Lake Charles Travel Guide

Lake Charles is one of the largest incorporated cities in Louisiana and a popular center for cultural and festival activities. Here are some of the characteristics, attractions and accommodation options in this popular education hub.

Orientation

Lake Charles is as much celebrated for its educational brilliance as its petrochemical refining, gaming events and cultural happenings. McNeese State University is the most prominent study center in the state and is one of the reasons the city has earned an enviable education status. Lake Charles is also endearingly referred to as the ‘Festival Capital of Louisiana’ since the city hosts over 75 annual festivals.  The original settlers in town were the American Indian tribes, who arrived in the modern-day Lake Charles region in as early as 1760. After the Civil War, Lake Charles was back to being a flourishing lumbering center. The city is still reminiscent with traces of classic carpentry that built the sprawling Victorian mansions in the late 19 th century using pine wood, while forming elaborate and intricate architectural patterns.

The resilient city has an admirable spirit that made it rise from the catastrophe of Hurricane Rita, which besieged the town in September 2005. The Central School of Arts and Humanities Center located Lake Charles features on the Louisiana African American Heritage Trail.

Attractions

Visit the Imperial Calcasieu Museum that presents a stunning illustration of the rich cultural history of Lake Charles. View ancient artifacts and memorabilia from the early settlements along with Victorian and contemporary age exhibits. Another good museum is the Children’s Museum of Lake Charles and the City Hall that is a fantastic place to catch local art exhibitions throughout the year. For sampling copious local musical and acting histrionics, visit The Lake Charles Little Theater and The Children’s Theater company. Downtown Park in Lake Charles is a sprawling water-side park that is beautifully landscaped and is perfect for a nice morning or sunset walk. Visitors can view some of the most breathtaking natural sights from the confines of the park. The revelry in Lake Charles during its annual festivals and carnivals  is worth experiencing. Visitors should plan their trip around the first two weeks in May during the annual Contraband Days festival when Lake Charles transforms into a dazzling mass of live entertainment, music, culinary delights and an infectious party spirit that refuses to subside for days. Mardi Gras is another festival that is celebrated with intense fervor in the region apart from many other cultural holidays.

Food and Accommodation

For scrumptious Mexican food, visit Cancum Restaurant on Ryan St. The old-fashioned family managed Harlequin is a great option for its succulent steaks and mouth-melting sea-food. Each item served at Tony’s Pizza is awesome including the pasta, Greek Gyros and authentic Italian Pizza. L'Auberge du Lac Hotel and Casino is a swanky new accommodation option that has a super in-house casino for some recreational  gambling sessions. Other good hotels include Microtel Inn & Suites Lake Charles and Hotel Lake Charles.   

Lake Charles is a colorful destination of carnivals and festivities that also has a rich musical and performing arts legacy.