Louisiana Road Trip: From Blanchard to Winnfield

Looking for a fun road trip that takes you off the beaten path in Louisiana? Consider going from Blanchard to Winnfield! There are a few different routes you can take, each with its own charm and scenery. Here are some options to consider:

Option 1: The Scenic Route

If you're in the mood for some beautiful countryside, take the scenic route from Blanchard to Winnfield. This is the longest route, but it's worth it for the views. Start by taking US-71 North toward Ida. From there, you'll go through Rodessa and Plain Dealing before reaching Sarepta. As you approach Sarepta, you'll start to see rolling hills and farmland. Take a left on LA-2 West and follow it through Arcadia and Gibsland. Along the way, you'll see some historic sites, including the Bonnie and Clyde Ambush Museum in Gibsland.

Continue on LA-2 West until you reach Hwy 167 South. Take a left and follow it all the way to Winnfield. Along the way, you'll see fields of cotton, corn, and soybeans, as well as some beautiful forests. The total distance for this route is about 100 miles, and it should take around 2 hours and 15 minutes without any stops.

Option 2: The Fastest Route

If speed is your priority, take I-49 South from Blanchard to Natchitoches, then take Hwy 6 East to Winnfield. This route is the fastest, with a total distance of around 60 miles and a driving time of about an hour and 15 minutes. However, it's not as scenic as the other options. Along the way, you'll pass through Alexandria and some other small towns.

Option 3: The Back Roads

For a more adventurous route, take some back roads from Blanchard to Winnfield. Start by taking Greenwood Mooringsport Rd. east to Mooringsport. From there, take Hwy 169 North through Oil City, Vivian, and Rodessa before reaching Ida. As you travel through these small towns, you'll get a feel for rural Louisiana life. From Ida, take Hwy 71 North to Coushatta, where you'll turn left onto Hwy 371. Follow that through Belmont and Colfax until you reach Hwy 167 North. Take a right and follow that towards Winnfield.

This route is about 110 miles and will take around 2 hours and 30 minutes without stops. However, there are plenty of places to stop along the way. Consider checking out the Red River Wildlife Refuge in Bossier City or grabbing a bite at the iconic Strawn's Eat Shop in Shreveport.

Where to Stop

No matter which route you take, there are plenty of fun places to stop along the way. If you take the scenic route, make sure to check out the Bonnie and Clyde Ambush Museum in Gibsland and the Louisiana Political Museum and Hall of Fame in Winnfield.

If you take the back roads, consider stopping for lunch at Crawdaddy's Kitchen in Vivian or grabbing a coffee at the hipster-friendly Barefoot Soul Coffee Co. in Colfax.

If you're short on time, the fastest route has plenty of chain restaurants and gas stations along the way. However, if you have some extra time, consider taking a detour into Natchitoches to explore the charming downtown area.

No matter which route you choose, driving from Blanchard to Winnfield is a fun way to experience Louisiana's countryside. So pack some snacks, hit the road, and enjoy the ride!