History & Heritage in Lake Charles Louisiana

One facet of Louisiana that makes it such an appealing visitor destination is its deep and colorful history. European explorers found their way to the region and inhabited the area very early relative to settlement of much of the rest of the continent. As a result, some communities in Louisiana are among the oldest in the United States. Before those explorers arrived, of course, people we now know as Native Americans populated the region. Reaching still farther back in time, ancient peoples left their mark on the area thousands of years ago. The state of Louisiana offers many ways to explore the region’s rich history, in hundreds of museums, historic structures, landmarks, artifacts and works of art. The careful preservation and restoration of these sites and artifacts has created many rare opportunities for visitors to experience Louisiana’s history and gain insights into the diverse cultures that continue to influence the state today.

Lake Charles, Louisiana in the southwest region of the state is a thriving destination that caters to many different tastes from glitzy casinos and the quiet greens of award-winning golf courses to hunting and fishing adventures and over 75 festivals, ranging from the area’s family-friendly Mardi Gras to the Louisiana Pirate Festival!

Performing arts are alive in Lake Charles, LA, with theatre and musical groups, including the Lake Charles Symphony. There are five diverse museums, one of which houses the largest display of Mardi Gras costumes in the world, in addition to charming galleries rich with art.

Taste world-famous Cajun and Creole cuisine or a drive along the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road—teeming with wildlife, including alligators, birds and three wildlife refuges! Visitors can also stroll through the Charpentier Historic District with lead crystal glass glittering in the lamplight. Topping it off, nightlife is hot with headlining entertainment and excellent amenities at the area’s casino resorts. Are You Game?

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