Bordered on the west by the Sabine River, Vernon Parish is a destination defined by the refuge it offers. Located in what was once considered Louisiana’s western frontier, Vernon Parish’s bucolic beauty and constellation of charming small towns provide a restorative setting to unwind. Drop a line in a world-class fishing hole, spend the day antiquing, sample lip-smackin’ road food in a gas station eatery and learn firsthand the history of one of America’s most important military installations—Fort Polk.
Fun fact about Vernon's origins: It lies in the region once known as “No Man’s Land,” the ungoverned territory between New Spain and the United States. After the Louisiana Purchase, a boundary dispute erupted between the two countries, and led to an agreement in which the strip of land served as a buffer. The years spanning 1806 to 1821 were lawless and wild; the murky, humid terrain and changing elevation of the area's swamps and bayous created the perfect hideout for bandits and outlaws, pioneers and profiteers, renegade soldiers and escaped slaves.
Those Wild West-esque days may be long gone, but the area's storied past is fun to imagine as you drift along the dreamy country roads that comprise the Myths & Legends Scenic Byway. The Byway travels through land originally settled by the Atakapa and Coushatta tribes, now the parishes of Allen, Beauregard, and Vernon. Today, visitors will find white sandy beaches, blueberry farms and pine forests, rodeos, and towns full of stories.
The piney woods you’ll see throughout Vernon Parish supported the rise of the sawmill and timber industries in the city of Leesville, the parish seat. Downtown Leesville, revitalized in recent years, makes a quaint day visit. Spend the afternoon strolling down Third Street, where the majority of the city’s historic buildings are located. In fact, many were rebuilt in 1907 after a fire wiped out most of the buildings downtown. Enjoy perusing for antiques and eclectic finds in the many locally owned shops that line the streets.
Vernon Parish’s abundant pine forests sparked the area’s economy, while providing generations of locals and visitors with rich recreational opportunities. The Kisatchie National Forest and Allen Acres Native Ventures are just two popular outdoor spaces that invite hiking, mountain biking, birding, swimming, and camping. As Louisiana's only national forest, Kisatchie also features Wolf Rock Cave. Near the forest, Allen Acres—a nature-oriented bed and breakfast in Cravens—encompasses twenty-six wooded acres near Ouiska Chitto Creek, and features expansive, thriving gardens devoted to Louisiana flora.
Thanks to the accessible number of waterways available in the parish, fishing is also a popular pursuit here. Anacoco Lake, Toledo Bend Lake, Vernon Lake, Sabine River and Toro Bayou draw visitors with a wide variety of angling experiences. Enter a bass fishing rodeo in Toledo Bend Lake, or cruise Toro Bayou in a canoe with your trusty line and pole. Anytime is the right time to visit Vernon Parish, but consider timing your visit with one of the many events and festivals that showcase the area’s vibrant culture. From its food and friendly people to its local music and outdoor fun, Vernon Parish welcomes you with open arms. legendcountry.com.
Sponsored by Vernon Parish Tourism
