to look inside.

Marksville Louisiana events and festivals are another big attraction during vaactions. Since festivals are one of the favorite things-to-do on a Louisiana vacation, try checking out one during your next trip to Marksville LA. One of the many Marksville Louisiana events includes Indian Days at the Marksville State Historic site. This event is a great place to experience the Native American culture in Marksville. On the Fourth of July weekend there is the Fete du Ble Indian Festival honoring the original inhabitants of this town. At this festival you will find Indian dancing, crafts, and some exciting fireworks. Other nearby Marksville Louisiana events are the Riverfest in Alexandria, LA with live music, a large boat parade and scores of fun events for children. There is also the Natchitoches Meat Pie festival an hour North of Marksville and the Zydeco Festival of Music south of Marksville La in Opelousas LA.

If you want a taste of the past and a unique view of the Louisiana country folk, or one of the best casinos and golf Louisiana offers, take a trip to Marksville on your next Louisiana vacation.