The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest History Museum: Sports, History and More!
Completed in 2013, Louisiana’s newest museum is located in the heart of the state’s oldest city. The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum is a superb place for sports and history buffs.
The building’s award-winning modernist architecture is its most notable feature. The firm of Trahan Architects designed the building which was constructed at a cost of approximately 28 million dollars. The building is covered in copper cladding reminiscent of plowed fields while the curved walls of the interior suggest a river-like flow. The effect is quite remarkable and makes the museum building itself a destination for architecture buffs.
The museum is perhaps best known as the host of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame’s annual induction ceremonies, an event that draws attention to the incredible array of athletic talent in our state. There is more to the museum, however. In addition to the LSHOF inductees, the first floor has hosted rotating displays on everything from plantation photography from the 1920’s to historic fishing lures. The second floor has displays on the history of high school and college sports as well as hunting. There are also displays of artifacts dating from the 18 th century to the early 20 th century that interpret the history of our area.
The museum’s educational outreach program is remarkably eclectic. The facility sponsors around eight “Lunchtime Lagniappe” programs each year in which experts in a variety of topics speak over lunchtime. The Ladies Bass Anglers Association held “Teach a Kid to Fish Day” complete with casting practice. There have been presentations on Louisiana in WWII as well as panel discussions on bass fishing techniques. The topics on the Lunchtime Lagniappe and other programs hold something for any interest. There is no admission charge for the museum if attending a program.
The museums hours are Tuesday to Saturday 10:00 am to 4:30 pm. Admission is $6.00 for adults, $5.00
for seniors 62+, students and active military. Children six and under are free. The museum’s address is
800 Front St. Natchitoches, LA 71457, 318-357-2492.
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