Free Things to Do in Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana

There are so many things to do in Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana. I have fun bringing my kids for a family trip and even recently took a solo trip for my full time job. It was wonderful to check out L’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort and Spa. Nice place with a great pool area! ~ CajunMama

Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana abounds with adventures that are affordable for the entire family to enjoy. From an adventure in the great outdoors to a journey back to childhood at the Children’s Museum, there is something for everyone.

1. The Creole Nature Trail All-American Road offers up educational fun for the low cost of a tank of gas. Journey out into the marsh on this 180-mile driving trail where you can get nose to snout with the King of the Marsh, the American Alligator! The Wetland Walkway and the Blue Goose Trail offer paved walking paths that allow explorers to journey miles into the marsh and view wildlife up close, in their natural habitat.
2. Beaches along the Creole Nature Trail and the Gulf of Mexico allow visitors to swim, hunt for shells and even surf fish. Nineteen miles of uninterrupted beaches are the perfect site for a picnic lunch or to catch a sunset.
3. Catching fresh blue crabs on the side of the road is a favorite past time for many locals and visitors. Stop on your way down the trail and pick up some chicken necks, string and a dip net along with a ice chest to store your crabs and you are on your way to catching your own seafood spread for dinner. There are no license requirements for crabbing and several recreation areas along the Creole Nature Trail offer the perfect place to stop off and catch your feast.
4. Museums and art galleries offer and educational yet fun adventures for everyone. The recently remodeled three-story Children’s Museum offers hands-on fun for a reasonable admission fee. The Imperial Calcasieu Museum, the Brimstone Museum and the DeQuincy Railroad Museum all tell the story of the area’s history. The Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu celebrates Mardi Gras year-round with more than 250 complete costumes and talking, animated mannequins who tell the history of Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras.
5. Galleries with rotating art exhibits are located throughout Southwest Louisiana and offer no admission charges. Places like the 1911 Historic City Hall and the Black Heritage Gallery are a great educational experience as well.
6. Spraygrounds like those found at Adventure Cove and Prien Lake Park are free to everyone and offer up great, cool fun on the hot, balmy summer days in Southwest Louisiana. The Sulphur Parks and Recreation Water Park offers affordable, wet fun for everyone too.

For more information on all of these activities, log onto www.visitlakecharles.org.