Louisiana
This Crystal-Clear Lake In Louisiana Just Opened To The Public For The First Time
Key Takeaways
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Lake Isabel Farm, a crystal-clear, mile-long lake in Louisiana is now open to the public.
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Only 75 tickets are sold each day.
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Private events and overnight camping options are available.
Turquoise water and powdery white sand aren’t typically what you expect to find in the middle of Louisiana’s woods, but that’s exactly what’s waiting at Lake Isabel Farm. Tucked away on a 422-acre farm in Washington Parish, the private, mile-long lake has been kept under wraps for years. Now, for the first time, it’s open to the public.
About Lake Isabel Farm
With day passes, cabana rentals, and beach access now available, Lake Isabel is offering one of the most unexpected swimming spots in the state. “We’re so excited to finally welcome the community to our little slice of paradise that’s been years in the making,” says owner Anthony Sedlak. “We want Lake Isabel Farm to be a place where people can recharge, enjoy natural beauty unlike anywhere else in the region, and connect with friends and family away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.”
Courtesy Of Lake Isabel Farm
The area is tailor-made for laid-back summer afternoons. Guests can kayak across the spring-fed water, dive off the platform, or stretch out in one of the solar-powered cabanas that come with fans, comfortable seating, and large ice chests. Around the lake, guests can explore a mix of amenities, from beach volleyball, lawn games, propane grills, quiet fishing spots, and a three-mile walking trail. Private events and overnight camping are also available.
For now, it’s a bring-your-own-towel kind of day trip, but there’s more on the horizon. Sedlak is working with New Orleans-based architecture firm CICADA on a long-term vision that includes modern lakefront vacation rentals, farm-to-table dinners, and a full event venue. “Lake Isabel is the kind of project designers dream of where nature, design, and experience come together,” says CICADA partner James Catalano.
Courtesy of Lake Isabel Farm
Plan Your Visit
Lake Isabel Farm is located at 54254 Cavenham Road in Bogalusa, Louisiana—just over an hour from New Orleans and 30 minutes from Covington. The lake is open daily from 11 a.m. to 15 minutes after sunset.
Only 75 tickets are available each day and must be purchased in advance at lakeisabelfarm.com. Guests are welcome to bring their own food, beverages, and alcohol. Cabana bookings and private event inquiries are also available online. For updates, follow @lakeisabelfarm on Instagram.
Read the original article on Southern Living
Yasin Gungor
19 April 2026•Update: 19 April 2026
At least eight children were killed and two others were wounded in a shooting in the US state of Louisiana, local police said Sunday.
Shreveport Police Department spokesperson Christopher Bordelon said officers responded to the shooting just after 6 am (1100GMT), following a domestic disturbance call.
The age of the deceased ranged from one to 14 years, he said, adding that the incident involved at least 10 individuals across four separate locations.
The suspect attempted to flee by carjacking a vehicle and driving to neighboring Bossier City, where police located and shot him dead.
Bordelon said Shreveport police officers pursued the suspect’s vehicle into Bossier, where three officers discharged their firearms, killing him. He said investigators believe the suspect was the only person who opened fire at the locations.
Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux described the attack as “maybe the worst tragic situation we’ve ever had,” adding: “It’s a terrible morning.”
No immediate information was available about the condition of the injured.
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When it comes to retiring, the best places to do so often are affordable, have a high quality of life and access to quality healthcare.
If you’re looking for a place to retire, Niche has identified the best places for retirees in Louisiana.
In its list, Niche has taken into account factors like weather, crime rates, housing costs and access to amenities.
The 5 best places to retire in Louisiana according to Niche
These are the top five best places to retire in Louisiana, according to Niche.
1. Oak Hills Place
Oak Hills Place is a suburb of Baton Rouge and is the overall best place to retire in Louisiana. This suburb, located in East Baton Rouge Parish, has a population of 9,038 and offers residents an urban suburban mix feel. The area is highly rated for families, diversity, as well as health and fitness. Here, the median home value is $437,900 and the median rent is $1,422, according to Niche.
2. Westminster
Westminster is another suburb of Baton Rouge and is the second-best place to retire in Louisiana. Located in East Baton Rouge Parish, this suburb has a population of 2,559 and offers residents an urban suburban mix feel. This area is highly rated for nightlife, diversity, families, health and fitness, as well as commute. The median home value here is $266,100 and the median rent is $1,482, says Niche.
3. River Ridge
River Ridge is a suburb of New Orleans, located in Jefferson Parish, and is the third-best place to retire in Louisiana. This suburb has a population of 13,312 and offers residents a dense suburban feel. The area is highly rated for public schools, family, nightlife and diversity. The median home value is $357,400 and the median rent is $1,127, according to Niche.
4. Westlake
Westlake is a town in Calcasieu Parish that is among the best places to retire in Louisiana. With a population of 4,743, this town offers residents a rural feel. The town is highly rated for public schools, housing, families, jobs, cost of living, nightlife and weather. Here, the median home value is $166,100 and the median rent is $1,049, says Niche.
5. Prien
Prien is another town in Calcasieu Parish that is among the best places to retire in Louisiana. This town has a population of 7,119 and offers residents a suburban rural mix feel. The town is highly rated for public schools, housing, families, nightlife and weather. The median home value here is $278,000 and the median rent is $1,292, according to Niche.
Presley Bo Tyler is the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team reporter for USA Today Network. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com
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