Toledo Bend Lake Country on the Central Louisiana border between Louisiana and Texas is a Sportsman’s Paradise known for world-class fishing, aboard your own craft or heading out with a plethora of qualified guides to find those secret, honey holes. The historic development as the largest man-made body of water is an interesting tale, and the location on the El Camino Real (the King’s Highway) as well as designations as a Scenic Byway will impress any history buff and nature lover. Communities in the area offer quaint shops and antique stores where you can hunt for hidden treasure. In Louisiana, dining is also considered an attraction! From down-home cooking and the freshest of seafood to following the Tamale Trail or stopping at roadside spots on the Gas Station Eats Trail, you’ll want to plan out your foodie adventure. And with festivals throughout the year showcasing sumptuous festival fare and celebrating the Louisiana culture and history - there's always a reason for a visit to fish, feast, and fest in Toledo Bend Lake Country!
Toledo Bend Lake Country, home to two state parks, one national historic
trail, over a hundred species of birds, and numerous private parks and beaches make it the perfect place for anyone who loves hiking, biking, trail-riding, birding, and lake fun. Cypress Bend Resort's nationally recognized golf course features 10 waterfront holes, hidden coves and bayous, and undulating greens and is considered the crown jewel of the Audubon Trail. Strategically redesigned in 2024, the course welcomes players of all levels. The pet-friendly resort boasts 95 guest rooms and golf suites, with ongoing renovations to ensure modern comforts. Guests can enjoy indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a charming restaurant serving Southern cuisine, 600 acres of gardens and nature trails, and much more. Book an appointment at the resort’s newly renovated Spa at Cypress Bend for relaxing therapeutic and aesthetic services, including a wide variety of massages, facials, wraps, and bodywork.
No Man’s Land This area along Louisiana’s western border is part of what was once No Man’s Land, a neutral zone of territory during the time of the Louisiana Purchase. With no king or country, it became home to outlaws, pirates, bandits, and brave pioneers. With legends around every corner there is plenty to keep those who are curious, or history buffs entertained at Ft. Jesup State Historic Site, established to help tame the new, Louisiana territory. Trails such as the El Camino Real de los Tejas one of the most ancient roads in American history will also prove entertaining. The El Camino Real de los Tejas (Hwy 6 in Louisiana and Hwy 21 in Texas) runs from Natchitoches through the heart of Toledo Bend (Many, La.) to the arid lands of Old Mexico. This road also plays host to the Sale on the Trail each spring turning the road into a bargain-hunter dream with yard sales from Toledo Bend into Texas.
Culture & HistoryThe colorful culture of the communities in Toledo Bend Lake Country is reflected in multiple festivals held throughout the year. One of the most unique festivals is the Zwolle Tamale Fiesta, providing over 26,000 dozen tamales for fiesta goers for a spicy good time. Juneteenth and Black Heritage events commemorate African American freedom and culture. The Choctaw Apache Pow Wow celebrates this area’s strong Native American culture. The Annual Battle of Pleasant Hill marks the anniversary of one of the major events in Louisiana during the Civil War, the Red River Campaign. Another reenactment of a different era takes place annually in November at the Sabine Freestate Festival in Florien. Celebrate the period in Western Louisiana's history when this region was declared the neutral strip (A Free State, 1806-1822) during its No Man’s Land days.
Explore Toledo Bend Lake Country and find your adventure! Plan your visit to the lake now!
