Louisiana has always been known as "Sportsman's Paradise" and the Alexandria/Pineville area is the center for all hunting, fishing and sporting activities. The wildlife, sports recreation and outdoors adventure is an authentic representation of the diverse culture that exists here in central Louisiana.

Indian Creek, Cotile Lake and Kincaid Lake all offer opportunities for water sports, fishing, camping and hiking. If canoeing is more your idea of fun, be sure to visit Ouiska Chitta River and Kisatchie Bayou. River tours are available to help you relive the history of our area's majestic Red River. First-rate fishing organizations find the Red River a 'hot spot' for state and national bass tournaments. If high-speed motorboat racing is what you like, don't overlook Lake Buhlow in Pineville...also known as the "fastest lake in the world".

Our very own Kisatchie National Forest has 600,000 acres that offer hiking tours, endangered species, geological sites, tree identification, horseback riding and biking trails. The Louisiana Archery & Sports Center stands ready to assist the outdoor archery lover. The Wild Azalea Trail is Louisiana's longest as it travels 31 miles of wooded riding trails. For the high-spirited outdoorsman, central Louisiana is home to "Bayou Balloon Adventures" hot-air balloons!

The central Louisiana area was made for golfers!  Links on the Bayou, the City of Alexandria's newest, 18-hole public course, is a true treasure.  The semi-private Oak Wing golf course is a member of the prestigious Louisiana Audubon Golf Trail. Our "golfers paradise" is also home to 2 additional 18-hole private Country Club courses, two 9-hole public courses, 1 additional 18-hold semi-private course and a 300-yard driving range.

The Rapides Parish Coliseum is host to annual world-class rodeos, equestrian events and outdoor tradeshows. The Crossroads Soccer Associaiton competes for their "goals"on the soccer fields of the Johnny Downs Sports Complex. Johnny Downs is also the location of eight beautiful, 200-foot softball and baseball fields.  The Alexandria Youth Complex, located in the middle of our city, is a six-field baseball/softball venue for many annual state and regional tournaments. Bringhust Ballpark is the place to see award-winning United Baseball League action with the outstanding, 2006 league champions...the Alexandria ACES.

Central Louisiana is thrilled to be a home for the only NASCAR sanctioned dirt track in the state of Louisiana. Thrill-seeking spectators can experience NASCAR races at our very own Thunder Valley Speedway in Glenmora. Pineville's Ultimate Racing Experience, better known as P.U.R.E. BMX, is home to regional and state series ABA qualifiers each year.

Four Seasons Bowling Center is the home to yearly state bowling tournaments. Local, state and regional gymnasts "flip" about training and competing with our Extreme Gymnastics and Tumbling and Red River Gymnastics teams. The City of Alexandria Tennis Courts and the Alexandria Aquatic & Racquet Club host statewide youth and adult tennis tournaments each year.

Whether you're just visiting the area and need to "pump up" or you're a local athlete looking for a regular workout facility, central Louisiana offers a diverse selection of Athletic Clubs such as our 3 YMCA branches, the Louisiana Athletic Club in Pineville or our local YWCA.

As you can see, the Alexandria/Pineville area is the perfect location for all indoor and outdoor recreation and sporting activities. One visit and you will find that you can really "See Sportsman's Paradise From Here!" For questions about central Louisiana's great outdoors or sporting events, please call Shanna Worth, Sports Market Manager, Alexandria/Pineville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at (318) 442-9546 or toll-free at 1-800-551-9546.