Things to Do

Wild, warm, and welcoming, Toledo Bend Lake Country offers a wide variety of activities that bring you closer to nature, introduce you to authentic local cuisine, and reveal a legendary side of Louisiana’s history. Experience exceptional fishing, quaint country drives, magical hikes, and much more in this hypnotically beautiful corner of the world.

Drop a Line in One of the Country’s Top Bass Fishing Destinations

There’s a reason why Sabine Parish is also called Toledo Bend Lake Country: It’s synonymous with fishing. Toledo Bend Lake, a 186,000-acre reservoir on the Louisiana-Texas border, is known nationwide for its quality bass fishing and large number of “lunkers,” or bass weighing more than 10 lbs., each just waiting for your lure! The reservoir was named the #1 bass fishing lake in the U.S. two years running by Bassmaster magazine. Boat owners find it easy to jump into the action with the lake’s many boat launches, marinas, and bait shops. But you don’t need your own watercraft to have fun here. Sit back, relax, and hire one of the area’s many experienced fishing guides to take you and yours to spots where the fish are hitting. Numerous public piers located along the lake’s shoreline also make it easy to spend a few hours dropping a line. Feeling competitive? Serious anglers take part in Toledo Bend Lake’s many fishing rodeos. The lake attracts around 100 regional and national fishing tournaments annually. Yes, folks, you’ve died and gone to fishing heaven.

Relax in a Scenic, Lakefront Resort

There’s nothing quite like a lakefront cocktail as the sun goes down or waking up to the quiet serenity of nature. The recently renovated Cypress Bend Golf and Conference Resort is a fabulous place to steal away for a relaxing weekend in a stunning setting. The pet-friendly resort features 95 updated guest rooms and golf suites, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a championship 18- golf course (currently under renovation), onsite dining serving Southern cuisine, 600 acres of gardens and nature trails, and lots more. Book an appointment at the resort’s Spa at Cypress Bend for all sorts of relaxing therapeutic and aesthetic services, including a wide variety of massages, facials, wraps, and body work.

Enjoy Glamping, ATV trails, and More in 2 State Parks

Sabine Parish is home to two beautiful state parks, where visitors can explore rolling woods filled with native flora and fauna. Enjoy a weekend stay at the park’s campsites, lakefront cabins, and even glamping tents with comfy mattresses.

The 900-acre North Toledo Bend State Park, located just six miles west of the town of Zwolle, features hiking trails that reveal the area’s pristine beauty. Listen to the sounds of more than 100 species of native and migratory birds that frequent the area, walk past ravines, see Dogwoods in bloom, and spot the lovely mix of indigenous pines and hardwoods. Get away from everyday stress with an overnight stay in a waterfront log cabin complete with a fireplace. You can also pitch a tent in the campground or hook up your RV in the convenient and spacious RV park. A refreshing swimming pool keeps things cool in the summer months.

One of Louisiana’s newest state parks, South Toledo Bend State Park, is located at the southern end of Toledo Bend Lake near its dramatically beautiful dam. Enjoy a weekend of glamping in one of the new waterfront glamping tents furnished with queen-size memory foam mattresses, side tables and propane heaters. The park’s eco-friendly features include solar showers, as well as a firepit and picnic table. There are also cabin rentals, traditional campsites, and RV hookups. Thrill seekers will love the designated trail for off-highway vehicles such as dirt bikes and ATVs (helmets required). Enjoy the beach, swimming area, and two hiking trails. It’s a great place to bring the pets and family for weekend of screen-free entertainment.

Keep the Kids Happy with a Waterpark, SUP boards and Mini-Golf

Toledo Bend Lake Country is super kid-friendly, giving families a chance to reconnect in an old-fashioned setting that still serves up irresistible fun. Wildwood Resort on the Toledo Bend lakefront checks all the boxes. The expansive property includes well-appointed, recently renovated cabins that sleep parties up to 24. Enjoy the lake’s crystal waters on rented paddle boards and hydro bikes or use the private boat launch and onsite bait shop for a day of fishing. Little ones love the onsite playground, too. The resort’s newest amenity, the 3.5-acre Toledo Bend Family Adventure Park, features mini-golf, three swimming pools, and a water park. Stay cool on the lazy river, and let kids burn off some energy at the splash pad. The park’s thrilling water slides mean a splashtastic good time for all ages.

Enjoy a True Taste of Louisiana

From fresh seafood and spicy crawfish to some of the country’s most distinct hot tamales, Toledo Bend Lake Country is filled with mouthwatering regional fare. The town of Zwolle is known nationwide for its unique tamales, a blend of Native American and Spanish culinary traditions dating back 200 years. Pick up mild and hot pork tamales wrapped in corn husks cooked fresh daily at E.B. Tamale Company in downtown Zwolle, part of the Sabine Parish Tamale Trail that takes you to numerous local vendors. For a taste of savory, succulent Louisiana crawfish check out Bayou Crawfish, the perfect place to roll up your sleeves over a tray of spicy mudbug while hearing a little live music on Saturdays. Seafood is a big part of life in Lake Country, and for a taste of crispy catfish or a seafood po’boy, check out Fisherman’s Galley, also known for its thick juicy steaks. And if Italian fare is your thing, spend an evening at Martone’s Restaurant, where you’ll find homemade wood-fired pizza and pasta dishes draped in a homemade red sauce prepared with a 100-year old family recipe.