Calcasieu Parish
Founded in 1840
Calcasieu Parish is comprised of the cities and towns of Lake Charles, Sulphur, Westlake, Bell City, DeQuincy and Vinton, town of Iowa, and communities of Carlyss, Gillis, Hayes, Starks and Moss Bluff. This corner of the state was the famed “no-man’s land” where the pirates met the cowboys, and where Cajuns, Creoles, German immigrants, Midwesterners and pioneers from the South and West met to build a unique and vibrant urban community.
Points of Interest
- Step back in time and experience history at museums, including: the DeQuincy Railroad Museum, the Mardi Gras Museum, the Imperial Calcasieu Museum and the Brimstone Museum.
- Travel the more than 180-mile Creole Natural Trail All-American Road, a designated scenic byway and affectionately known as Louisiana’s Outback. Kick-off the journey at Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point - a free, fun attraction that immerses you in nature through imaginative, hands-on displays.
- Attend one of the 75 annual festivals and special events to enjoy local sounds and delicacies, including Mardi Gras, the Louisiana Pirates Festival, the Black Heritage Festival, the Calcasieu-Cameron Fair and more.
- Sip on local brews and spirits at Crying Eagle Brewing Co., Yellowfin Vodka, Acadian Coffee Roasters and Rikenjaks Brewing Company.
- Hit the jackpot, score a hole-in-one, relax at the spa and enjoy a vibrant nightlife with headlining entertainment at the casinos, including: Delta Downs Racetrack Casino, Golden Nugget Lake Charles and L’Auberge, Lake Charles.