10 Places to Visit and 5 Places to Avoid in Lake Charles, Louisiana

Lake Charles, Louisiana is a great place to visit for its stunning natural beauty, historic sites, and vibrant culture. From the city’s casinos, festivals, and parks to the nearby attractions like the Creole Nature Trail and the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge, there are plenty of things to do and see in the area. But before you start planning your trip, here’s a look at 10 places to visit and 5 places to avoid in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

1. L’Auberge Casino Resort

L’Auberge Casino Resort is one of Lake Charles’ premier attractions. Located on the banks of the Calcasieu River, this luxurious resort offers a variety of gaming options, including slots, table games, and poker. The resort also features a spa, a golf course, and several restaurants. With its stunning views of the lake and its convenient location, L’Auberge Casino Resort is a great place to visit when you’re in town.

2. Contraband Bayou Golf Club

If you’re looking for some fun in the sun, the Contraband Bayou Golf Club is the perfect place for you. This 18-hole championship golf course offers a challenging yet enjoyable game for all skill levels. The course is surrounded by beautiful marshlands and is home to a variety of wildlife, making it even more enjoyable. After your game, you can enjoy a meal at the clubhouse restaurant or relax with a drink at the bar.

3. Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu

The Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu is the perfect place to learn about the history of Mardi Gras in the area. The museum features a variety of exhibits, including costumes, artifacts, and photographs. You can also learn about the traditions and customs associated with Mardi Gras in the area, as well as its long history in Lake Charles. The museum also offers a variety of educational programs and events throughout the year.

4. Charpentier Historic District

The Charpentier Historic District is a great place to explore when you’re in Lake Charles. The district features a variety of historic buildings, including homes, churches, and businesses. The district is also home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and art galleries. As you explore the district, you’ll get a sense of the city’s past and its unique culture.

5. Creole Nature Trail

The Creole Nature Trail is a 180-mile scenic route that runs along the Gulf Coast from Lake Charles to Port Arthur, Texas. This trail is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, as it offers a variety of activities, including bird watching, fishing, boating, and hiking. Along the route, you’ll pass through a variety of habitats, including marshes, estuaries, and coastal forests. You’ll also get to see some of the area’s wildlife, including alligators, turtles, and wading birds.

6. Sam Houston Jones State Park

Sam Houston Jones State Park is a great place to visit if you’re looking for a peaceful escape. This park features over 1,700 acres of lush forest and wetlands, making it the perfect spot for camping, hiking, fishing, and bird watching. The park also offers a variety of recreational activities, including swimming, kayaking, and canoeing. With its stunning views and tranquil atmosphere, Sam Houston Jones State Park is a great place to visit when you’re in town.

7. Imperial Calcasieu Museum

The Imperial Calcasieu Museum is a great place to learn about the history and culture of the area. The museum features a variety of exhibits, including artifacts, photographs, and documents. You can also learn about the area’s Native American history, as well as its role in the Civil War. The museum also offers a variety of educational programs and events throughout the year.

8. Prien Lake Park

Prien Lake Park is a great place to visit if you’re looking for a fun day out. The park features a variety of activities, including fishing, swimming, and boating. There’s also a playground, picnic areas, and a walking trail. With its stunning views of the lake and its convenient location, Prien Lake Park is a great place to visit when you’re in town.

9. Children’s Museum Lake Charles

The Children’s Museum Lake Charles is a great place to visit with kids. The museum features a variety of interactive exhibits, including a kitchen, a playhouse, and a stage. There are also a variety of hands-on activities, including arts and crafts, games, and puzzles. With its fun and educational exhibits, the Children’s Museum Lake Charles is a great place to visit when you’re in town.

10. Lake Charles Civic Center

The Lake Charles Civic Center is a great place to visit if you’re looking for entertainment. The center features a variety of events, including concerts, plays, and sporting events. There’s also a variety of restaurants and shops, as well as a movie theater. With its convenient location and variety of activities, the Lake Charles Civic Center is a great place to visit when you’re in town.

Places to Avoid

1. The Westlake Chemical Corporation

The Westlake Chemical Corporation is a chemical plant located in Westlake, Louisiana. The plant has been the source of numerous environmental violations, and its emissions contain a range of toxic chemicals. The plant is also accused of releasing hazardous waste into the Calcasieu River, which is a source of drinking water for many residents in the area. For these reasons, it is best to avoid this area.

2. East Side Apartments

The East Side Apartments are located in the East End neighborhood of Lake Charles. The area has a reputation for being unsafe due to high levels of crime, including drug dealing and gang activity. The apartments themselves are poorly maintained and have a history of complaints from tenants. For these reasons, it is best to avoid this area.

3. Fourth Street

Fourth Street is a residential area in Lake Charles that is known for its high levels of crime and drug activity. The area is also home to a number of homeless shelters, which can make it an unsafe place to be. For these reasons, it is best to avoid this area.

4. Acres Homes

Acres Homes is a neighborhood in Lake Charles that is known for its high levels of crime and poverty. The area is home to a number of abandoned buildings and vacant lots, which can make it a dangerous place to be. For these reasons, it is best to avoid this area.

5. Central City

Central City is a neighborhood in Lake Charles that is known for its high levels of crime and gang activity. The area is home to a number of dilapidated buildings and vacant lots, which can make it an unsafe place to be. For these reasons, it is best to avoid this area.

Lake Charles, Louisiana is a great place to visit for its stunning natural beauty, historic sites, and vibrant culture. From the city’s casinos, festivals, and parks to the nearby attractions like the Creole Nature Trail and the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge, there are plenty of things to do and see in the area. But before you start planning your trip, here’s a look at 10 places to visit and 5 places to avoid in Lake Charles, Louisiana.