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LAKE AREA ADVENTURES (Lake Charles) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

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10 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Lake Charles

Written by Anietra Hamper Updated Dec 23, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Southwest Louisiana is an eclectic sensory experience, and Lake Charles is the welcoming hub. Whether you are admiring the Cypress Swamp along the Calcasieu River or observing wildlife along the Creole Nature Trail , you leave Lake Charles with an authentic immersion in rich Louisiana culture.

You will find plenty of rewarding things to do in Lake Charles. Walk the neighborhoods to take in the stately southern homes, and if you're a foodie, seek out some of the small local eateries serving up top Cajun and creole dishes from generations-old recipes.

If you are a fan of Mardi Gras celebrations, Lake Charles is a great place to visit for family-friendly parades, gumbo cookouts, and as much of the traditional King Cake as you can eat. You will be immersed in visuals of elaborate costumes, floats, and rich history of this important piece of southwestern Louisiana culture.

Plan your sightseeing around this friendly city with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Lake Charles.

1. Walk the Creole Nature Trail & Adventure Point

2. explore saltwater marshes on grosse savanne eco-tours, 3. mardi gras museum of imperial calcasieu, 4. sam houston jones state park, 5. walk the charpentier historic district, 6. kayak local waters with lake area adventures, 7. tour the imperial calcasieu museum, 8. prien lake park, 9. the children's museum, 10. millenium park, where to stay for sightseeing in lake charles, map of attractions & things to do in lake charles, lake charles, la - climate chart.

Along the Creole Nature Trail, you can enjoy the outdoor splendor of southwest Louisiana.

As one of only 43 designated All-American Roads in the United States, the trail has 180 miles of Cajun culture and wildlife and more than 26 miles of Gulf Coast beaches. The Creole Nature Trail is actually a series of pull-offs and trails that you can do at your own pace.

You will enjoy world-class wildlife experiences as you get a close-up view of preserved alligator populations and more than 400 bird species. This pristine experience is prized among nature photographers and outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy fishing, crabbing, and boating.

Be sure to start the Creole Nature Trail at Adventure Point visitor center where you can learn more about the area and how to look for alligators and also experience local Zydeco music. Maps of the trail are available online.

Address: 1205 N. Lakeshore Drive, Lake Charles, Louisiana

One of the most spectacular ways to experience the natural environment that surrounds Lake Charles is through an ecotour.

Get up close to wildlife during a guided trip with Grosse Savanne Eco-Tours, a small-group experience that takes you into undisturbed natural marshes, swamps, and coastal prairies.

Keep your camera ready as you get an intimate look at the natural habitats of herons, raptors, alligators, bobcats, and other wildlife. The ecotour takes you deep into 50,000 acres of protected habitat, allowing you to see plants and animals in fresh and saltwater marshes with uninterrupted access.

Address: 358 Chalkley Road, Ball City, Louisiana

The elaborate Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu in Lake Charles has the largest display of Mardi Gras costumes in the world .

It is a great thing to do during your stay to get an understanding of the important history of the area. There are only six rooms in the museum, but you will leave with a colorful and detailed history of Mardi Gras traditions.

Learn about the significance of the festival, costume design, the 12th night celebrations, and parades. You can even climb aboard a Mardi Gras parade float in one of the rooms. If you are lucky, you might even stumble on a King Cake decorating lesson and sample some of the leftovers.

The iconic Mardi Gras Museum sustained significant damage during the 2020 hurricane season and is undergoing renovations, so you will want to check its status before scheduling a visit.

Address: 809 Kirby Street, Lake Charles, Louisiana

The Sam Houston Jones State Park and preservation area is one of the best stops if you want to spend time outdoors during your visit to Lake Charles. With more than 1,000 natural acres of trees, lakes, and rivers surrounded by a hardwood pine forest, it is a peaceful natural environment to explore.

Enjoy a round of disc golf, hiking on the trails, or a picnic lunch while observing the wildlife. Sam Houston Jones State Park is known for the duck and geese in the ponds and abundant populations of alligators, otters, deer, bobcats, and many species of birds.

Address: 107 Sutherland Road, Lake Charles, Louisiana

The Charpentier Historic District is a leisurely way to explore Lake Charles and marvel at the exquisite architecture of some of the most elaborate homes in southwestern Louisiana.

There are more than 400 structures and homes in this 40-block area of Lake Charles. You can download a free app and take a walking tour at your own pace, or take a guided tour. Along the way, learn about the history of the area, including ghost stories and the great fire of 1910.

