Historical Sites

Germantown Colony and Museum
The Germantown Colony and Museum, located northeast of Minden, provides visitors with a look into the past, to a way of life once believed by its founders to be a utopia. The colony is one of three founded in the U.S. in the early 19th century by the Utopian Movement of the Harmonist Society, which originated in Germany. In 1835, under the leadership of the Countess von Leon, the colony was established and operated on a communal basis until 1871.

Above the settlement on a quiet hill surrounded by beautiful old trees is the small well-kept cemetery, which holds the remains of many of the early settlers. The tombstones reveal places of birth in Germany, and their dates often tell the sad story of early death.

On March 12, 1979, Minden's Germantown Colony was placed on the official list of the Nation's Cultural Resources Worthy of Preservation by the U.S. Department of Interior, Heritage Conservation and Recreation Service.

The Germantown Colony and Museum is located at 120 Museum Rd. Go 7 miles northeast of Minden on Germantown Road. Turn right on Museum Road. It is open Wednesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Closed in January and February.

Admission is $3 for adults and $.50 for children under 12 years old. Group rates are also available. The museum is also open by appointment. For more information, call (318) 377-6061.

Cemeteries

Look for more information soon regarding the Historic Cemeteries in and around Minden.

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Historic Downtown Minden

There is much to see while traveling through historic downtown Minden. Experience old-time charm when visiting restaurants, businesses and quaint shops. The red-bricked Main Street conjures up nostalgic images of a time gone by. A portion of the district is listed in the National Registry of Historic places.

Minden boasts a lovely historic residential district, located adjacent to downtown Minden. Sixty-nine residences and two churches are within the district, which is also listed in the National Registry.

Area Lakes & Bayous

Lake Bistineau State Park

Situated on the western shore of beautiful Lake Bistineau, this park offers a satisfying blend of beautiful vistas and outstanding recreational facilities. Memorable for its upland mixed hardwood forest, its open waters, and its enchanting stands of cypress and tupelo trees, the park offers two boat launches, hiking trails, playgrounds, two swimming pools, a lakefront beach, a baseball field, camping, cabins, lodges and excellent fishing.

 

 

Lake Bistineau State Park is located southeast of Shreveport just off LA 163 south of Doyline. From I-20 at Minden take LA 7 south to Sibley, LA 164 west to Doyline, and LA 163 south to the park. For more information, call (318) 745-3503 or 1-888-677-2478. To reserve a cabin, campsite, group camp, picnic pavilion or the lodge, call 1-877-CAMP-N-LA toll free (877-226-7652).

Caney Lakes Recreation Area

Located 13 miles north of Minden within the Kisatchie National Forest, Upper Caney and Lower Caney provide more than 350 acres of water recreation. Tourists will find the 12-mile sugar cane trail, Day Use Area ($3 per vehicle), Reserve Group Use Area and two camping loops with 49 camp sites available, a terrific hiking, biking, running, swimming, fishing and picnicking experience. Caney Lakes Recreational Area also serves as home to the annual Caney Triathlon.

 
  The Caney Lakes are located in the 600,000-acre Kisatchie National Forest, the only national forest in the Pelican State. Dense forests of mixed hardwood and pine, meadows, occasional clearings, and rock outcroppings are mixed with numerous streams, bayous and lakes.
From Minden, take LA 159 (Lewisville Rd.) to Caney Lake Road. Go 1.7 miles. For more information, call (318) 377-6727.
 
Bayou Dorcheat

If calm-water canoeing interests you, beautiful Bayou Dorcheat winds its way through the entire length of Webster Parish. The graceful "Dauchite" is a designated Louisiana Scenic Waterway. Canoers and sportsmen alike can access the bayou from a number of locations, including the neighboring Village of Dixie Inn.


Cultural Attractions


The Moess Center for the Arts & City Farm

The Moess Center for the Arts & City Farm is located on four acres of property donated to Cultural Crossroads of Minden, Inc. in 2000 by one of its charter members. A modest farmhouse, several floral gardens and a mandella garden planted by children are all enhanced with various public art pieces created by local professional artists.

Special events hosted at the City Farm over the past few years include "Moon Over Minden," "Daffodils, Dungarees and Dirt" and the "Spring Arts Festival." Hundreds of folks are drawn to the picturesque grounds that mix agriculture with art.

The Moess Center for the Arts & City Farm is located just blocks from downtown Minden at the corner of Talton and East Union streets.

The Neighborhood Art Gallery and Museum

The Neighborhood Art Gallery and Museum was created through a partnership with Cultural Crossroads of Minden, Inc. and the Dorcheat Historical Association in an effort to unite the arts and humanities. Displays include local and regional photography, historical exhibits, original artwork and more. The Neighborhood also hosts monthly art classes on a variety of topics, including crocheting, mosaic, clay sculpturing, etc.
 		 
The Neighborhood is supported by grants from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, the Office of Culture Recreation and Tourism and the Shreveport Regional Arts Council.

The Neighborhood Art Gallery and Museum is located at 116 Pearl Street in Minden and is open to the public every Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., and every other Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. There is no admission, but donations are accepted and appreciated.


 


Sports

Minden Recreation Complex

Minden is home to one of the best recreation complexes in the state. The $8 million Minden Recreation Complex features a gymnasium with basketball courts, exercise rooms, meeting rooms, walking track and a heated exercise/aerobic lap pool. Outdoors is a large swimming pool, water playground, four basketball courts, two enclosed racquetball courts, four tennis courts, 18 softball/baseball fields, one soccer field, one football field, an outdoor walking trail and six restroom/concession/announcer buildings. The Recreation Complex is located off of Industrial Drive (I-20 Service Road) and encompasses more than 150 acres.

 

 
Membership is free and open to everyone; however, a photo identification card must be obtained and presented to use Recreation Complex facilities. For more information, call (318) 371-4235.

Local Sports Programs

Minden has an active recreation program for the youth. In 2003, more than 2,000 children and youth participated in sports activities. Almost 60 teams are involved in youth baseball and softball, beginning with a T-ball league for boys (age 5) and girls (ages 5 and 6). After T-ball, young boys advance to the city-sponsored Coach Pitch League. Boys and girls ages 7 and up may participate in Dixie League ball and may continue until the age of 18.

 

Minden teams have had numerous success stories, and several teams have participated in state championships.

For those interested in other sports, there is tennis, basketball, swimming, football, soccer and boxing. For adults, water aerobics classes are offered at both afternoon and evening times.

Minden recreational programs are fun and entertaining for the entire family. For more information or to sign up for sports programs, call (318) 371-4235.

Golfing

Pine Hills Country Club

Pine Hills Country Club is a semi-private club featuring a nine-hole golf course, swimming pool, restaurant and banquet rooms. Club memberships are available.

Pine Hills Country Club is located at 100 Birdie Alley in Minden. For more information, call (318) 377-3024.
The Grove www.grovegolfretreat.com

The Grove is an 18-hole semi-private golf retreat located north of Minden between Dorcheat Road and La. 159 on Benson Road. Opened in 2003, the course sits on about 150 acres and plays about 6,400 yards from the tips. Par for the course is 72. Green size averages about 5,500 square feet. Those challenges include almost no flat spots in the course with mounds, bunkers, ponds, creeks and some thick roughs. Upon total completion, the course will also include a practice green, driving range and clubhouse.

Open daily.
For more information, call (318) 377-9800.


Raceways

Champion Park Speedway

www.championparkspeedway.net

Stock Car Racing
More Info: Call (318) 371-0077

Calendar of Events

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