Anyone traveling through Northern Louisiana will invariably find themselves cruising smoothly along speedy Interstate 20, an easy scenic drive that connects Vicksburg, Mississippi with Shreveport, Louisiana. The route can be tackled in about two and a half hours but beware; cruise control is your worst enemy here.
Planning a visit? Stay at Antique Village RV Park.
Hanging off either side of the I-20, like a string of vintage Christmas lights, are a tidy collection of quaint small towns and villages, each distinct one glowing with soft touches of classic Americana. Set your sights for the teeny tiny village of Simsboro, which lies just a few miles west of Ruston’s (comparative) big city fare and within easier reach of nearby parks, towns and attractions.
If traveling by RV, the Antique Village RV Park sits conveniently in the center of Simsboro, almost directly off the I-20. Guests will find a full suite of amenities—including on-site laundry, WiFi and showers—as well as a charming duck pond sitting in their new Simsboro backyard.
The population of here tops out at less than 1,000 permanent residents. A short stroll around its handful of “main” streets is like stepping back to a time (or onto a 1950’s movie set). High school events are the biggest draws on the yearly calendar. Traffic is nowhere, friendly faces are everywhere, and nostalgia is in full supply.
From Simsboro’s tidy streets, crunchy gravel sidewalks and historic homestead driveways, branch out and go exploring. Just 12 miles to the south sits the Jackson-Bienville Wildlife Management Area, a 25,000-acre protected park popular with licensed hunters, trappers, and bird-watchers.
About 10 miles to the north is the Outdoor Wilderness Learning Center, an 800-acre education center that’s home to a massive 10,000 square foot wooden maze that will fascinate visitors of all ages.
And to the southwest is the mesmerizing Creekwood Gardens, a gorgeous countryside estate with grounds home to RV camping hookups and an idyllic bed and breakfast.
From Simsboro the nearby towns and villages of Grambling, Arcadia and Gibsland are also within easy reach and each just a short drive down the I-20. They offer a range of eclectic museums and attractions to visit, including the Bonnie and Clyde Ambush Museum (Gippsland) and the Bienville Depot Museum (Arcadia), as well some of Northern Louisiana’s best antiquing hotspots.
Resist the temptation to barrel through this often overlooked section of the American heartland. Pull up in Simsboro and rediscover quintessentially small-town southern charm.