For a romantic day out exploring the streets and historic homes, take a horse-drawn carriage ride with Lake Charles Carriages. For an added treat, stop for a bite at one of the many restaurants downtown in converted historic buildings.

Get out on the water during your trip to Lake Charles with guided boat and kayak trips with Lake Area Adventures . Kayak tours range from one to six hours depending on the trip. There are beginner trips and more scenic trips to see wildlife in the area from your own kayak.

You will have a new perspective on the natural beauty of Lake Charles as you paddle past the cypress trees and tour the water trails of Southwest Louisiana.

You can also book a boat tour through some of the Lake Charles waters with a private guide. For a more leisurely boating trip, you can rent paddle boats and hit the waters at Prien Lake Park.

Address: 5959 Common Street, Lake Charles, Louisiana

A nice cultural experience in Lake Charles is at the Imperial Calcasieu Museum , which showcases cultural arts from the five parishes in the area.

The museum has historical artifacts, including artwork and furniture from various periods, as well as photographs that shed light on the inhabitants of the region through the decades. You can take a self-guided tour through the museum, which provides a historical context to your visit to Lake Charles.

Address: 204 W. Sallier Street, Lake Charles, Louisiana

Prien Lake Park is a public park on the shore of Indian Bay where you can take advantage of the amenities and enjoy the nature in the area without having to head into the bayou.

One of the best features of the park is the boardwalk, with a terrific view of the expansive I-210 bridge over the waterway.

The park has canoe launches and picnic pavilions as well as a popular water playground for kids in the summer. With its fountains and flowers, the park is a perfect location to relax, picnic, or rest between other activities.

Address: 3700 West Prien Lake Road, Lake Charles, Louisiana

The Children's Museum in Lake Charles is a must-visit for families staying in the area. This non-profit museum has three floors of educational, hands-on experiences for children. There is a kids' bank, a construction zone, a Louisiana wetlands experience, and market shopping.

One of the highlights of the museum is the ArtSpace, where kids can create their own art pieces with a variety of art materials available.

Address: 327 Broad Street, Lake Charles, Louisiana

If you are heading to Lake Charles with children, you will want to visit Millennium Park during your stay.

The park is located on the lakefront in Lake Charles and has playgrounds, a splash pad area, a rock climbing wall, and interactive activities. There are walking paths and sitting areas if you want to watch the kids play or just enjoy the waterfront scene or sunset.

Address: 1100 Lakeshore Drive, Lake Charles, Louisiana

Lake Charles has a wide range of lodging in the area, from large resorts to small budget hotels. If you have a particular interest in downtown attractions or locations, like the Creole Nature Trail just beyond downtown, you are best finding lodging closest to the activities you want to do.

Luxury Hotels :

• Without a doubt, the Lake Charles luxury hotel options include the large resort complexes like the Golden Nugget Hotel , which has on-site activities like a championship golf course and lazy river.
• L'Auberge Resort Lake Charles is located on the waterfront and has luxury amenities like a spa, golf course, and restaurants.

Mid-Range Hotels :

• If your Lake Charles trip centers on the outdoors and the Creole Nature Trail , you can stay at the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Lake Charles , which is only a 10-minute drive to the trail, so you can make the most of your day on it.
• For a location close to town, the Hampton Inn Lake Charles is an option close to the Charpentier Historic District and many of the Lake Charles museums.

Budget Hotels :

• It is not hard to find budget hotel options in Lake Charles. The Red Roof Inn & Suites Lake Charles is a family-friendly hotel close to all the main attractions, like the Children's Museum and the Mardi Gras Museum .
• Another budget-friendly option is the Best Western Plus Prien Lake Inn & Suites , which is centrally located between the airport and downtown attractions.

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Exploring Louisiana: After your visit to Lake Charles, you may want to explore Louisiana a bit more to experience New Orleans or Baton Rouge . There are some unique and historic hotels in New Orleans that can add a nice element to the visit. If you are planning a special occasion there are some fantastic weekend getaway ideas to extend your trip, like a visit to Plantation Country.

More on Louisiana

Lake Area Adventures is now open in Lake Charles

Lake Charles, LA (KPLC) - If you have been looking for something interactive to do with your family and friends then look no further because this Lake Area Adventures is now open and packed with all kinds of entertainment.

The $5 million project has been in the works since August of 2022 and is holding its grand opening today, March 29th.

The facility is 35,000 feet and will have you jumping for joy in the 10,500-square-foot custom-designed inflatable air park that has obstacle courses, an indoor ropes course that gives a bird’s-eye view of the facility, a video game lounge, interactive mini golf, and even a restaurant.

