Are you ready to start with our bucket list of things to do in Charles Lake?!

Things to do in Lake Charles

If you are planning your trip to Lakes Charles, and are wondering about the places you should visit, or the activities you should do, then don’t worry, since we have got you covered. Lake Charles is a beautiful city situated in the South-east of the United States and is the 5th largest city in the great state of Louisiana.

In this article, we will cover some of the most beautiful places you can visit in Lake Charles as well as some of the best things to do in Charles Lake. So, let’s begin the journey.

1. Lake Charles

Charles Lake is a beautiful and peaceful area located in the heart of the Midwest. With its picturesque scenery, numerous outdoor activities, and friendly community, Charles Lake is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation.

The first section of the list of things to do in lake Charles is definitely visiting these mentioned places.

Section A: Top Attractions:

Let us start with things to do in Lake Charles.

Here, in this segment of the blog, we are going to witness the top tourist attraction Lake Charles has to offer. From the Imperial Calcasieu Museum to the Sam Houston jones state, we will be covering all of it. These fun places are highly regarded and visiting them at least once on your journey to lake Charles is a must!

1. Imperial Calcasieu Museum

One of the things to do in Charles Lake is to visit the Imperial Calcasieu Museum.

The Imperial Calcasieu Museum is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts visiting Charles Lake. The museum offers visitors a chance to learn about the rich history of the site, from the first inhabitants to the present day.

One of the highlights of the Imperial Calcasieu Museum is the permanent exhibit on the Civil War. This exhibit features artifacts and documents from the Civil War era, as well as photographs and maps that give visitors a sense of what life was like during that time.

The museum also has a temporary exhibit space, which features rotating exhibits on a variety of topics. These exhibits have included themes such as Charles Lake’s Native American history, the logging industry, and women’s history.

Overall, the Imperial Calcasieu Museum is an excellent destination for those interested in learning about the history of Charles Lake and the surrounding area.

2. Louisiana

Louisiana, also known as the Pelican State, is located in the Southern United States and is known for its rich history, culture, and diverse landscape. Wandering through the roads of Louisiana should be one of the next things to do in Charles Lake.

The state is known for its bayous, swamps, and the Mississippi River, as well as its vibrant music scene, delicious food, and colorful festivals.

One of the most popular festivals in Louisiana is the Louisiana Pirate Festival, held in Lake Charles. Louisiana has something for everyone. You can always visit Southwest Louisiana to witness the wonders of Lake Charles.

3. Louisiana Pirate Festival

The Louisiana Pirate Festival is an annual event that takes place in Lake Charles, Louisiana. It is a celebration of the state’s rich pirate history and culture and is a fun and exciting event for people of all ages. The festival features a variety of activities, such as pirate reenactments, live music, food vendors, and a marketplace.

The festival’s main attraction is the pirate reenactments, which are performed by a group of dedicated reenactors. These reenactments take place on a replica ship and feature real cannons, swords, and other weapons. Visitors can watch as the pirates engage in mock battles and learn about pirate life on the high seas.

4. Prien Lake Park

Wondering what are the other things to do in Charles Lake?

Taking a tour of Prien Lake Park when you visit lake Charles is something that you should definitely add to your list of things to do in Charles Lake.

This park is situated on the shores of Prien Lake and offers visitors a variety of recreational activities and amenities. One of the main attractions of the park is the lake itself.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of water activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. Several boat launches are available for those who want to bring their boats, and several rental companies offer boats and other water equipment. Fishing is also a popular activity at Prien Lake Park, with a variety of fish species found in the lake including bass, catfish, and panfish.

The park also features several walking and hiking trails, which are perfect for those who want to explore the natural beauty of the area. The park also has a playground for children and a picnic area for families. Several shelters can be rented for parties and events.

5. Mardi Gras Museum

One of the lake Charles museums that must be on your bucket list of things to do in Charles Lake is visiting the Mardi Gras Museum. The Mardi Gras Museum is a popular destination for visitors to Lake Charles, Louisiana. The museum is dedicated to preserving history, and historical artifacts, and providing a historical tour.

The museum features a variety of exhibits that showcase the history and traditions of Mardi Gras. Visitors can learn about the origins of the celebration, which can be traced back to ancient Rome, as well as the evolution of Mardi Gras in Louisiana.

