Located in Louisiana's Acadiana region, the City of Lake Charles is well known for its offering of rhythm and blues, culinary treats, outdoor adventures, and gaming. With more than 75 festivals every year, visitors can celebrate Mardi Gras or the old days of the Contraband Pirate Festival. There is something great happening in the Port of Lake Charles almost every weekend.
The Port of Lake Charles has a humid subtropical climate with humid hot summers and mild winters. With plenty of rain throughout the year, temperatures range from an average high of 33°C (91°F) in July and August to an average low of 5°C (41°F) in January.
One of the favorite spots for outdoor lovers in the Port of Lake Charles is the Creole Nature Trail. Looping south of Lake Charles toward the Gulf of Mexico, the scenic drive moves through coastal swamplands, natural beaches, and wetlands. In the wildlife refuge is a trail that alligators frequent and docks for crabbing. The trail takes you through almost 290 kilometers (180 miles) of bayous, marshland, and beaches. Bird watchers can see millions of migrating birds, wading birds and songbirds. Fishermen and hunters will find plentiful wildlife. Photographers, shellers, and fishers will find plenty of oysters, crabs, and shrimp along the beautiful beaches on the Gulf of Mexico.
The Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu in the Port of Lake Charles houses the biggest display of Mardi Gras costumes in the world as well as exhibits covering the history of Mardi Gras, costume design, king cakes, and parade floats. Open Tuesday through Friday from 1pm until 5pm, admissions are nominal ($3/$2). Costume displays contain masks and Mardi Gras paraphernalia (including pencil sketches and colored renderings) in addition to the actual costumes. An exhibit also covers the role of krewe captains who lead the groups that put the Mardi Gras parades and balls together.
Several casinos in the Port of Lake Charles offer almost limitless opportunities for gamblers and people who love that life. The L'Auberge Du Lac Casino and resort hotel has a huge glass dome with over 63 table games and 1600 slot machines. The L'Augerge also has a luxury hotel, a golf club, eight restaurants, live entertainment, a pool and spa, and many shops. The Isle of Capri Casino offers two casinos, two hotels, four restaurants, and live entertainment and music. The Isle of Capri also has an RV park to offer easy access to their many slots, table games, poker, and video machines. The Delta Downs Racetrack Casino and hotel offers more than 1600 slots and video machines and a separate high-limit area. The Port of Lake Charles' Delta Downs also has fine dining and live entertainment.
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