“We’ve built this family entertainment center from the ground up with our customers in mind and we’re excited for the public to finally see what we’ve been working so hard on,” says co-owner Tim Robles.

For those who are interested in rock climbing, the venue features Southwest Louisiana’s first bouldering/rock climbing wall which has different levels.

“We actually brought out professional climbers out of Colorado, they flew in. They set the trails for us, for moderate to very experienced climbers. And what’s really special about this wall is that you’re not harnessed into anything” said Robles.

And if you are more of a gamer, they have an entire room dedicated to you. It features a state-of-the-art video game lounge that allows you to immerse in the action with a VR headset while controls and race simulators track every move your foot makes.

While Lake Area Adventures provides a unique experience for entertainment it also has something for your tastebuds.

The Terrace restaurant even has a well-known chef executive chef, Amanda Cusey who became the second-ever Queen of Louisiana Seafood in the 15th Annual Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off of 2022.

The seating of the restaurant is leaned towards the outside atmosphere “hence the word Terrace” Cusey said.

And not only did Cusey design the entire menu but she also made a menu for your furry friends. Not to mention that the restaurant is located right beside the pool so you can even grab a bite while your children go for a swim.

The 1,700-square-foot indoor pool features a big screen where anyone can enjoy a streamed movie while they hang out.

Lake Area Adventures is located at 1337 Country Club Road in Lake Charles and you can find their pricing and membership options on their website HERE .

Copyright 2023 KPLC. All rights reserved.

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Lake Area Adventures to bring new adventure to Lake Charles

Published 12:00 pm Sunday, February 13, 2022

By special.to

By  John Guidroz

American Press

Lake Charles officials on Friday unveiled the new Lake Area Adventures lakefront project on the edge of North Beach, just off Interstate 10. The development will provide boat and kayak rentals, water tours, pier fishing and food from a local barbecue restaurant.

Tim Robles is the general manager of Lake Area Adventures, a watercraft rental business open since 2016. He said the lakefront facility will house Paul’s Rib Shack, a stage for live entertainment, a pier and outdoor seating. Construction is expected to begin by this summer, pending approval by the City Council.

Robles said the goal is for some type of activity to begin while the facility is being built.

“When people come over that (I-10) bridge, we want you to see more than just refineries,” he said. “We want you to see a community that loves the outdoors.”

Mayor Nic Hunter said city officials noticed a lack of waterfront activities along the lakefront. He said Lake Area Adventures will draw in locals and tourists along Interstate 10.

“Our welcome sign to the rest of the world continues to get brighter and better,” Hunter said. “You cannot buy this view or experience on Amazon.”

The Lake Area Adventures project was spurred by plans for two other lakefront development efforts, Hunter said. One is the $20 million Port Wonder complex, which will house a new Children’s Museum and science and nature center. Plans are also in motion for the second Crying Eagle Brewing location.

Both the Port Wonder and Crying Eagle lakefront projects were announced before the COVID-19 pandemic, and four federally-declared disasters. Hurricanes Laura and Delta made landfall in August and October 2020, followed by a winter storm last February and a historic flood last May. Officials broke ground on Port Wonder last June, and Hunter said “major visible work” on the site is weeks away from getting started.

“(This year) is going to be the year of seeing it and believing it on the lakefront,” Hunter said.

Paul Pettefer is the owner of Paul’s Rib Shack, a barbecue restaurant on Nelson Road. He said the new development is an incredible opportunity to gain access to waterfront adventures.

District A City Councilman Marshall Simien said he considers the lakefront as the city’s “front porch.” He said the Lake Area Adventures project isn’t just about development.

“It’s about the jobs it will create,” he said. “It’s about quality of life for us as a lake city.”

City Administrator John Cardone said the Lake Area Adventures site involves public and private entities.

“This is a perfect example of what can happen when a variety of stakeholders come together in a committed effort to create an incredible opportunity for our region,” he said.

Robles said the local community is courageous and hasn’t been deterred by the COVID-19 pandemic or any of the natural disasters that occurred in 2020 and 2021. He said boat sales soared during the pandemic, and their business saw rentals quadruple.

“Southwest Louisiana is not about surviving; it’s about thriving,” he said. “We’re going to create something on this spot that people can be proud of.”

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Lake Area Adventures

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Lake Area Adventures - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

Lake Area Adventures

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Lake Area Adventures - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Memberships & Admission

Memberships .

