Our leisure services desk will provide arrangements, directions and advice for area sightseeing, horseback riding, bicycling, boating, cocktail lake cruises plus water and beach sports at nearby Cypress Bend Park and Pavilion.

Located on the resort property, this park offers a sandy freshwater beach, fishing pier, boat launch, RV park, a children's playground and an open-air pavilion for picnics and celebrations.

A nature trail leads guests on a 1/2 mile walk through woods and ravines to a gazebo that rests on towering bluffs where you'll enjoy spectacular views of the Texas side of Toledo Bend.

Following are some attractions you won't want to miss in the area:

Hodges Gardens

Hodges Gardens is one of the country's largest privately owned gardens. With an entrance on LA 171, the 4,700-acre property encompasses landscaped and natural gardens. Bicycling and mountain biking are allowed as are dogs on a leash. They have a gift shop and picnic areas.

Historic Natchitoches

Founded in 1714, four years before New Orleans, Natchitoches is the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase. The movie "Steel Magnolias" was written about Natchitoches and filmed here. The downtown Historic District features many homes and buildings on the National Register. Gift shops, antique shops, cafés and fine dining are just some of the town's pleasures.

Cane River Plantations

South of Natchitoches you will find Beau Fort Plantation, Magnolia Plantation and Melrose. Beau Fort and Magnolia have beautiful gardens and extensive antique collections. Melrose is very famous - it was founded by Marie Therese Coin Coin, a former slave. Yucca House at Melrose is the only example of African architecture on the North American continent. In the 1940s, the famous primitive painter, Clementine Hunter, was cook at Melrose and her paintings are featured throughout the house.

Armadillo Junction

Armadillo Junction is an open air market just 11 miles east of Toledo Bend on LA 6. You'll spend hours shopping for antiques, collectibles, local folk art and crafts, plus souvenirs.

Rebel State Commemorative Area

Named for an anonymous Rebel soldier who was buried on the site near the close of the Civil War, this State Commemorative Area is best known for its Louisiana Country Music Museum and its amphitheater which hosts a spectacular April fiddling contest.