Spring has sprung in Lake Charles, and with it, the grand unveiling of the long-awaited Port Wonder is finally a reality. The first day of the new season also marked a new beginning for the city's lakefront area, as state and local officials gathered for the ribbon-cutting ceremony of this distinctive lakeside site, noted for its eye-catching design and strategic location along Interstate 10. According to a statement made by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Port Wonder is poised to become the new home to two major establishments: The Children's Museum of Southwest Louisiana and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Nature and Science Center.
The facility, nestled at a prime spot on North Lakeshore Drive near I-10 represents a multimillion-dollar partnership between public and private sectors. In its 15,000 square feet of vibrant space, The Children’s Museum promises a hands-on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) adventure, while the Nature and Science Center focuses on the unique wildlife, fisheries, and ecosystems of Southwest Louisiana across its 5,700 square feet. "Our lakefront is one of our greatest assets," Mayor Nic Hunter told attendees, emphasizing the development's potential to transform Lake Charles into a coveted Gulf Coast destination, as reported by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
While these two distinct attractions will offer separate, ticketed admissions, it's clear they share a common goal: education and engagement. The Children's Museum will feature four new galleries and a range of educational programs, aiming to captivate minds year-round with interactive activities. The LDWF’s Nature and Science Center contrasts, and complements, with tangible learning experiences, freshwater and saltwater aquariums, and touch tanks for its visitors.
Of notable mention is the funding for the LDWF Nature and Science Center, which comes in part through the Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group (TIG). These funds partly seek to address the recreational opportunities lost to the community in the wake of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. With support from the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation (LAWFF), the center is designed to offer enriching experiences that connect the community to its natural surroundings. Allyson Montgomery, the Children’s Museum Executive Director, shared the collective anticipation of all stakeholders, saying, "We appreciate everyone who is a stakeholder in this, and we are excited that we will be opening our doors soon," as noted by the LDWF website.
The inauguration of Port Wonder comes amid ongoing development in the immediate vicinity, with Mayor Hunter also highlighting the progress at Crying Eagle Lakefront next door. Thus, as Lake Charles residents and visitors alike look on, the area is anticipated to flourish into a unique and premier destination, as revealed in the Mayor's sentiments on the significance of the day for Lake Charles and its greater community.
