Lake Charles Historic District Travel Guide

Lake Charles

Lake Charles Historic District which includes a sunset
Lake Charles Historic District featuring a house
Lake Charles Historic District which includes signage
Lake Charles Historic District
Lake Charles Historic District showing a skyscraper and a sunset

Scattered across dozens of city blocks is a cornucopia of architectural styles that showcase the talents of Lake Charles’ carpenters.

Marvel at magnificent landmarks as you wander the streets of the Lake Charles Historic District. Discover hundreds of buildings, which range in style from Colonial Revival and Queen Anne Revival to Gothic Revival, Renaissance and Spanish Colonial. Some are private homes while others are churches and public buildings. The Lake Charles Historic District reflects the full spectrum of the economic scale, from affluent businesspeople to laborers.

The district’s sights date from around 1880 to 1939 and are the result of a lumber boom that began in Louisiana in the late 19th century. Lumbermen emigrated from the north and brought with them eclectic tastes that complimented the craftsmanship of the city’s French carpenters. Grand porches, porticos, classical columns, gables, turrets and towers are all common features. The district is often called Charpentier Historic District charpentier is the French word for carpenter.

Two striking buildings face each other on Ryan Street. One is the 1911 Historic City Hall, dominated by its clocktower and home to an art gallery. Opposite is the palace-like Calcasieu Clerk of Court. Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and First Methodist Church, both built in the Gothic Revival style.]

The Temple Sinai is a prime example of Byzantine influence. Adjacent to here is the French-inspired Masonic Lodge. Be sure to visit the Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu. It offers an overview of the Mardi Gras festival and houses one of the world’s largest collection’s of Mardi Gras costumes.

Lake Charles Historic District is part of downtown Lake Charles. Drivers can use one of several off-street car parks in the downtown area. Amtrak Lake Charles train station is about 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) to the north.

Information brochures and a map of the district are available at the Lake Charles Visitor Center. Alternatively, download the free Lake Charles Historic Tour app to your tablet or smartphone and then follow one of the guided tours.


Popular places to visit


Top hotels in Lake Charles Historic District

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Historic Lake Charles

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Historic Lake Charles

2 out of 5
825 Broad St, Lake Charles, LA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹5,288 per night from 29 Jul to 30 Jul
₹5,288
₹6,121 total
29 Jul - 30 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Lake Charles. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
6.6/10 (770 reviews)
"The front desk was very accommodating. There is no coffee pot in the room and breakfast doesn't start until 7am so I missed out due to having to leave to go to work. I chose the hotel based off of the price plus the fact they served breakfast. The staff more than made up for my disappointment in ..."

Reviewed on 20 Jun 2025

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Historic Lake Charles
L'Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles

L'Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles

4 out of 5
777 Avenue L'Auberge, Lake Charles, LA
The price is ₹7,223 per night from 5 Aug to 6 Aug
₹7,223
₹10,460 total
5 Aug - 6 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa resort in Lake Charles. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa and 6 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,502 reviews)
Great service, great price
"We were just passing through, stayed one night. Price was great. Wish the pool had been open, because my two kids were with me. But it was raining outside, so no fault of hotel, just Mother Nature. Room was clean, and nice."

Reviewed on 23 Jul 2025

L'Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles
Golden Nugget Lake Charles

Golden Nugget Lake Charles

4 out of 5
2550 Golden Nugget Blvd, Lake Charles, LA
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Lake Charles. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa and 7 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,310 reviews)
"Always enjoy staying here."

Reviewed on 25 Jul 2025

Golden Nugget Lake Charles
Wyndham Lake Charles

Wyndham Lake Charles

3 out of 5
2940 Lake Street, Lake Charles, LA
The price is ₹8,006 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹8,006
₹9,266 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Lake Charles. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,011 reviews)
"Convenient for sure, close to lake and casinos. Interstate is close as well"

Reviewed on 23 Jul 2025

Wyndham Lake Charles
Horseshoe Lake Charles

Horseshoe Lake Charles

3.5 out of 5
100 Westlake Ave, Westlake, LA
The price is ₹8,554 per night from 28 Jul to 29 Jul
₹8,554
₹11,788 total
28 Jul - 29 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Westlake. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,156 reviews)
"Great place. Spacious and clean rooms . Enjoyed my stay. Tho management needs to hire cleaning staff who are more efficient and can speak English."

Reviewed on 23 Jul 2025

Horseshoe Lake Charles
The Mulberry Hotel

The Mulberry Hotel

3.5 out of 5
917 Mulberry Street, Westlake, LA
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Westlake. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,307 reviews)
"Second time staying at this property, and it was quiet and clean. Staff always friendly, and location is close to all Lake Charles activities."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

The Mulberry Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Lake Charles Historic District Travel Guide