Lake Pontchartrain
Lake Pontchartrain is the largest inland body of water in Louisiana at 630 square miles. It is actually an estuary, not a lake, connected to the Gulf of Mexico and various rivers and bayous. The Causeway Bridge runs 23 miles over the lake and is the longest bridge over water in the world! It connects New Orleans to the North Shore and takes about 50 minutes to fully cross.
Along the lake, find a family-friendly neighborhood full of mom and pop shops, fresh seafood, local restaurants, and outdoor activities.
Tourism
Fishing and boating on Lake Pontchartrain remains a favorite hobby for locals and visitors alike. Sailboats line the waterway while motorboats cruise around. Whether you charter a boat or bring your own, a day on the lake is tons of fun for the whole family. Lake Pontchartrain Pleasure Cruises has a selection of specialty rides available.
Wednesday night is a particularly busy night on the water, as it is the sailors' regatta from March to November. If you’re interested in participating, contact New Orleans Yacht Club. For a different kind of boating experience on a swamp boat, cross the Causeway into the North Shore. Cajun Encounters offers tours of the Honey Island Swamp.
Visit the New Canal Lighthouse Museum to learn about the history of the lake, the ecology of Pontchartrain basin and the coastal issues it faces today. The lighthouse was originally built is 1850 and restored after Hurricane Katrina.
Located away from the rest of the bustling area of the lake, Treasure Chest Casino is a floating casino residing in New Orleans East. With a thousand slot machines and 36 table games, Treasure Chest Casino attracts gamblers and tourists in hopes of winning big. Dine at the Vista Buffet or Cafe Pontchartrain. The Caribbean Showroom offers concerts and live entertainment.
Type
Lake
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