10 Reasons to Visit Lake Charles, Louisiana

Find Louisiana’s most prized characteristics in the city of Lake Charles in the southern part of the state. Rich ecosystems crawling with gators, deep history, festive Cajun culture and twisting oak trees spilling into the streets are only the start to the landscape. Nicknamed the “Festival Capital of Louisiana,” the city throws a party for 75 plus events a year — including a slightly more family-friendly Mardi Gras than New Orleans festivities. Check it: These are the Top 10 Reasons To Visit, with a quick tip to mark the dates for spring or fall to escape the humidity.

1. Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge Visitors Center

Grab the binoculars and get ready to spot plenty of wings at the Cameron Prairie Wildlife Refuge. Find more than 20,000 acres (of which nearly 15,000 acres are accessible only by boat) home to over 200 species of birds. Explore fresh and salt marshes and coastal prairie where you are likely to catch a glimpse of a white-faced ibis, herons and several other species.

2. L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles

This hotel speaks luxury. From the massive fireplaces at the entrance, service that doesn’t miss a beat and the well-appointed rooms, it’s clear this hotel/casino didn’t take any short cuts. You don’t have to listen hard for the hum of Roulette wheels at L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles. Take your pick from slots or card games in hopes of doling that vacation fund. Or if lady luck stomps your pocket book, retreat to the Tom Fazio designed golf course, Contraband Bayou, or slip into the resort’s lazy river with a frozen cocktail in hand. The peaceful adults-only pool, the lazy river that is for any age, shops around the property and spa bring on added entertainment.

When it comes to good eats, check out Le Café. Chef Kevin Thompson’s Louisiana cuisine comes full flavor with menu items like the Crawfish Grilled Cheese. For more upscale, make a reservation at the modern American steakhouse Ember Grille and Wine Bar. Certified Angus, Kobe and Natural Grass Fed beef are cooked over a wood-fired grill and served with popular appetizers like barbecue bacon wrapped shrimp.

3. Bayou Rum Distillery

Louisiana Spirits—America’s largest private rum distillery—produces rum the Louisiana way. Using a traditional copper pot, Bayou Rum is handcrafted onsite with 100 percent natural unrefined Louisiana cane sugar and molasses. Tour the distillery and visit the tasting room for a sample.

4. Pat’s of Henderson

“Like I was sayin’, shrimp is the fruit of the sea. You can barbecue it, boil it, broil it, bake it, saute it . …” The character Bubba, from the movie Forrest Gump, sure did know his shrimp dishes and so do the fine folks at Pat’s of Henderson. The award-winning seafood and steak restaurant specializes in Louisiana Cajun cuisine. Don’t miss an opportunity to try one of their famous gumbos or Catfish Courtbouillon.

5. Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu

If attending the Lake Charles 2015 Mardi Gras (January 6 – February 17), the next best thing is to visit the museum. Inside find the world’s largest collection of Mardi Gras costumes and animated mannequins recount the story of the legendary festival. By taking a look at the extravagant costumes you will realize that Mardi Gras is much more than a party but a community complete with tight knit Krewes that have been together for generations.

6. Grosse Savanne Eco-Tours

Get on the water for a serene tour among cypress swamps and pine forest plantations on a guided boat marsh tour. But sightseeing doesn’t end at the marshes. The company’s more than 50,000 acres offer settings and tours as diverse as the hundreds of bird species found on the property. Insider Tip: Take a trip at sunrise to watch the sun start to crawl over the horizon.

7. Airboats and Alligators

Take off on a guided tour through Louisiana’s marshland aboard an airboat with alligator expert, Ben Welch — who has been in the business for more than 20 years. When nesting season begins in June, he will point out alligator eggs tucked out of sight. Spot turtles sunning on fallen, floating branches and muskrats swimming toward shore. After the tour, hop on a tractor and see alligators up-close in a swamp behind Ben’s home as he lures them out of water with a special trick.

8. Pintail Wildlife Drive

Pintail Wildlife Drive is a three-mile loop located in Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge that attracts bird enthusiasts from across the nation as more than 400 species can be spotted. Stretch your legs walking along the half-mile long boardwalk over fresh the water marsh that also features viewing scopes and interpretive panels and numerous photo ops.

9. Bord Du Lac Park

Visit the town’s namesake with a stop by this urban park that hugs Lake Charles. Flaunting a decked-out playground (ahem, yes to the pirate ship, castle and splash pad) and picnic area to enjoy the spoils from nearby food trucks. Bord du Lac Park encompasses the Lakefront Promenade with a cobblestone path with custom lighting and seating, Bord du Lac Marina featuring 38 boat slips, the Louisiana Landing Fountain featuring a one-of-a-kind bronze geese sculpture, the Lake Charles Civic Center, Millennium Park, PPG Sprayground and Splash Pad.

10. Creole Nature Trail

Grab your safari hat and head into Louisiana’s Outback along the 180-mile Creole Nature Trail All-American Road. You can download the driving tour app for free by searching “Creole” on your Smartphone or you can rent a GPS Ranger unit at the CVB for free if you don’t have a Smartphone. From hunting and fishing, to oystering, shrimping and hiking- you will find entertainment isn’t lacking. Explore wetlands, wildlife refuges and marshes teeming with creatures you will only find in the South. Dining, accommodations, camping, restrooms and many other services are available along the trail.