Located in Louisiana’s Cajun Country, Ville Platte is a perfect little town to explore when the weather is warm. Known as being both the Smoked Meat and Swamp Pop Capital of the World, Ville Platte has a rich culture overflowing with both Creole and Cajun influences. If you’re a nature lover then you’ve definitely got to make your way over to Ville Platte, where you can explore Louisiana’s largest state park, Chicot State Park.
Ville Platte may be French for “flat town,” but that’s certainly not going to be your takeaway when you leave Chicot State Park.
Jim Henley/Google
The 6,400-acre park is nestled around a 2,000-acre lake that’s the perfect warm-weather destination.
Shane Markham/Google
If you really want an adventure, tackle the 22-mile hiking trail that completely encircles the lake.
Erick Trahan/Google There are even some primitive campsites along the trail if you’d like to spend a night roughing it!
When it comes to lodging, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this state park.
Chicot State Park/Facebook Rent one of their specialty glamping tents for a hybrid-camping experience where you’ll still get the feeling of tent camping, but with a few upgrades.
Of course, the waterfront cabins are the ultimate getaway.
Chicot State Park/Facebook
These cabins are built over the water and you can even dock your boat right at your cabin…
Chicot State Park/Facebook
…which is great for early morning fishing trips.
Emily Friis/Google You won’t find a much shorter commute from bed to boat! The lake attracts bass fishermen from all over, so bring your gear and see if you can catch yourself some dinner!
No boat? No problem. You can rent a canoe from the park to explore the lake even further.
John Hazlett/Google Canoes will give you access to go into all of the little swamplike fjords that make up the edges of the lake. You can follow the designated canoe trail or make your own, just pay attention to the winds - they can be exhausting to paddle against.
While you’re cruising the lake, be sure to keep an eye out for the local wildlife.
Chris Paolini/Google It’s not uncommon to see anhingas, herons, or egrets around the lake, and during the warmer months, turtles and gators are often sunbathing.
And a visit to Chicot State Park isn’t complete without strolling through the Louisiana State Arboretum.
Bert Van Vilet/Google Did you know it’s the only state-supported arboretum in the country? It was established in 1961 and currently contains more than 150 different species of native Louisiana plant life. Informative signs pepper the trails as you traipse through the Beech-Magnolia forest, making it a great educational nature walk, especially for our youngest nature lovers.
For more information about renting a cabin or a glamping tent at Chicot State Park, visit their website, and don’t forget to follow both the park and the arboretum on Facebook. If you’ve ever spent time in Ville Platte, let us know in the comments below!
Jim Henley/Google
Shane Markham/Google
Erick Trahan/Google
There are even some primitive campsites along the trail if you’d like to spend a night roughing it!
Chicot State Park/Facebook
Rent one of their specialty glamping tents for a hybrid-camping experience where you’ll still get the feeling of tent camping, but with a few upgrades.
Emily Friis/Google
You won’t find a much shorter commute from bed to boat! The lake attracts bass fishermen from all over, so bring your gear and see if you can catch yourself some dinner!
John Hazlett/Google
Canoes will give you access to go into all of the little swamplike fjords that make up the edges of the lake. You can follow the designated canoe trail or make your own, just pay attention to the winds - they can be exhausting to paddle against.
Chris Paolini/Google
It’s not uncommon to see anhingas, herons, or egrets around the lake, and during the warmer months, turtles and gators are often sunbathing.
Bert Van Vilet/Google
Did you know it’s the only state-supported arboretum in the country? It was established in 1961 and currently contains more than 150 different species of native Louisiana plant life. Informative signs pepper the trails as you traipse through the Beech-Magnolia forest, making it a great educational nature walk, especially for our youngest nature lovers.
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Address: Ville Platte, LA 70586, USA
