The Lake Charles lakefront is experiencing a transformative revival, and at its center stands Port Wonder — a dynamic new destination for families, students, and nature lovers alike. The vision for this one-of-a-kind facility came to life in March during a celebratory ribbon cutting, attended by dozens of community members, project partners, architects, and construction professionals. In April, Port Wonder officially opened its doors to the public, marking the beginning of a new chapter for Southwest Louisiana.
A Dual Experience: Where Play Meets Purpose
Port Wonder brings together two major attractions under one roof: the reimagined Children’s Museum of Southwest Louisiana and the brand-new LDWF Nature and Science Center. Together, these immersive facilities offer hands-on experiences that inspire, educate, and entertain — all while showcasing the culture and ecology of the region.
Children’s Museum of Southwest Louisiana
The 15,000-square-foot Children’s Museum is a sensory-rich playground of exploration, featuring four distinct galleries: Nature, Health, Tech, and City. Designed to reflect local themes, each gallery presents interactive exhibits that spark curiosity in children of all ages.
In the Nature Gallery, little ones can crawl through an alligator nest, while the Health Gallery features a larger-than-life digestive maze that kids can physically move through. The Tech Gallery introduces engineering and innovation, and the City Gallery invites children to roleplay as doctors, grocers, or builders in a scaled-down community.
For the youngest visitors, the Calcasieu Crawlers toddler zone provides a soft, sensory-friendly space complete with private nursing rooms. Parents and educators can also engage with the Maker’s Garage and enjoy a stop at the on-site gift shop, making it a full-family experience.
LDWF Nature and Science Center
Right next door, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ (LDWF) 5,700-square-foot Nature and Science Center showcases the rich biodiversity of Louisiana’s waterways. More than 15,000 gallons of fresh and saltwater aquariums allow guests to see native aquatic life up close, including:
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A 1,500-gallon Bayou Tank
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A 300-gallon Oyster Reef Tank
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A 6,900-gallon Cameron Jetty Tank
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A 2,200-gallon Rig Reef Tank
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A 2,900-gallon Stingray Touch Tank
The interactive exhibits go beyond awe-inspiring visuals. They engage visitors in critical topics such as fisheries management, coastal restoration, and the innovative Rigs to Reefs Program. A digital fishing game rounds out the experience, giving kids and adults the chance to “catch” local species in a fun, educational setting.
Just outside the walls, the discovery continues. Visitors can stroll along walking trails, enjoy the ADA-compliant fishing pier, and explore the nearby boardwalk that winds past an actual alligator habitat.
A Community-Driven Vision
Port Wonder is the result of years of visioning, collaboration, and community investment. First announced in 2018 and breaking ground in 2021, the project represents more than $30 million in public and private funding. It was made possible through a network of partnerships that include:
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Calcasieu Parish Police Jury
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City of Lake Charles
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Calcasieu Parish School Board
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Visit Lake Charles
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Port of Lake Charles
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Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation
Critical funding was also provided by the Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group (TIG) through Deepwater Horizon oil spill settlement funds. Private donors and companies like Entergy, Lake Charles Memorial Hospital, State Farm, Sasol, and the Zigler Foundation played a vital role in bringing the facility to life.
Constructing the Extraordinary
LEMOINE served as the general contractor and provided preconstruction services for Port Wonder, joining the team early to ensure constructability, cost certainty, and alignment with the project’s vision.
This wasn’t a typical construction project. Port Wonder presented a unique challenge: there was no direct precedent for a facility of this architectural complexity in the region. The building’s curved roofline, glulam structural system, and integration of large-scale aquariums required careful planning, precision fabrication, and seamless coordination among designers, engineers, and trade partners.
LEMOINE worked alongside the architects to navigate Covid-era material cost escalations, reimagining elements of the structure while maintaining the original design intent. Value engineering efforts helped reduce costs without compromising the project’s impact or integrity.
The glue-laminated beams, which define the building’s visual identity, were prefabricated offsite with tight tolerances and installed with meticulous care. The unique curvature of the roof posed additional safety challenges, especially for the standing seam metal roof installation. Roofing Solutions, a key trade partner, developed a comprehensive Site-Specific Safety Plan, including custom fall protection strategies and fire prevention measures for torch-applied membranes — all to ensure a safe and successful build.
A Lasting Legacy
Port Wonder is more than just a building — it’s a landmark. It symbolizes what’s possible when a community rallies behind a shared vision for education, recreation, and economic development. It’s a place where families come to learn and play, where ecosystems are celebrated, and where local partnerships have created something enduring.
LEMOINE is proud to have played a role in bringing this vision to life. Through early collaboration, expert execution, and a commitment to excellence, the Port Wonder project team has delivered a facility that will serve generations to come.
Welcome to the new Lakefront. Welcome to Port Wonder.