The museum also has a collection of costumes and floats from past Mardi Gras parades, which are a highlight of the museum. The costumes on display are intricate and colorful, showcasing the creativity and artistry of the people who design and create them.

Overall, the Mardi Gras Museum is an excellent destination for those interested in learning about the history and culture of Mardi Gras.

For more information about Mardi Gras Museum, we have attached a video for you.

6. Charpentier Historic District

Another of the Lake Charles attractions is the Charpentier Historic District!

The district is known for its Victorian-style homes and its vibrant cultural scene. The district is named after Charles Charpentier, a prominent businessman who developed the area in the late 1800s.

The district is home to a variety of historic homes, many of which have been restored to their original condition. Visitors can take a walking tour of the neighborhood to see the beautiful homes, many of which have intricate architectural details and colorful paint schemes.

The Charpentier Historic District is also home to several cultural events throughout the year. Visitors can attend concerts, festivals, and other events that showcase the area’s rich cultural heritage.

Overall, the Charpentier Historic District is a great destination for visitors who are interested in history, architecture, and culture.

7. Sam Houston Jones state

Sam Houston Jones State Park is located in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, United States. Another of the things to do in Charles Lake is to visit the Sam Houston Jones State Park.

The park is named after the former Governor of Louisiana, Sam Houston Jones, who is credited with preserving the area’s natural beauty by creating the state park system in Louisiana.

The park features a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, boating, and camping.

Additionally, the park is home to many species of birds and other wildlife, making it a popular destination for birdwatching and nature photography.

What else? Well, our word limit will get over when describing and listing the tourist attractions of Lake Charles! The list of things to do in lake Charles and the places to visit it is never-ending. However, if you are planning to visit Lake Charles, then make sure to take a look at the Creole nature trail, Uss Orleck naval museum as well as the Historic city hall.

Section B: Fun Things to do in Lake Charles:

As we are jumping onto the second section of the article, we would like to list a few of the divine natural places you can visit in Lake Charles and witness the natural aspect of it.

Along with it, we will be listing a few of the outdoor activities that you can participate in to ensure your exciting journey.

1. Visit various beautiful Parks:

One of the things to do in Charles Lake is visiting various beautiful parks and take a stroll alone or even with the whole family. You can even plan a picnic with the whole family and visit the Picnic areas of the parks. We have listed a few of the parks you should consider visiting if you are planning a trip to Lake Charles.

1.1. Millennium Park

Millennium Park is a public park located in Lake Charles, Louisiana. This park offers you a lot of things to do in Charles Lake.

It features a large lake, walking trails, playgrounds, and a variety of recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and picnicking.

The park also includes an amphitheater for outdoor concerts and events.

1.2. Lakeside Park

Lakeside Park is another public park in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

It has a boardwalk that extends into the lake, providing a great spot for fishing or enjoying the view. The park also has playgrounds, picnic areas, and a large open field perfect for sports and games.

1.3. Houston jones state park

Houston Jones State Park is located in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and it is a great place for camping, picnicking, and other outdoor activities.

The park has a playground, a swimming pool, and a variety of hiking trails. The park also has a fishing pier and boat launch, making it a great spot for fishing.

1.4. Charles Lake State Park:

The Charles Lake State Park allows you to participate in many kinds of activities like swimming, picnicking and bird watching.

If you are visiting the State Park with your family, then an additional benefit is that the park has a playground for children as well as a picnic area for families.

2. Outdoor Adventures

Lake Charles offers great outdoors and also offers various outdoor activities. From dining in to shopping to playing golf, art walking, and wine festival, things to do in Charles Lake are infinite.

2.1. L’auberge casino resort

L’Auberge Casino Resort is a luxury casino resort located in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

The resort features a variety of amenities including a casino with over 1,600 slot machines and 80 table games, a variety of dining options, a large pool, a spa, and a fitness center.

The L’auberge casino resort offers one of the most famous lake Charles casinos.

L’auberge casino resort also has a golf course and several retail shops. L’Auberge Casino Resort offers guests a wide range of entertainment options, including live music and performances.

Additionally, guests can grab a few drinks like craft beers and bayou rum in the fun place, and take part in various recreational activities like kayaking, fishing, and bird watching on the Contraband Bayou.

