Monroe (Louisiana)

Monroe is the third-largest city in Northern Louisiana, largest city in Northeast Louisiana, and the parish seat of Ouachita Parish. It is also home to the University of Louisiana at Monroe and their sports team, the ULM Warhawks. Founded as Fort Miro, it took on the name of Monroe after the paddle-wheeler James Monroe that came to town in the early 19th century, and, by extrapolation, the former president James Monroe. An interesting bit of trivia is that Monroe was once the headquarters of Delta Airlines, which got its start as the crop dusting operation Delta Dusters in nearby Tallulah.

Slathered down with highly religious views and the effects of years of racial inequality, Monroe can have a rather gritty appearance imbued with a fragrant aroma from its paper mill, but, well, take heart, Wikivoyage traveler.

By car
Monroe is located on Interstate 20, about 100 miles east of Shreveport and 75 miles west of Vicksburg.

Get around
Monroe Transit has several routes to get you around the metro area.

Do
Try a Warhawk game at the

Explore an intriguing forested parkland with pond, covered and suspension bridges, and nature trails at at 820 Kiroli Rd in West Monroe, or check out  with its impressive swampy boardwalk at 700 Downing Pines Rd nearby.

Or for a real treat, try or. You'll be able to capture some eerie shots of bald cypresses rising out of a swamp that is quintessential Louisiana, along trails or at various viewpoints, but actually the experience might be enhanced with a boat or at least mosquito spray.