Bord du Lac Park is the place to be for outdoor entertainment, recreation and relaxation in Lake Charles. This urban area stands on the shores of the city’s namesake lake and adjacent to Lake Charles Civic Center. Stroll along the esplanade of Bord du Lac Park and enjoy its green spaces, which host annual city festivals.
Children will love the colorful playground located at the southern edge of the park. It has a replica castle and pirate ship, climbing frames, monkey bars, slides, swings and tunnels. The water jets and showers of the splash pad are ideal for cooling off on hot days. Next to here, an amphitheater hosts exhibitions, live music performances and markets.
Lakefront Promenade wraps around the park and is the perfect setting for an evening walk, when temperatures in the city begin to cool down. Take a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride at sunset or enjoy the views while sitting on the grass verges. Look for artwork such as three duck sculptures that appear to be flying over a pond.
To the north of the park the promenade continues to Veterans Memorial Park. Spot a World War II tank and a helicopter used in the Vietnam War. A memorial fountain dedicated to 9/11 stands at the park’s marina. It features beams from the fallen World Trade Center.
Some of the city’s biggest festivals take place in the grounds of Lake Charles Civic Center. Among them is the Louisiana Pirate Festival and the Red, White, Blue and You 4th of July Festival. Don’t miss February’s Mardi Gras, when dance shows and parades celebrate Cajun culture.
Bord du Lac Park is a short walk from the downtown district of Lake Charles. Free parking is available along the promenade, although spaces tend to fill up fast on weekends. Find out about events by visiting the Lake Charles Visitor Center at North Beach Interstate 10.
