imperial calcasieu museum

I think this is a decent museum, very small, but it offers key insights into the history of Lake Charles. Lake Charles and Calcasieu Parish was a "no man's land" between Spanish Texas and French Louisiana. The museum covers the interesting history of the area and how it came to be part of Louisiana. There is also an art exhibit which I wasn't too impressed with, but the history portion is interesting and the guide is very knowledgeable. The great thing was we were the only ones in the area, so if you are a history buff, like my dad is, then you'll get to stay there as long as you want and ask questions. Outside the key feature of this museum is the Sallier Oak, which is over 300 years old. It is a beautiful tree and I'll submit some photos of it. Most visitors to Lake Charles go to casinos. Hey, why don't you do something a little different and actually learn something about the area you are in, instead of gambling that paycheck away? My only beef was the price. The price for adults is $7, which isn't worth it. Seniors get in for $5, and kids for $2. So, it's a pretty good deal to bring school kids there to learn the history. My son particularly enjoyed the old time record player. Overall a pretty good hour spent.

I'm afraid to say that this isn't one of the best museums I have ever been to, but please don't let that put you off going as your thoughts may differ from mine. The idea is great but there just aren't enough exhibits due to the small size of the building to make this attraction anything more than just average. I'm sure that there is so much more history to Lake Charles and the surrounding area that more could be made of it. I will however be totally truthful and say that the guides at the museum are extremely knowledgeable about the museum and the Lake Charles area....It's just a shame they haven't got a better stage to show it.

Museum features an art gallery as well as exhibits from years past. Old pharmacy setup, complete with antique apothecary jars and doctors' equipment. On the lawn stands the Sallier Oak, a live oak tree that has stood there for over 100 years, dripping with Spanish moss. Oh, how we wish it could talk!

It's small, but packed. It's worth a visit. The place is packed with a little bit of everything. The guy who was working there was very enthusiastic and friendly. The museum has things from every day life in the late 1800s - 1940s ish time frame - lots of interesting things to look at. It's not too big, and it won't take a long time, but do stop by if you have a chance.

Stuffed with historic artifacts and tidbits, the museum is on the grounds of Charles Sallier's cabin. Huge, romantic oak tree is estimated to be almost 400 years old.