There's nothing quite like spring in Southwest Louisiana. The birds are chirping, the scent of boiling crawfish fills the air, and the weather is just right for outdoor adventures. In Lake Charles, springtime brings a vibrant mix of family-friendly activities, cultural attractions, lively festivals, and delicious comfort food.
With warm, sunny days, it’s the perfect season for outdoor fun—whether you're exploring nature trails, paddling on the water, or simply soaking up the sunshine. Community events and festivals offer entertainment for all ages, while museums and indoor attractions ensure there's something to enjoy, rain or shine.
Visit a Museum
From arts to engineering, Lake Charles boasts a thriving museum scene, with exhibits and activities that transcend age and interests.
Located at the historic intersection of two major railroads, the DeQuincy Railroad Museum is like traveling back in time to the original DeQuincy townsite in 1895, complete with a passenger car, steam engine, and caboose. Inside, families can explore the old-timey baggage room complete model locomotives, while an outdoor playground features rides and a pavilion.
See local history in a new light at the Imperial Calcasieu Museum, where centuries of art and artifacts depict life in Southwest Louisiana from Indigenous Native Americans to the modern day. Outside, be sure to greet the majestic Sallier Oak tree, which has stood for nearly 400 years.
It’s not often that a museum can lay claim to both Picasso and the Titanic, but that's just part of the magic at Lake Charles’ Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center.
Housed in the 1911 Historic City Hall building, with three floors of galleries and a mighty clock tower, this immersive museum offers edutainment for the whole family. In addition to traveling exhibitions featuring artists like Picasso and Norman Rockwell and showcases like “Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition,” visitors can enjoy a variety of hands-on activities and classes. From arts and crafts workshops to Mardi Gras themed sessions and interactive downtown programming, there’s always something fun and interactive to explore.
Known for it's bold exhibits like the Curriodities and Chaos Theory art shows, The Henning Cultural Center is a vital community space, offering a variety activities. Along with the Brimstone Historical Society, they focus on curating memorable art shows, exhibitions, and engaging programming at little to no cost for patrons.
