For a small Louisiana city, Minden has seen a lot. Since being founded in 1836, it has been a shipping point on Bayou Dorcheat, the headquarters for two railroad companies and home to one of the world’s largest lumber mills. Located about 30 miles east of Shreveport, the city is currently anchored by Camp Minden, a military training site. Though the population has declined in recent years due to Louisiana's shrinking job market, Minden’s 12,000 citizens are working build back their city. “I moved here from Shreveport, and I wouldn’t go back,” says Catherine Hunt, Realtor with LA State Realty. “You don’t have the hustle-bustle here. Things are more laid-back, and we’re working on growing and making it a better place to live.” The Minden St. Jude auction, held every February, highlights the population's commitment to charity. Since the auction’s inception, Minden has raised more money per capita for St. Jude than any city in the United States. “Our city has a big heart,” Hunt says.
Minden's history has been carefully preserved in the cities architecture.
Camp Minden is one of the area's larger employers employing many of Minden's residents.
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Job opportunities in and around Minden
Fibrebond, a manufacturing and production company, is in the midst of a $50 million expansion that’s expected to add hundreds of new jobs. Camp Minden is already a major player in the local economy, and Estes Energetics is developing a new chemical manufacturing facility. Minden Medical Center flanks the downtown district and employs more than 500 workers.
Several highways branch off Minden’s Main Street. Louisiana Highway 159 passes through the Caney Lakes Recreation Area, and U.S. Route 79 leads west to Shreveport and the closest major airport, about 30 miles away.
Find great health care at Minden Medical Center in downtown Minden.
Many Minden residents work at the nearby manufacturing facilities.
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Victorian-era homes in historic district
Minden’s historic residential district features a collection of Victorian-era homes. Overall, the city’s median home price is around $155,000, less than half the national median and about $100,000 lower than the median price for Louisiana. Starter homes can cost $125,000 to $200,000, but most housing stock is priced from $250,000 to $400,000.
A one story Queen Anne Cottage is one of the many home styles found in Minden.
Foursquare homes can be found throughout Minden's neighborhoods.
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The history of Webster Parish
Exhibits at the Dorcheat Historical Museum tell the story of Webster Parish, beginning with the Caddo natives who built their homes around the bayou. The Germantown Colony and Museum expands on the city’s history, preserving artifacts from the early German settlers. In early October, the Webster Parish Fair rides into town with carnival rides and 4-H shows, all within a mile of the downtown district. Folks with Celtic heritage don their kilts for the Scottish Tartan Festival, held downtown in spring.
Learn the history around Minden, from the Caddo Indians to the present at Dorcheat Museum.
Discover the history of Minden's early German settlers at the Germantown Colony and Museum.
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Grilling on Main in downtown Minden
Minden’s red-bricked Main Street received a boost in 2022 when it was featured on HGTV’s “Home Town Kickstart.” The downtown business mix is diverse, as antique shops share space with coffeehouses, cigar bars and bistros. The city takes its barbecue seriously, hosting an annual Grilling on Main competition for local pitmasters. Shopping centers, hardware stores and fast-food chains can be found near U.S. Route 79 on the eastern outskirts.
Minden’s early Christian settlers founded several churches that stand as architectural landmarks in and around downtown. The First Methodist Church of Minden supports the United Christian Assistance Program and the local food pantry to help families in need.
Downtown Minden was featured on 2022's HGTV "Home Town Kickstart".
Find many national chain restaurants along Minden's Hwy 79.
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Site of the original Minden Academy
Students attend schools in the Webster Parish Public Schools district, which has a Niche grade of B-minus. Minden High School sits on the site of the original Minden Academy, one of the first public schools chartered by Louisiana’s state legislature.
Minden High School earned a B grade from Niche.
The dedicated teachers of Webster Junior High School in Minden earned a B+ from Niche.
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Paddling on Bayou Dorcheat
Cypress groves and hardwood forests make Bayou Dorcheat a scenic kayaking destination. Hiking trails weave along the banks of serene lakes in the Caney Lakes Recreation Area, a popular boating and swimming spot. Anglers cast for largemouth bass on Lake Bistineau, about 25 miles south.
Take a kayaking trip along the scenic Bayou Dorcheat near Minden.
Take a hike along many of the trails that wind through the woods at Caney Lakes near Minden.
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Environmental concerns and other factors
Ammunition stored at Camp Minden contains chemicals that can cause groundwater contamination issues, and chemical leaks from other businesses have contributed to the problem in the past. The Louisiana Department of Health is monitoring the situation. The area is also prone to tornadoes, especially in spring. Recent crime statistics are not readily available.
Written By
Adrienne Ryan
Photography Contributed By
Clayton Hurst
Video By
Kyo Nguyen
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Minden, LA sell after 52 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Minden, LA over the last 12 months is $165,000, up 14% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Charming & Well-Maintained Home!This beautiful 3 bedroom, 2 bath home is nestled on a peaceful street. Inside, you’ll find two spacious living areas perfect for entertaining or relaxing, plus a workshop for all your hobbies and projects. The layout offers comfort and functionality, with plenty of space for everyone.Step outside to enjoy a fully fenced backyard and a covered back patio, ideal for
This home has been completely remodeled less than 2yrs ago. Inviting covered front porch. Fenced in large backyard. The kitchen & living room area has been transformed into an open concept. Electrical, plumbing, shingle roof, sheetrock, HVAC, doors, fixtures, etc has been replaced less than 2yrs ago. All new cabinets, granite counter tops, barn doors, new light fixtures, stainless-steel
Welcome to your dream retreat! Nestled on a spacious 5.2-acre lot just outside of Minden, Louisiana, this well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom mobile home offers the perfect blend of modern comfort and peaceful country living. Built in 2018 and professionally retrofitted at installation, this home is move-in ready and thoughtfully designed for families seeking space, serenity, and
Welcome to this beautifully renovated 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home, nestled on a spacious 1-acre lot. Offering the perfect balance of comfort, convenience, and country living, this property is ideal for first-time home-buyers or anyone looking to enjoy the peaceful surroundings with the freedom to make it their own. The home features a well-designed layout with generous living spaces, including a
Investment property with great potential! This 2 bedroom, 1 bath home features a cozy living area and kitchen space. Refrigerator, Deep freeze, gas stove. Equipped with a window unit ., it’s perfect for low-maintenance ownership . Nestled on a quiet lot, the property boasts a beautiful mature magnolia tree in the front yard, adding charm and curb appeal. Whether you're looking to expand your
AVAILABLE 07-01-2025. Rural living but close to the city. Introducing the Minden Beauty on a 2 Acre Lot! This stunning 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home in Minden, LA offers not one, but 3 formal living spaces. The large spacious kitchen features a convenient island for meal prep and entertaining. Relax and unwind in the luxurious whirlpool tub or the stand-up shower in the master bathroom. With a 3 car
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