Welcome to Vernon Parish, home of Leesville and Fort Polk! Venture into Vernon Parish, the heart of West Central Louisiana! Vernon Parish, where the landscape consists of gently rolling hills, forested with long-leaf pines and cut by creeks and bayous that flow from the woods into picturesque reservoirs and lakes! Vernon Parish is located in the heart of the old Neutral Strip, created when both Spain and the U.S. claimed this part of Louisiana. The history of the area is rich in folklore and looks back on a time when it was a part of theWestern Frontier of the United States.
The Vernon Parish Tourism Commission invites you to visit, and stay awhile with us. Explore our historic downtown area, visit the Museum of West Louisiana, hike the trails in Kisatchie National Forest, fish in our fresh-water lakes and bayous, but most of all, visit with our down-home friendly people.Our local people will welcome you with open arms, and make your stay in Vernon Parish an enjoyable and memorable one. Eight hotels and motels are available in Vernon Parish, as well as six RV parks and other campgrounds, and one Bed and Breakfast Inn. Vernon Parish has several festivals, including Mayfest, an annual arts and crafts festival celebrating its 32nd year in 2008.
Vernon Parish is home to Fort Polk, the largest military installation in Louisiana. Located at Fort Polk is the Joint Readiness Training Center.
Please contact us for further information at vernontourism@bellsouth.net, or check us out at our website, www.venturevernon.com or call us at 1-800-349-6287. Be sure to visit our office while in town – we’re in the Historic 1910 Vernon Parish Courthouse, located at 201 South Third St., in the heart of the Leesville National Register Historic District.