When exploring the Gulf Coast, most travelers look up places to visit in Galveston, New Orleans, or Panama City. National park enthusiasts seek locations like De Soto National Forest or Kisatchie National Forest.
Tripadvisor isn’t going to tell you to visit Bogalusa, LA. But there are reasons to take a pit stop at this city located about 30 miles north of Covington.
It’s in a great location to explore the surrounding areas, but it’s also worth taking a day or two just to enjoy this Louisiana parish. Let’s take a closer look at planning your trip to Bogalusa, LA!
About Bogalusa, LA
Bogalusa gets its name from the Choctaw language term “bogue lusa,” which means “dark water.” The sawmill and paper mill industries ruled the land in the early to mid-1900s.
However, over the last 50 years, the city has seen its population decline. At its peak in 1960, 21,000 people called Bogalusa, LA, home, but the most recent US census in 2020 recorded only about 10,600 residents.
Getting There
Located on the eastern edge of Louisiana, Bogalusa is only a few miles from the Mississippi River, which is the border between Louisiana and Mississippi.
It’s situated around the intersection of Highway 10 and Highway 21. From I-55, you’ll travel east on Highway 10, and from I-59, you’ll travel west on Highway 26 from Mississippi into Louisiana. Highway 26 turns into Highway 10 after you cross the border.
Traveler’s Tip: Head west on your road trip through southern Louisiana to the town of Broussard and pay a visit the giraffes and ring-tailed lemurs at Zoosiana.
Things to Do in Bogalusa, LA
Although Bogalusa, LA, has only 10,600 residents, it has a rich Native American history and great local restaurants. It’s worth checking out and staying a few days, especially if you’re a solo traveler or couple.
It’s not the most family-friendly of places because it doesn’t have a ton of activities for kids, but it’s a great place to relax and enjoy the local history.
Enjoy the Day at Cassidy Park
Address: Pocahontas St, Bogalusa, LA 70427
About Cassidy Park: Explore the museum of Native American history and culture at Cassidy Park. The displays include weapons, pottery, and clothing, and there’s a scavenger hunt for the kids. You can also visit the Pioneer and Railroad Museum, and take a trip back in time to the Civil War days.
Cassidy Park is also only a five-minute drive from Glynn’s Drive-In and a seven-minute drive from Warner’s Fish House. So enjoy the day exploring the history of Bogalusa, LA, and then hit up one of these local favorites for dinner.
Dig In at Warner’s Fish House
Address: 2221 Ave F, Bogalusa, LA 70427
About Warner’s Fish House: Only open on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 pm, Warner’s Fish House is a hit among the locals. The menu includes shrimp, oysters, fried fish, broiled fish, frog legs, and sandwiches.
Reasonably priced and delicious, you don’t want to miss out on a dinner at Warner’s Fish House.
Play a Round of Golf at the Bogalusa Country Club
Address: 420 N Columbia St, Bogalusa, LA 70427
About The Bogalusa Country Club: Open Mondays to Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the Bogalusa Country Club is a nine-hole course. It’s an excellent option for guests who love golf but don’t want to spend hours playing, especially when just visiting. A quick round of nine holes is perfect.
The Country Club is also only a seven-minute drive from Glynn’s Drive-In. So get in a round of golf and then head out to enjoy some classic burgers.
Grab Lunch At A Classic Drive-In
Address: 945 Ave F, Bogalusa, LA 70427
About Glynn’s Drive-In: Every kind of po’boy you can imagine is served at Glynn’s Drive-In. Savor different types of po’boys such as ham, catfish, hot dog, oyster, and chili burger. Choose from several other options on the menu. The prices are affordable, and the dishes are delicious. You’ll feel like a local, so stop in on any day of the week between 10:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Where to Stay Near Bogalusa, LA
During your visit to Bogalusa, LA, check out these two options. They offer comfortable accommodations for guests in prime locations. Although they’re one-bedroom units attached to residential properties, they’re still private and spacious.
Private Room With Self Check-In
Amenities: Although this house sits in the middle of town, it offers three acres of privacy. The backyard is fully fenced in, and there’s access to a washer, dryer, and Wi-Fi during your stay.
The one-bedroom, one-bathroom guest room is perfect for a solo traveler or couple. It’s in a great location to experience all that Bogalusa, LA, has to offer.
And you can’t beat the price!
View this stay on Airbnb →
Convenient Garage Apartment With Kitchen
Amenities: This one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment features a private patio, private backyard, kitchen, and walk-in closet. The kitchen has all of the essentials needed to prepare a meal or two during your stay. Those essentials include a mini-fridge, a freezer, an oven, a microwave, a gas stove, and a coffee maker.
Note that Wi-Fi is not included at this property. But if you’re looking to escape from work calls and social media, it’s a great option for one or two travelers.
View this stay on Airbnb →
Is Bogalusa LA Worth a Visit?
If you’re looking for modern conveniences, you can find a Walmart, Sonic Drive-In, and Travelers Rest in Bogalusa, LA. It’s not out in the middle of nowhere.
However, visiting this city is about embracing the local life and supporting the people who live there. Explore the Native American culture, savor the local cuisine, and spend the day outdoors.
Put Bogalusa on Your Bucket List
Bogalusa, LA, doesn’t usually make one’s bucket list. It’s probably not even a city you’ve heard of before now. But its easy access to highways and interstates in Louisiana and Mississippi make it a great stopover location.
When planning your road trip, check out the Airbnbs in Bogalusa and stay for a day or two. Relax, settle in, and take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. Don’t we all need to stay in places like Bogalusa, LA, every once in a while?
When do you plan to visit?