Unlimited fun. Great food. Zero stress. Each of our memberships is designed with you in mind. They’re the best way to enjoy all that our Adventure Complex and outdoor adventures have to offer. Get a membership for just you or get a group one and share it with family or friends. Whatever way you do it, we can’t wait to entertain you.

Each membership tier includes the following:

• Unlimited visits to our Adventure Complex—climb, jump, game or eat with us whenever you want every month
• No blackout dates—any day we’re open to the public, we’re open to you

Parents/guardians do not have to be on the membership. Spectators will receive a band and can come with their children at no cost. You don’t play, you don’t pay!

Solo Monthly Membership

Membership Perks

Unlimited Adventures

NOTE: Solo Memberships are a 3-month commitment.

Terms & Conditions

Solo Adventurer memberships are quarterly memberships. Membership fees are charged monthly. If you cancel before the end of the 3-month period, additional fees will apply.

Memberships are auto-renew after the 3-month period. 

To cancel, email Sarge at [email protected].

Must provide a valid credit card to secure your membership.

Solo Adventurer Memberships cover one person.

Solo memberships may be purchased as gifts. 

Group Membership

For Friends & Family

NOTE: Group memberships are a 3-month commitment.

Group Adventurer memberships are quarterly memberships. Membership fees are charged monthly. If you cancel before the end of the 3-month period, additional fees will apply.

To cancel, email Sarge at [email protected]

Family Memberships cover 4 people. For each friend or family member added to the account over the standard 4 friends/family members, an additional $20 a month will be added to the membership cost.

Individuals using the membership must be named. To change membership users, there is a $10 fee.

Memberships may be purchased as gifts.

Daily Admission

Solo adventurers.

0-5 YEARS OLD

1-hour play

Two hour play, unlimited play.

6 YEARS OLD +

One hour play

*Unlimited play passes are subject to availability.

During times of high attendance, unlimited passes will not be sold.

Group Adventurers

2 hour play for 4 people.

Additional guests $20 each

Note: The Aquatics center is only open to swimming lesson students, Lake Area Adventures members and private pool party guests.

Daily admission does not include access to the Aquatics Center.

What do I have access to with my admission?

Individuals with bands can use all of the attractions during their visit. That includes: The AirPark, Omni Arena, Gamers Lounge, bouldering/climbing wall, ropes course, and SO much more! 

Note: Daily admission does not include access to the Aquatics Center. 

Do I have to purchase admission to eat at The Terrace?

No. If you are dining at The Terrace, you can bypass the front entrance and enter via the sidewalk that leads to the patio.

Do I have to pay for admission if I am not playing?

No. If you don’t play, you don’t pay. If at any time you decide you want to use the attractions (including arcade games, mini golf and the gamers lounge), please visit the front desk and purchase admission.

How can I cut down on my wait times at check-in?

Purchase admission and complete your waivers online before you arrive for your adventure. Additionally, your whole party will need to check in together before entering the facility.

Are there lockers available for my personal belongings?

No, we do not have lockers available. However, there are cubbies next to the AirPark, Ropes Course, and Bouldering Wall for guests to place personal items while they play! Guests will be allowed to bring personal items to their cars and re-enter the facility if needed at any time during their visit. 

What are the shoe requirements for the facility?

This varies by attraction. No shoes are allowed in the AirPark and Lake Area Adventures socks are required to jump. They’re available to purchase at check-in for $2.99 a pair and can be reused during future visits.

Closed-toe shoes are required for the ropes course. No Crocs are allowed on the ropes course. 

Who has access to the Aquatics Center?

The Aquatics center is only open to swimming lesson students, Lake Area Adventures members and private pool party guests. Daily admission does not include access to the Aquatics Center.

What should I bring when I visit the Aquatics Center?

When visiting the aquatics center for open swim or swim lessons, you are encouraged to bring your own towels and a wet bag for your swim attire after changing. We do not have any cubbys in the aquatics center, so we suggest bringing a beach bag with your items to keep poolside.

Will there be a lifeguard on duty at the pool?

At times, the pool will be open with no lifeguard on duty. During these times, it will be posted in the Aquatics Center so guests are aware.

Can I use the other attractions when I come to the Aquatics Center?

If you are at the Aquatics Center for swimming lessons only and want to visit the other attractions, you will need to dry off, change into street clothes and purchase admission in the lobby following the lesson.

If you are a Lake Area Adventures member, you will have access to the whole facility. After swimming, you will be required to dry off and change into street clothes before entering the rest of the facility.