3 Favorite Boating Destinations in Driving Distance of Lafayette, LA

Located about 130 miles west of New Orleans and not far from the beautiful beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, the city of Lafayette, LA, is a great base to explore the region and enjoy your favorite water sports and recreational activities. If you are traveling around the area in your Cadillac Escalade and are looking for nearby boating destinations to unwind and enjoy a weekend away from the city, these are three wonderful spots you should not miss.

1. Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge

Established in 1986 and covering an area of over 15,000 acres, Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge is a nature reserve that offers excellent opportunities for numerous outdoor sports and activities. Boasting expansive hardwood swamps, lakes, and a section of the Atchafalaya River, this place is a well-known weekend destination among families and groups of friends from all over Louisiana.

Located about 35 miles northeast of downtown Lafayette, Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge can be reached in a little under an hour by car, driving along route I-10. This place features public boat ramps, a fishing pier, picnic areas, and designated hunting grounds, making it an excellent destination for anglers, boaters, and anyone wanting to spend some quality time in nature.

2. White Lake Wetlands Conservation Area

Spanning a territory of about 72,000 acres, White Lake Wetlands Conservation Area is an excellent destination for water sports enthusiasts looking for a spot to spend some quality time with friends or family. Featuring public boat launches along the banks of the Florence Canal, this nature reserve is managed by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and opened its doors to the public in 2002.

Getting from the Lafayette city center to the entrance of White Lake Wetlands Conservation Area takes a little over one hour by car, driving southwest along routes I-10 and LA-91. This nature reserve is open for boaters and anglers from sunrise to sunset between March 15 and August 15. Other popular activities include wildlife watching and photography, hiking, and picnicking.

3. Chicot State Park

Established in 1939 and spanning an area of about 6,400 acres, Chicot State Park is a beautiful nature reserve that features rolling hills and a 2,000-acre lake stocked with crappie, bluegill, bass, and other species of fish that make it a top-rated destination among local anglers. Public boat launches are available along the shores of Lake Chicot, which can be reached in a little under an hour by car from downtown Lafayette.

If you are looking for a new or used vehicle to explore these and other nearby destinations, visit us today at Service Cadillac! Book a test drive, learn about our financing plans, and take home a new set of wheels for you and your family.

image via cadillac.com

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