Things to do Near Chicot State Park
Chicot State Park, located near the geographic center of Louisiana in what’s known as the Cajun Prairie, is a well-known spot among anglers and nature lovers alike. Lake Chicot is the centerpiece of its namesake park, which, at 6,400 acres, is the largest in the Louisiana State Parks system.
Chicot State Park, located near the geographic center of Louisiana in what’s known as the Cajun Prairie, is a well-known spot among anglers and nature lovers alike. Lake Chicot is the centerpiece of its namesake park, which, at 6,400 acres, is the largest in the Louisiana State Parks system.
The huge lake has produced huge catches of largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and redear sunfish. In fact, multiple state record catches have been made here. Further evidence of fishing’s importance here is evidenced by the sign at the park’s entrance (featuring two redear sunfish). It’s undoubtedly the main attraction at Chicot State Park.
It’s definitely not the only attraction, however. A beautiful hiking trail forms a ring around Lake Chicot, with numerous primitive tent sites located along the way. Imagine waking to a sunrise, trailside near this pristine lake; this is Louisiana’s outdoors at its most scenic.
Chicot State Park has more high-octane activities as well. Mountain biking is an especially popular pastime here, and cyclists are allowed on all roadways.
Chicot State Park’s facilities are largely geared towards fishing, with three landings offering endless opportunities to explore the lake. The South landing has a boat launch and dock with rental boats. The North landing has a boat launch, dock and fishing pier. Both of these landings have camping areas, as does the East landing, which also has a boat launch and dock. These are just a few of the many amenities you’ll find by the lakeside.
Finally, there’s the Louisiana State Arboretum, an attraction-within-an-attraction that is the first state-supported arboretum in the nation. This is a haven for Louisiana plants in a setting unlike the surrounding landscape, with steep slopes more reminiscent of north Louisiana than south, meaning you’ll find more vegetation here that’s representative of both the region and much of the state.
Start your journey by getting oriented at the Arboretum’s visitor center, where you’ll learn about the plant life within the 600-acre preserve. Afterward, take the trails through stands of sycamores, magnolias, crane fly orchids and ferns, and keep your eyes open for sightings of foxes, deer, skunks, raccoons and other four-legged friends.
Nearby Attractions
Chicot State Park’s closest city, Ville Platte, is the seat of and largest city in Evangeline Parish. The city’s culture and cuisine are unlike those you’ll find anywhere outside of the Cajun Prairie. It’s the northernmost city in what’s known as the “French Triangle,” so named for the populations of French Cajun speaking residents in the area. Besides the accents and language, Cajun culture is alive in the sounds of Ville Platte’s musical traditions. Thanks to numerous artists from the region, one of Ville Platte’s nicknames is the “Swamp Pop Capital of the World.” You can learn (and hear) more about this distinctly Louisiana musical tradition at the Swamp Pop Museum, housed in a converted train depot in Ville Platte.
Ville Platte’s connection to Cajun culture extends beyond language and music. Its other nickname, the “Smoked Meat Capital of the World,” is testimony to how serious its residents are when it comes to cooking. In addition to the city’s Cajun restaurants (most notably, Crawfish Barn and Cajun Catfish & Buffet), you can get your fill of local dishes like boudin and andouille sausage at the annual Louisiana Smoked Meat Festival.
Ville Platte’s other main festival, the Louisiana Cotton Festival, honors the region’s farming community. Held in the fall, it features pageants, live music, dancing and plenty of locally made dishes.
Head north of Chicot State Park for another popular local event, the Louisiana Corn Festival held in Bunkie. Like the Louisiana Cotton Festival, it honors the region’s agricultural community and features everything from corn-eating and corn-shucking contests, to live music, to pirogue (boat) racing, and family-friendly activities. It’s held the second full weekend of June annually.