Lake Charles is a thriving city located on Interstate-10 between Houston, TX and New Orleans, LA. And nestled on the Calcasieu River just 30 miles upstream from the Gulf of Mexico. Whether you're looking to celebrate Mardi Gras, enjoy the riverboat casinos or dine on some of spicy Cajun cuisine, Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana have just what you are looking for. Best Western Lake Charles Louisiana.
Things to do in Lake Charles
Abercrombie Gallery/McNeese State University
There are exhibits of works from student and faculty of McNeese State University. Also on exhibit are featured works of art by modern artists from throughout the country. Located in the Sherman Fine Arts Bldg, Room 124 McNeese State University 4205 Ryan St. Find Best Western Lake Charles Lodging nearby.
Big Lake Guide Service
Sign up here if you are interested in some light tackle and fly fishing for specks, red and flounder with the only Husband & Wife Charter Boat Captains in Louisiana. Duck hunts, Cajun cuisine and private lodges are all available through Big Lake Guide Services. Available Monday - Friday 7am - 8:30pm. Call 337-598-3268 for more information.
Bord du Lac Park/Civic Center
Located along the Northshore of Lake Charles, accessible from Interstate 10 (exit 29 Eastbound, exit 30A westbound). For an enjoyable day or a relaxing stroll, the Lake Charles Boardwalk, Veterans Memorial Park, Bord du Lac Park, Lake Charles Civic Center, PPG Interacting Fountain is an excellent combination. The Lake Charles Boardwalk connects the Lake Charles' Northshore Beach to the Lake Charles Civic Center and in-between provides many activities for the entire family to have fun on the lake.
Calcasieu Charter Service
Guided saltwater speckled trout and redfish trips on Clacasieu Lake and the Gulf of Mexico. Duck and goose hunts also available. Enjoy Cajun cooking for up to 20 people. Hours vary by season. Call 337-598-4700 for more information.
Cameron Wildlife
Duck, goose, and alligator hunting; redfish, speckled trout, flounder, drum, and white trout fishing; birding and photo trips; tours of Creole Nature Trail National Scenic Byway. Call 337-474-6598 for more information.
Children's Museum
Hands-on activities for children of all ages. Special activities, camp programs and birthday parties. Various displays throughout the year offer enjoyment for the whole family. Located at 327 Broad St. in Lake Charles.
Creole Nature Trail National Scenic Byway
Located at N. Lakeshore Drive. This world famous 180-mile drive through vast marshland, provides a natural habitat for alligators, migratory fowl, exotic birds and wildlife. Gulf beaches are for all to enjoy. Hours vary by season so please contact us. Call 337-436-9588 for more information.
DeQuincy Railroad Museum Park
Open 24 hours year-round. Features a playground with rides, picnic tables and a pavilion. Perfect for family outings or a relaxing day with the kids. Located at 400 Lake Charles Ave., DeQuincy, LA.
Gray Plantation Golf Course
Featured on the Audubon Golf Trail. Golfing 7:30 am -sunset. 18-hole, 7,000-yard championship links golf course, offering daily-fees to provide public access quality golf including a 15,000 square foot state of the art club house and pro shop. Call 337-562-1663 for more information.
Heritage Gallery
The Heritage Gallery is a project of the Black Heritage Festival and is dedicated to the presentation of African-American culture and history. The gallery displays year-round exhibits and educational activities on the positive contributions of African Americans to Southwest Louisiana. Located at 809 Kirby Street, Ste. 324/In the Central School Arts & Humanities Center. Call 337-497-0026 for more information.
Historic "Charpentier" District
Enjoy a walking or driving tour of 20 blocks of the finest Victorian architecture in the State. Unique dining and shopping are available.
Imperial Calcasieu Museum
Features a 300-year-old oak tree and houses historical records. The museum depicts the history of Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana. The Gibson-Barham Gallery houses new exhibits every 8 weeks; paintings, sculptures, etc. Located at the corner of Ethel and Sallier Streets. Call 337-439-3797 for more information.
Lake Charles Boardwalk
The winding boardwalk caresses the lake as it provides a pleasant atmosphere for walkers, bikers and joggers from the Civic Center along the beach to the Yacht Club.
Lake Charles Gator Pond
The Alligator Pond located just off Interstate 10 offers visitors the opportunity to see first hand the alligators that have always been a part of Louisiana's heritage, tradition and culture. Call 337-491-1280 for more information.
Mallard Cove Golf Course
An 18 hole golf course with pro shop, club house, driving range, and putting green. Ranked in Top 10 public golf courses by Gulf Coast Golfer. Call 337-491-1204 for more information.
Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu
Four-room display of Mardi Gras memorabilia from the Imperial Calcasieu area, the largest costume display in the state. Located at 809 Kirby, 2nd floor, Lake Charles. Call 337-430-0043 for more information.
Pine Shadows Golf Course
18 hole golf course; driving range; pro shop; snack bar; 10 minutes from downtown. Call 337-433-8681 for more information.
Sam Houston Jones State Park
Located at 107 Sutherland Road. This 1,068-acre park is located at the confluence of 3 rivers. Camping, vacation cabins, boating, fishing, trails, boat launch and pavilions are all available. Call 337-855-2665 for more information.
Southwest Louisiana Genealogical Library
The Genealogical Library is housed in the historic Carnegie Library, and is just one of the 13 branches within the Calcasieu Parish Public Library System. In an electronic format, the library provides Family Search, the Mormon Church's database, which includes the International Genealogy Index (IGI); the Ancestral File; and the Social Security Death Index (SSDI). All these resources are free and open to the public. Call 337-474-8752 for more information.