When planning your next getaway, you probably don’t have Eros, LA, on your list. Nestled in the beautiful hills of Louisiana, just a few miles off Interstate 20, you’ll find a small town with a rich history. Dating back to the late-1800s, Eros used to be the center of the lumber industry in this part of Louisiana.
It may not offer much to visitors, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit. Let’s look at five reasons to make Eros, LA, your next getaway.
About Eros, Louisiana
The small town of Eros lies in north-central Louisiana. It’s a good halfway stopping point along I-20 when traveling from Shreveport, LA, to Vicksburg, MS. But it’s more than just a place to pull off the interstate. Its location on Highway 34 provides great access to the surrounding area.
The Tremont Lumber company chose the area of Eros and grew into a sawmill boomtown in the early 20th Century. It was named after the 433 Eros Asteroid discovered in 1898. In 1920, Eros had over 1,000 residents.
Unfortunately, a cyclone ripped through the town, destroying the sawmill. The residents rebuilt, but later, it burnt to the ground. This time the lumber company sold the timber and moved south to Olla, LA.
According to the US Census data from 2020, Eros, LA, has about 130 residents. Its land covers only one square mile. Very few people have a college education, and the poverty rate for children under 18 is almost 50%.
Construction, education, healthcare services, and social assistance remain the biggest industries in the area. So if there isn’t much to do or see here, what makes Eros worth stopping for?
What Makes Eros Worth Stopping For?
Today there’s not much left of Eros, LA. But if you want a central location to visit other parts of Louisiana, stop by this small town. If you look on Apple Maps or do a TripAdvisor search, you won’t find much to do in the actual town, but we’ve compiled a list of five things to do nearby.
5 Things to Do Near Eros, LA
As you’ll see from this list, none of these locations have addresses in Eros. Instead, these sights reside in neighboring towns within a short drive that will make your stay in Eros, LA, an enjoyable one. From alligator viewing to shopping and enjoying the outdoors, there’s something for everyone on your trip through north-central Louisiana.
1. See Alligators at Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Address: 480 Richland Place, Monroe, LA, 71203
You may enjoy seeing some alligators at the Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Next to the visitor center, you’ll see the Conservation Learning Center, where you can see live animals, primarily reptiles and fish.
Or explore or relax at Black Bayou Lake. You can learn about the area’s wildlife or take a stroll along the mile-long nature trail. Snap a picture in front of the Blue Goose sculpture or cast a line on the pier. You can spend an hour or a whole day here. You can enjoy this beautiful spot on your trip through north-central Louisiana.
2. Shop at the Downtown River Market
Address: 316 S. Grand Street, Monroe, LA, 71201
You might also like to check out the Downtown River Market of small businesses and shops. This French-style gathering place has fun weekend entertainment and a town market atmosphere.
You’ll find farmers selling fresh produce, artisans selling their homemade creations, and local entrepreneurs selling Louisiana products. Make sure to go when it’s open on the first and third Saturday from March 4 through June 3 and Oct. 7 through Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Traveler’s Tip: These are Louisiana’s 7 best small towns to check out on your next visit.
3. Visit Jimmie Davis State Park
Address: 1209 State Park Rd, Chatham, LA, 71226
When traveling to Eros, LA, take the 15-minute drive south to visit this state park for the day. Want to go glamping? Jimmie Davis State Park has luxury tent sites starting at $85 a night. Or maybe you want to take the boat out for a day of waterskiing.
You can enjoy biking, hiking, birdwatching, fishing, and all kinds of outdoor activities. Kids can enjoy the playground. Located on a peninsula on Caney Lake, this state park also has a lodge, cabins, and campsites you can reserve.
4. Savor a Glass of Wine at Landry Vineyards
Address: 5699 New Natchitoches Rd, West Monroe, LA, 71292
If you want some outdoor fun but not outdoor recreation, a trip to Landry Vineyards may be the answer. The Tasting Room is open Monday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for wine tastings. But they also host outdoor concerts often between March and October.
The 50-acre site lies in the hills of West Monroe, where this family-owned vineyard produces 50 to 70 tons of wine grapes per year. Their wine varieties include Blanc Du Bois, Lenoir/Black Spanish, and Crimson Cabernet. Landry Vineyards has 24 different wines. They also have cottages and camper sites to accommodate overnight stays.
5. Watch the Boats at Hook’s Marina
Address: 400 Spillway Rd, Chatham, LA, 71226
Hook’s Marina on Caney Lake lies about 17 minutes south of Eros, LA. Here you can enjoy live music and excellent food, including crawfish pie and a Cajun shrimp burger. It has RV hook-ups available for $35 a night.
Additionally, they offer a four and eight-hour fishing package for bass or white perch. Or you can simply come down to the dock and enjoy watching the boats come in and out. On July 4th, watch a spectacular fireworks show.
Is Eros, LA, Worth Visiting?
Although you won’t find much in Eros, LA, you have some great opportunities within 15 to 20 minutes of the town. Duck Dynasty fans may enjoy the Duck Commander shop less than 30 minutes from Eros and only a 15-minute drive from Landry Vineyards. This part of north-central Louisiana offers something for everyone.
The outdoorsman may enjoy the area around Caney and Black Bayou Lakes. The kids may enjoy seeing the wildlife at Black Bayou Lake and Jimmie Davis State Park. And shoppers and wine enthusiasts can enjoy the atmosphere of the Downtown River Market and Landry Vineyards.
So even though Eros, LA, may not be the highlight of a cross-country trip or a popular vacation destination, it’s worth visiting. What will you do first when you visit?
