Jena offers mall-town life in central Louisiana’s pine forest region
Jena is a small town in central Louisiana’s pine forests. Founded in the mid-19th century, it grew as a hub for timber and agriculture, industries that still shape the region today. Jena is historically significant for its connection to the “Jena Six” case, which drew national attention to issues of race and injustice in rural Louisiana. Today, the community is close-knit, with local businesses, annual events and neighbors who know each other by name. As the seat of LaSalle Parish, the local government and the school board are major employers, as are the Central Louisiana ICE Processing Center and LaSalle General Hospital.
Parks offer splash pads, sports fields and playgrounds
Jena Town Park is a large recreation complex. It features a summertime splash pad, a paved trail, playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts and ball fields, where recreational leagues play. Nearby LaSalle Parish Recreation District #10 Recreational Park also features sports fields and a playground. About 4 miles from the center of Jena, the private LaSalle Golf and Country Club offers 18 tee boxes on its nine holes.
Jena is about 12 miles north of Catahoula Lake, the largest in the state, covering about 30,000 acres. The lake is known for its fluctuating water levels, which create mudflats and shallow wetlands that are critical habitats for migratory birds. Every fall and winter, tens of thousands of waterfowl flock there. The lake also supports boating and fishing. The surrounding Catahoula National Wildlife Refuge protects about 25,000 acres of bottomland hardwood forests, cypress-tupelo swamps and wetland adjacent to the lake. It was created to preserve the migratory bird habitat, and today maintains feeding and resting areas for the waterfowl. The refuge allows hiking, birdwatching and seasonal hunting.
Annual festivals offer entertainment for all ages
In early October, Howdy Neighbor Day fills Jena Town Park with crafts, food, music and entertainment for all ages. As the holiday season approaches, the town gets into the festive spirit with events like the Jena Christmas Block Party and the Christmas in the Park festival, featuring train rides, fireworks, crafts and family-friendly fun. The Jena Christmas Parade draws many residents to watch the nighttime procession of holiday floats.
Jena’s housing includes Cape Cod and New Traditional styles
Mature pine trees surround Jena’s narrow residential roads. Small cottages and ranch-style homes are common. For under $100,000, buyers can find one needing significant repairs, while move-in-ready properties can range from $120,000 to $340,000. Two-story Cape Cod or New Traditional homes can cost $370,000 to $490,000.
Students zoned for LaSalle Parish Public Schools
The LaSalle Parish Public Schools district serves Jena. Students can attend Jena Elementary and Jena Junior High, which receive B-pluses from Niche, before Jena High School, which earns an A-minus. In 2025, the high school became the first in the state to have a Barbecue Club.
Local restaurants and shops offer everyday essentials
Grocery stores include Spring Market, Walmart Supercenter and Dollar General. The Southern Warehouse sells name-brand clothing, shoes, accessories and athletic gear, while Tractor Supply Co. offers home improvement, agriculture and lawn equipment. Jena’s restaurants range from well-known fast-food chains, like McDonald’s and Sonic Drive-In, to local spots. Brisket House is a go-to for barbecue, while La Cabana Mexican Restaurant serves Tex-Mex favorites. Miss B’s Place offers lighter fare, like chicken salad, wraps, sandwiches and salads. It doubles as a gift shop, selling mostly rustic-style home items.
Highways connect Jena to Alexandria and other cities
Jena is car-dependent. U.S. Route 84 runs east-west, and Louisiana state Highway 127 travels north-south through town. Jena also offers easy access to Louisiana State Highway 8, which can begin the 38-mile drive southwest to Alexandria. The community is 126 miles north of Lafayette, 141 miles northwest of Baton Rouge and 221 miles northwest of New Orleans. For air travel, Alexandria International Airport is about 44 miles away.
Written By
Adreanna DeMarino
