The Children's Museum of Southwest Louisiana and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Nature and Science Center at Port Wonder in Lake Charles, LA officially opened its doors today, Monday, April 21, at 9:30 a.m. The initial operating hours will be 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. At this time, tickets may be purchased at the door, but in the near future, tickets may be purchased online. Visit the LDWF Nature and Science Center webpage for ticketing information. Visitors are asked to please be patient with opening week crowds and note that admissions may have to be paused at peak times.
“We could not be more excited to officially welcome people of all ages to this one-of-a-kind experience in the city of Lake Charles - and just in time for Spring break. Here, visitors will be able to explore, play, and learn about what makes Louisiana the Sportsman’s Paradise,” said LDWF Acting Secretary Tyler Bosworth.
Port Wonder is located along the Lake Charles lakefront on North Lakeshore Drive near I-10 at 1011 North Lakeshore Drive, Lake Charles, LA 70601.
The multimillion-dollar public-private partnership is the home of:
- The Children’s Museum of Southwest Louisiana, a hands-on experience for young people with exhibits that celebrate science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) topics and our world. It spans 15,000 square feet, or about two-thirds of the space inside Port Wonder.
- The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Nature and Science Center, offering an up-close look at the remarkable wildlife, fisheries, and ecosystem of Southwest Louisiana. It covers 5,700 square feet.
The Children's Museum will feature four gallery experiences for visitors to explore and will offer year-round educational programs and hands-on activities for all ages.
LDWF’s Nature and Science Center will have hands-on learning opportunities, freshwater and saltwater aquariums, and touch tanks.
The LDWF Nature and Science Center at Port Wonder is funded in part through the Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group (TIG), with dollars provided to help compensate the public for lost recreational use opportunities due to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and associated response activities. The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation (LAWFF) is a supporting partner in providing this experience to the community.
Admission:
