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.

Shadow Estate

The Shadow Estate was first settled and homesteaded in 1838 by Robert and Winnie Cooper Byas of Claiborne Parish. It has been estimated that the original log cabin and batten dog-trot structure was built at this time. The Greek Revival ell wing was added around 1850. The house is estimated to be the oldest surviving plantation home located in the north Louisiana piney hills country and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1996.



The property was purchased in 1850 by Calvin and Hepsy Loftin Leary, who settled on the estate after migrating from Houston County, Ga. They named their plantation "Sunnyside," which grew from 100 acres in cultivation to 2,000 acres in cultivation in 1880. The plantation remained in the Leary family until 1882.


The property was later opened as a landscape nursery by the Shadow family, who acquired the plantation in 1906 and renamed it "Dixie Nursery." Many of the business records and books of W.R. Shadow remain in the house. These records provide valuable information on the early landscape nursery trade.

Today, restoration of the estate has begun so that we may share the richness of our history with others. The project, led by Cultural Crossroads of Minden, Inc., adheres to the strictest of guidelines as set forth by the Louisiana Division of Historic Preservation and is overseen by an appointed 12-member commission. The goal is to create the W.R. Shadow Museum and Folklife Center.

The Shadow Estate is located 1 mile south of Interstate 20 on La. Hwy. 531 between Minden and Dubberly. The site is open for tours each Saturday by reservation with tour times at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Admission is charged with all proceeds going directly to the continued restoration of the historic site. For reservations, call (318) 377-9311 or (318) 371-1568.


Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Collection

Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of Minden features a vast array of Coca-Cola collectibles from past to present, including a clock collection, antique bottle collection, antique Coke cartons/cases, Santa Claus and Christmas collection, antique Coke boxes/machines, antique processing equipment, advertising memorabilia, T-shirts and other collectibles.


While the collection is not open to the general public, appointments for private tour groups can be arranged. For more information, contact the Webster Parish Convention and Visitors Commission at (318) 377-4240 or call Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Minden, Inc. at (318) 377-6846.

Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of Minden is located at 412 Pine St. in Minden.

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.

Minden boasts a lovely historic residential district, located adjacent to downtown Minden. Sixty-nine residences and two churches are within the district, with several of the residences on 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

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

Bayou Speedway

Stock Car Racing (Allen Road in Minden)

Directions: Travel U.S. Hwy. 80 (Shreveport Road) to Old Shreveport Road. From Old Shreveport Road travel to race track at Allen Road.

Schedule: Season opens in March and closes in October. Racing begins every Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

Racing Classes: IMCA, Full Body, Sportsters, Super Stock, Mini Stock, Special races (Preseason, Super Late Models, Powder Puff, etc.,) scheduled throughout the season.

More Info: Contact Delane Hicks, 24332 Hwy. 7, Sarepta, LA 71071, (318) 847-4594


Champion Park Speedway

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


Bayou Kajun Raceway


Go-Cart Racing (1886 Hwy. 532 in Dubberly)

Schedule: Season opens in April and closes in October. Racing on Saturday nights.

Participants: Ages 6 - through. Open to all go-kart owners.

General Admission: $5.00

Bayou Kajun Raceway hosted the 1995 and 1997 IKF 4-Cycle Grand Nationals and will host the 2004 IKF 4-Cycle Grand Nationals July 5-9.

More Info: Call Terry or Sheryl Humphrey at (318) 377-0333 -
or visit www.bayoukajunraceway.com
.


Calendar of Events

January
Minden St. Jude Auction
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade and Events

February
Mardi Gras Parade and Events
Black History Month Celebration
Miss Minden Pageant
Chamber of Commerce Banquet
.

March
Annual Open Bass Tournament on Lake Bistineau
Daffodils, Dungarees and Dirt Garden Festival

April
Young Women's Service Club Easter Egg Hunt
Spring Arts Festival
Pow Wow and Trade Days Festival

May
March of Dimes WalkAmerica
American Cancer Society Relay for Life

June

July
Fourth of July Fireworks Over Turner's Pond

August
Annual Caney Triathlon

September
Small Town Get Down

October
Minden Jaycees/Webster Parish Fair
Ducks Unlimited Banquet
Downtown Halloween Parade
Moon Over Minden

November
Art on Broadway
Veteran's Day Parade
Main to Main
Farm City Breakfast

December
Minden Christmas Parade
Historic Residential District Christmas Tour of Homes
Christmas at Germantown
Wrap It Up Downtown
New Year's Eve Fireworks Over Turner's Pond

For a weekly-updated listing of local events, click here.
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