Casino, Walmart and courthouse anchor this county seat
On a calm day in 1947, it rained fish in Marksville. The bass and sunfish that fell onto the small central Louisiana town were cold and fit for human consumption, according to a contemporary report, which also explained the fish were likely drawn up into the atmosphere by small tornadoes the previous day. For many locals of faith, the rain of fish was a miracle. The phenomenon put Marksville in the headlines, but today, it's beast known as the county seat of Avoyelles Parish. It’s home to the Avoyelles Parish School Board, Clerk of Court and other governmental buildings. “Most of the population is there because of the employment opportunities,” says Realtor Jamie Ponthier with Keller Williams Realty Cenla Partners, who lives in town. “It ain’t no big city, but it’s the city in our small little area.” This little town of about 5,500 also has a Walmart and a popular casino, drawing folks from throughout the county. "You're not going to find better people; everyone helps everyone," Ponthier says. "Southern hospitality, as they like to call it at the casino."
Recreation ranges from slot machines to ancient mounds
Paragon Casino Resort on the Tunica-Biloxi Reservation is the state’s first land-based casino. Its 72,000-square-foot gaming floor features over 1,000 slot machines, more than 30 table games, a poker room and off-track betting and sports wagering. Off the gaming floor, there is a tropical-themed indoor pool with swim-up bar, spa, shopping and dining options. The resort's Tamahka Trails Golf Club has hosted U.S. Open qualifiers three times. Family oriented attractions include an arcade, cinema and a bayou-themed atrium with live alligator exhibits and feeding shows.
The Marksville State Historic Site includes a group of American Indian earthworks, six mounds inside a C-shaped embankment used for burials and ceremonies. Edger Coco Park is within walking distance of some homes and features military memorials, a playground and open green space. Just east, Spring Bayou State Wildlife Management Area spans 12,500 acres, roughly 40% of which are water. This is a popular destination for fishing, camping, hunting, trapping and hiking.
Main Street restaurants serve Cajun fare and farm-to-table meals
For groceries, there’s a Harvest Foods, Dollar General and Walmart in town, as well as a variety of convenience stores. “Believe it or not, the Walmart’s a draw,” Ponthier says. Many local dining options line Marksville’s Main Street. Nanny’s Restaurant dishes classic American fare in its comfortable dining room, while La Petite Affaire is a go-to in the morning for hot lattes and farm-to-table dishes, like turkey pesto sandwiches and caprese orzo pasta, for lunch. Broken Wheel Brewery & Bistro has a large outdoor patio where live performers sometimes play. It features a menu with Cajun dishes and lots of craft beer.
Homes range from fixer-uppers to move-in ready options
Homes in Marksville sit along two-lane roads, where mature oaks create shade and pine trees drop their needles onto grassy front lawns. Small cottages and ranch-style homes are common. For under $100,000, buyers can find a home needing major repairs. Move-in-ready properties can range from about $120,000 to $500,000, depending on size, age and condition. “The cost of living here is substantially lower than most of the state,” Ponthier says. “The taxes, home prices, everything.”
Zoned for Avoyelles Public Schools
Students can attend Marksville Elementary School, which gets a C-plus from Niche, for kindergarten to sixth grade. Next, they can go to Marksville High School, which earns a B-minus and offers a variety of clubs, like Chess Club and Student Council.
Marksville offers rural living with city access nearby
Louisiana state Highway 115 and Louisiana state Highway 1 intersect in the center of the community and lead to other small towns in the area. In case of emergency, Avoyelles Hospital is in Marksville. Alexandria is about 30 miles northwest. “A lot of people would rather live here and commute 30 minutes to not have to deal with all the city stuff,” Ponthier says. “We’re southern people – we like our land and privacy.” Lafayette is about 75 miles south, and Baton Rouge is 84 miles southeast. Alexandria International Airport is about 40 miles away.
Written By
Adreanna DeMarino
