The city of Lake Charles is located on Lake Charles at the mouth of the Calcasieu River in southwestern Louisiana. It was founded in 1861.

The city sits in a region, where rice, timber, oil and natural gas are produced. Lake Charles is an important producer of petrochemicals and has a variety of manufactures, including rubber and tires, plastics and aluminum. There are also petroleum refineries and riverboat casinos.

Lake Charles is an important deepwater port and port of entry to the United States. A 48 km (30 mi) long channel connects it with the Gulf of Mexico. Petroleum products, chemicals, rice and cotton are shipped from the port. McNeese State University is also in the city.

There are several interesting museums in Lake Charles. The Imperial Calcasieu Museum is the largest one. It has an exhibition of historical artifacts and there is also an art gallery. In the museum's grounds grows the 400-year old Sallier oak tree.

The historic City Hall Arts and Cultural Center is used for different art exhibitions. The Charlestown Farmers' Market is also located there.

There are numerous nice parks in the city. Several festivals are organized in Lake Charles annually.

Accommodation and restaurants are available in Lake Charles. The city is 360 km southwest of Baton Rouge and 1,800 km southwest of Washington D.C.