Dolly Parton's 'Steel Magnolias' was filmed in this historic Louisiana town. You can still visit the locations

A self-guided tour of the Natchitoches, La. homes, churches and landmarks where the 1989 movie was filmed. If you've been mourning Dolly Parton the way I have, the films "9 to 5" and "Steel Magnolias" have probably popped up at the top of your Netflix suggestions list. After laughing (and, let's be honest, crying) my way through "9 to 5," I finally felt strong enough this morning to turn my attention to "Steel Magnolias," a more poignant film based on the tragicomedy by Robert Harling. Harling wrote his original play in 1987, two years after his sister died from diabetes-related health complications. The character Shelby, portrayed by Julia Roberts in the film, is based on his sister. In both the play and the film, Shelby decides to become a mother despite her health condition. Without spoiling too much, I'll just say that the women around her struggle with their fears about her decision and, ultimately, its cost. The 1989 film is packed with stars, including Sally Field, Shirley MacLaine, Olympia Dukakis and Daryl Hannah. Dolly Parton portrays Truvy Jones, a woman who is funny, warm and more than a little heartbreaking—often all in the same scene. Only Parton could embody a role so dynamic. She both humanizes and cuts to the human core of life for women in a small Southern town. You can visit the real small town where 'Steel Magnolias' was filmed Pronounced "NAK-a-tish," Natchitoches may be a small town in northwestern Louisiana, somewhat buffered from the Gulf Coast, but its history is anything but isolated. Two major waterways—the Red River and its oxbow, or connecting channel, Cane River Lake—connects the town to the wider world. That accessibility brought early French traders and Spanish-Mexican merchants into contact with Indigenous communities living in the fertile nexus. The French colonized the region and established Natchitoches in 1714 near a community of native people called a version of the same name. Some say their name was originally derived from the word "Nashitosh" for the indigenous paw paw fruit, while others say the original native word was "nacicit," meaning a place where the soil is red. Today, the Natchitoches Tribe of Louisiana has 1,600 active members residing in the United States. Looking at records from the Library of Congress, 1717 map by French cartographer Guillaume de L'Isle placed Natchitoches on the Red River and identified it as an important French outpost for trade with Spanish Mexico. Another 1717 print in the collection depicts a cross-cultural trade post and describes Natchitoches as one of the forts extending French Louisiana's reach into the interior. In the 1750s, French officer Jean-Bernard Bossu traveled through Louisiana and recorded his observations in a text called "Travels through that part of North America formerly called Louisiana," published in 1771. His account gives modern visitors a glimpse of the rivers, Indigenous communities and colonial settlements that made up this region from a colonialist point of view. In 1803, Natchitoches became the oldest permanent settlement in the territory acquired by the U.S. during the Louisiana Purchase. Its location on the river continued to define the town long after French rule ended and kept Natchitoches connected to ideas arriving from elsewhere. Just south of town along Cane River Lake, enslaved people, free people of color and Creole families built communities that remain part of the area's history. You can learn about the generations of people living here by visiting the Cane River Creole National Historical Park. Learn about Marie Thérèse Coincoin, an enslaved woman who gained her freedom, became a landowner and matriarch of the prominent Cane River Creole Metoyer family. Her son Louis Metoyer established Melrose Plantation in 1796. Nearby, St. Augustine Catholic Church in Isle Brevelle was founded, financed and built by African Americans in the early 19th century and is often identified as the first Catholic church in the United States established by free people of color. Centuries later, another influence arrived in Natchitoches—this time from Hollywood. When Hollywood came to town The 1989 film "Steel Magnolias" was filmed largely in Natchitoches in 1988. The Natchitoches Tourism Board has a self-guided Steel Magnolia's Tour itinerary published on its website for visitors who find themselves walking through the colonial streets. The tour lists about 17 filming locations and takes about two hours by car (you could also bike it), and it's best to visit during the cooler temperatures of spring or fall. Start on Front Street Begin downtown on Front Street, where Cane River Lake runs alongside the 33-block National Historic Landmark District. Walk the riverfront and historic streets before starting the movie tour. Follow the Steel Magnolias film trail Steel Magnolia House, 320 Jefferson St. Start with the Taylor-Cook House, which was the setting for Shelby's family home. The historic house is now the Steel Magnolia House Bed & Breakfast. Ouiser Boudreaux's House, 310 Rue Jefferson. Ouiser, the character portrayed by Shirley MacLaine, lived in a house that's an easy walk from the Steel Magnolia House. It is a historic building known as the Lemee House. Trinity Episcopal Church, 533 2nd St. This historic church was where Dolly Parton's character, Truvy, was a member. American Cemetery, 2nd Street. Shelby's funeral scene was filmed here, between Demeziere Street and the railroad tracks. Blanchard Building, 700 block of Front Street. This was the site of Truvy's second beauty shop location. Nothing from the film can be seen there anymore. 301 Rue Touline. Mrs. Robeline's boarding house was a private home and can be viewed from the street. It is a private home, so be respectful of its owners and tenants. Chaplin House, 434 2nd St. This private home was the setting of Aunt Fern's house. Susan Harling Robinson Memorial Park. At Cypress Avenue and Pine Street, the park honors the woman whose life inspired the story. Her brother and Natchitoches local Robert Harling wrote the play after her death. Look for the plaques honoring them both. Beau Jardin, 800 block of Washington Street. This is where the Easter egg hunt was filmed. St. Augustine Catholic Church, Louisiana Highway 493, Melrose. Finish outside Natchitoches proper at the church where Shelby's wedding was filmed. The church is in the Cane River region, so this is a natural final stop after seeing the locations around town. The Natchitoches tourism bureau's film guide has the complete list and map, including the private home used as Truvy's house, the hospital used for a scene involving Shelby's baby, the storefront where Clairee and Ouiser went shopping and more. Because several locations are private homes, keep to public streets and sidewalks. If a location is now a business, check current visitor information before approaching it. By the end of the day, you have followed Shelby's story almost scene by scene. You will also have seen the town that gave Robert Harling his memorable material. Follow Unimaginably Good Travel for more off-the-beaten-path adventures, and pick up a copy of my book, for more about the patterns we carry from childhood, and how we can clear the way for better ones. : AI assisted with planning, structure, formatting, interview transcription and metadata. All reporting, product testing, research, interviews, fact-checking, writing and editing was done by Megan DeMatteo, an independent writer and editor who, like many solo creators, handles the full workload of a traditional newsroom team.