The resort is a popular destination for both tourists and locals alike, and it’s a great place to relax and enjoy all that Lake Charles has to offer.

2.2. Golden nugget casino

Visiting Golden Nugget Casino is one of the fun stuff and things to do in Charles Lake.

Golden Nugget Casino is a luxury casino resort located in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

The resort features a large casino with a wide range of games including slot machines, table games, and a poker room.

The resort also has several dining options, a large pool, a spa, and a fitness center. The resort offers guests a variety of entertainment options, including live music and performances.

Additionally, guests can take part in various recreational activities such as kayaking, fishing, and bird watching on the Contraband Bayou.

The resort also includes a golf course and several retail shops.

The Golden Nugget Casino is a popular destination for both tourists and locals alike and it’s known for its luxurious amenities and high-end gaming experience.

2.3. Clock tower

The Clock Tower in Lake Charles is a well-known landmark located in the heart of the city.

The tower was built in 1912 as part of the city’s original post office and was restored in the 1980s.

The Clock Tower is the tallest building in Lake Charles and it’s located in the downtown area. It is open for tours and visitors can see the clock mechanism and the bell.

The tower also offers a great view of the city.

2.4. Bird Watching:

Lake Charles, Louisiana is known for its diverse bird population and birdwatching and bird observing are the one of the most popular things to do in Charles Lake.

The city is home to several birding hotspots such as the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road, a 180-mile scenic byway that winds through the city’s wetlands and marshes.

The Contraband Bayou, which runs through the city, is also a great spot for birdwatching, with a variety of waterfowl and wading birds were commonly seen in the area.

The Lake Charles area is also home to several protected wetlands and wildlife refuges such as the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge and the Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge, which also offer excellent birdwatching opportunities.

2.5. Fishing:

Charles Lake is known for its excellent fishing opportunities. Anglers can catch a variety of fish including bass, catfish, and panfish.

There are several fishing guides available to help visitors catch the big one.

2.6. Hiking and Camping:

Charles Lake has several hiking trails that wind through the forest and along the lake. Campsites are available for overnight stays.

2.7. Boating:

Another of the popular things to do in Charles Lake is boating.

Charles Lake is a popular spot for boating, with several marinas and boat rental companies available. Visitors can enjoy the lake by taking a leisurely cruise, or by engaging in water sports such as jet skiing or water skiing.

3. Societies and Events to visit!

Apart from the sports mentioned above and activities, you can also witness the following mentioned events and societies and add them to your bucket list of things to do in Charles Lake.

3.1. Charles Lake Historical Society:

This society is dedicated to preserving the history of Charles Lake, another of the things to do in Charles Lake is get to know about its history.

Visitors can learn about the area’s history by visiting the society’s museum, which features a variety of artifacts and exhibits.

3.2. Charles Lake Art Walk:

One of the best things to do in Charles Lake is a part of this annual event, held in the summer, featuring local artists displaying and selling their work.

Visitors can stroll through the streets of Charles Lake, admiring the art and chatting with the artists.

3.3. Charles Lake Farmers Market:

The farmer’s market is held every Saturday during the summer and features fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts.

Visitors can purchase locally grown fruits and vegetables, as well as locally made crafts.

3.4. Charles Lake Wine Festival:

This annual event is held in the fall and features local wineries and breweries.

Visitors can sample a variety of wines and beers, and purchase bottles to take home.

3.5. Charles Lake Ice Fishing:

A thing to do in Charles Lake definitely goes for fishing. During the winter months, visitors can enjoy ice fishing on Charles Lake. There are several fishing guides available to help visitors catch the big one through the ice.

3.6. Charles Lake Winter Festival:

This annual event is held in the winter and features a variety of activities such as ice skating, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing.

Visitors can enjoy the beauty of Charles Lake in the wintertime.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Charles Lake is a beautiful and peaceful area and there are a variety of things to do in Charles Lake. From fishing and hiking to boating and picnicking. With its friendly community, excellent scenery, and numerous events and festivals, Charles Lake is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation.

The place has everything to offer, be it historic places, romantic things, picnic spots, golf, and other sports. The things to do in Charles Lake are never-ending! You can have self-guided tours, visit art galleries, and many of the other fests as mentioned.