By Elizabeth Mercer
The Bonnie and Clyde Ambush Museum is a hidden gem in Bienville Parish, on the outskirts of Lincoln Parish. It offers history and a fascinating tour that takes a person back in time to the ambush itself.
The infamous American robbery team, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, were caught in the town of Gibsland after a 21-month crime spree from 1932-1934. They enjoyed their last meal at Ma Canfield’s Café, which has now been converted into the ambush museum.
The museum features historic background of the event, a documentary of the two lovers and even more attractions that draw people in from all over the world. Outside of the U.S., the museum’s guest book features people from Japan, Israel, Germany and France.
“Every day, people who have driven a minimum of four or five hours visit the museum,” said Perry Carter, owner of the museum.
To the shock of many, a major motive for visitors taking a peek inside the museum isn’t necessarily the crime spree of the two lovers. It’s the love they shared.
“Most people fantasize to find someone with that kind of love and commitment,” Carter said. “They are the original ride or die.”
People are fascinated by the bond both Bonnie and Clyde shared and are eager to get a closer glance at it.
Not only does the museum draw in thousands of visitors each year, its festival held each year on Memorial Day weekend does the same.
The next festival is coming up soon in May. It will include venders, food trucks, activities and a cake walk. It also will feature four shootout reenactments and close out the day with a reenactment of the ambush itself.
Once a visitor checks out the museum, they then have the option to drive about eight miles south of Gibsland to observe the Bonnie and Clyde monument, which marks the actual location of the ambush in 1934.
