Visit the Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu to see ornately festooned costumes. Photo credit Neala McCarten
Visit the Mardi Gras Museum to see specially made costumes for children.
the gorgeous houses. Then stop at Millennium Park to let the kids burn off some energy. Lake Charles has much to offer indoors as well. Imperial Calcasieu Museum displays life in the old Imperial Calcasieu region from the Native Americans to today and mounts art exhibits both from their permanent collection and specially themed events. Inside the 1911 Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center, visitors will find free traveling exhibits illuminating aspects of history, as well as art exhibits. When I visited, there was a fascinating collection of photos based on the life and death of President John F. Kennedy. Strictly for children, there’s the Children's Museum filled with pretend community businesses, interactive opportunities to play with science, and the ability to construct art projects. What would a trip to Louisiana be without alligators? A safe way to enjoy watching these primordial creatures is at the fenced-in pond called Cypress Pond, but if you want to really learn about alligators, and evenhold a tame little one, head to nearby Jennings (about 30 minutes away) and the free Alligator Chateau at the I-10 Visitor Center. The Chateau fosters rescued baby alligators and releases them back into the natural environment, and
The Crewe of Barkus features pooches in their Mardi Gras finest. Photo credit Visit Lake Charles
the staff is eager to educate the public about this often- misunderstood species. You’ll want to come for their family-friendly Mardi Gras, and you’ll want to stay to enjoy all that this welcoming, delightful city has to offer visitors of all ages.
FOR MORE INFORMATION 337-436-9588 • www.visitlakecharles.org/
FAMILY FRIENDLY MARDI GRAS
COAST TO COAST SPRING MAGAZINE 2021
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