Lake Charles Historic District Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Lake Charles Historic District featuring a sunset
Lake Charles Historic District which includes a house
Lake Charles Historic District showing signage
Lake Charles Historic District
Lake Charles Historic District showing a sunset and a high-rise building

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


Our pick of the best Lake Charles Historic District Hotel Deals

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Historic Lake Charles

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Historic Lake Charles

2 out of 5
825 Broad St, Lake Charles, LA
The price is NZ$120 per night from 19 Aug to 20 Aug
NZ$120
19 Aug - 20 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Lake Charles. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
6.6/10 (774 reviews)
"Great place to stay for travelers. We stayed on our way from Florida from Texas. Good place to get some sleep and shower."

Reviewed on 14 Aug. 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 NZ$218 per night from 18 Aug to 19 Aug
NZ$218
18 Aug - 19 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! (2,634 reviews)
"The property was well maintained. A wide variety of places to dine. Something for everyone to do. ."

Reviewed on 16 Aug. 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! (3,353 reviews)
"Overall it was nice, but there were spiders all over the patio and we couldn’t take pics of our lake view. I think it’s ridiculous that only the suites have microwaves and refrigerators, especially with all of the expensive restaurants on the property. Even with just the entree, you will have leftovers ..."

Reviewed on 14 Aug. 2025

Golden Nugget Lake Charles
Wyndham Lake Charles

Wyndham Lake Charles

3 out of 5
2940 Lake Street, Lake Charles, LA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$181 per night from 14 Sept to 15 Sept
NZ$181
14 Sept - 15 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Lake Charles. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
Good for a last minute needed room.
"Last minute hotel room needed for the night was just what was needed. A little outdated, but not by much."

Reviewed on 1 Aug. 2025

Wyndham Lake Charles
Horseshoe Lake Charles

Horseshoe Lake Charles

3.5 out of 5
100 Westlake Ave, Westlake, LA
The price is NZ$230 per night from 18 Aug to 19 Aug
NZ$230
18 Aug - 19 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Westlake. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,188 reviews)

Reviewed on 16 Aug. 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 WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,319 reviews)
"The room was clean and the stay was memorable."

Reviewed on 12 Aug. 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

Choose two or more items and save on your trip: