A former railroad depot provides the setting for a multifaceted look at the history of Beauregard Parish: the Beauregard Museum is housed in the second Kansas City Southern depot, built in 1926. Its collection ranges from handmade tools and artifacts from the timber industry to historical photographs from the history of the parish. It also includes Native American arrowheads and pottery, military memorabilia, antique furniture, musical instruments and curiosities from Beauregard Parish. Everyday objects, working life and keepsakes stand side by side here, offering different ways to explore the region’s past.
Architecture and Remembrance in DeRidder
Buildings, too, tell stories of different eras. The Beauregard Parish Courthouse was completed around 1915 and is part of DeRidder’s Historic Downtown District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The DeRidder USO Building, also called the War Memorial Civic Center, was completed in 1941. It was the first USO building in America outside a military installation. The building remains at its original location; its exterior and interior are largely unchanged.
The DeRidder USO Building displays artifacts related to DeRidder Army Air Base, Camp Polk, the Louisiana Maneuvers and the USO. These themes give the site a clear connection to military and USO history. Another way to explore local history is through tours of DeRidder’s historic Gothic Jail, which is open for tours on weekdays. Check tour availability before your trip.
Collections and Historic Sites
The Lois Loftin Doll Museum displays more than 4,000 dolls. The Merryville Museum has a different focus: it was founded in 1981 to acquire, preserve and maintain information, artifacts and memorabilia related to the history of the United States. It pays particular attention to Merryville, Beauregard Parish, Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas. The two museums therefore focus on very different subjects—from an extensive doll collection to a broad regional and national perspective on history.
Historic sites in Merryville include Burk’s Cabin. The cabin was built in 1883, moved to Merryville and fully restored. Cemeteries also preserve distinctive details: Old Campgrounds is considered the oldest documentable cemetery in Southwest Louisiana, in the Imperial Calcasieu region. The site has a memorial plaque and a nature trail. At Pine Grove Cemetery, Louisiana cypress casket enclosures protect graves from the elements and pests. Together, these sites show different ways of remembering—through buildings, collections, memorial markers and handcrafted details.
Lakes, a Hiking Trail and Regional Perspectives
At Longville Lake, visitors can camp, fish, swim, take walks and picnic. Those interested in spending time outdoors will find several different activities at this named location. Bundick Lake offers another specific point of reference: it covers 1,750 acres. The Big Branch Trail is designated as a hiking trail in the area.
Beyond Beauregard Parish, the Myths & Legends Byway passes through parts of Beauregard, Vernon and Allen Parishes. This offers a way to view the parish in a broader regional context.
Events and Cultural Program
The year also brings a variety of occasions: the Beauregard Watermelon Festival takes place every June and features watermelon games, other events, live music and entertainment. The annual Beauregard Parish Fair takes place during the first week of October at the Beauregard Parish Fairgrounds; the program includes a carnival, exhibits, food and live bands. The two events therefore take place during clearly distinct times of the year. Check the specific event dates before your trip.
For the performing arts, Impromptu Players Community Theater produces three live theater productions each year, and the performances are open to the public. In DeRidder, RealArt DeRidder’s calendar includes classes, workshops and pop-up art market events. Since the program may change, it’s worth checking the latest dates in advance. When choosing your accommodation, you can consider which discoveries you want to shape your stay: regional history, cultural events or time outdoors.
Discover more destinations: DeRidder, Evangeline Parish, Iberia Parish, Vermilion, West Feliciana, Lafourche Parish, Franklin, Madison
For the main travel overview: Louisiana.
