When exploring the Zachary Taylor Parkway Byway, you can drive the Audubon Bridge over the Mississippi River just south of St. Francisville.
Zachary Taylor Parkway
Zachary Taylor Byway connects Bogalusa to Pineville, crossing three other Louisiana Byways on its 203-mile trek. It occasionally overlays the Louisiana Great River Road All-American Road near St. Francisville and New Roads, the Northup Trail in Mansura and to Marksville where it meets the Colonial Trails Byway. This byway nods to the heroic deeds of its namesake during the Mexican-American War and the War of 1812. Baton Rouge was Taylor’s adopted home. His home, a modest four-room cottage, once overlooked the Mississippi River. Sites along the Zachary Taylor Byway include Bogalusa, the birthplace of Professor Longhair and home to the Bogalusa Blues and Heritage Festival. Franklinton has multiple blueberry farms, a farmer’s market and Bogue Chitto State Park where visitors will experience a diversity of natural habitats on one of the most dynamic and scenic river systems in Louisiana. Overnight visitors will find accommodations from tent camping (complete with glamping sites) to RV camping to cabins overlooking the bluffs.
Continuing west to Clinton, view the Clinton Courthouse and Lawyer’s Row, Greek Revival buildings that are the heart of a National Historic Landmark District. On the Mississippi River, St. Francisville is known for its historic homes, shops, and restaurants. Cross the Mississippi River on the John James Audubon Bridge, named for the naturalist known for his Birds of America, into New Roads where you can visit the Pointe Coupee Museum, shop on Main Street and eat at a restaurant on or near False River. Lettsworth, birthplace of Blues legend Buddy Guy, has a Mississippi Blues Trail marker on LA-418. Traveling to Marksville, you can try your luck at the Paragon Casino Resort, visit the Tunica Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana museum and Marksville is the birthplace of Little Walker, who revolutionized blues harmonica music. Alexandria and Pineville offer the visitor military history of Fort Randolph and Buhlow, Camp Beauregard and the Hotel Bentley, a historic property that was home to Dwight Eisenhower, George S. Patton and Omar Bradley during the 1940s Louisiana Military Maneuvers. Zachary Taylor Byway is full of history, culture and experiences for visitors of all ages, ranging from the settlements of the earliest beginnings of Louisiana, through French, Spanish and American governments, to outlaws and land pirates to preparations for mechanized warfare for World War II, to today. The natural and recreational opportunities abound with the Kisatchie National Forest trails, numerous lakes and scenic drives.
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Zachary Taylor Parkway Attractions
Forts Randolph & Buhlow State Historic Site
Forts Randolph and Buhlow, located in Pineville, were constructed during the Civil War by Confederate soldiers hoping to repel Union attacks through north Louisiana. These earthen forts, as well as the remains of the expertly designed Bailey's Dam, are part of this State Historic Site. Stop into the visitor center and learn about the Red River Campaign, walk the boardwalk spanning through the lush forest, and — for a real taste of what battlefield life was like — attend one of the Civil War reenactments held on-site.
Pineville, LA 71360
Camp Beauregard
Camp Beauregard, a still-active Louisiana National Guard staging base, is home to the fascinating Louisiana Maneuvers Military Museum. Here, visitors can learn about the contributions Louisiana service members — at one point, more than 472,000 of them — contributed to World War II-era military exercises. Displays on other conflicts throughout American history are also on display.
Pineville, LA 71360
John James Audubon Bridge
The John James Audubon Bridge is named for the famous artist who spent time painting at Oakley Plantation in St. Francisville, where the bridge is located. The bridge is a massive, scenic engineering feat that spans across the Mississippi River.
Ventress, LA 70783
Fort Saint Jean Baptiste State Historic Site
Fort St. Jean Baptiste dates back to 1716 when the colonial outpost was constructed to prevent Spanish forces from advancing into French Louisiane. Today, visitors can learn the history and see a replica of the fort.
Natchitoches, LA 71457