On the banks of Lake Charles, Louisiana, a vibrant new destination is inspiring young minds and delighting families—Port Wonder. This dynamic, shared facility is home to two distinct attractions: the Children’s Museum at Port Wonder and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Nature and Science Center. Together, these spaces span more than 18,000 square feet of immersive learning, play, and exploration—all fabricated and installed by the team here at 1220 Exhibits.
From concept to completion, 1220 brought these imaginative environments to life, creating hands-on exhibits that blend education with excitement. Each gallery and zone offers its own world of discovery, encouraging children (and their grown-ups) to explore, create, and learn in unforgettable ways.
Children’s Museum at Port Wonder
The Children’s Museum is designed around four themed galleries—Nature, Health, Tech, and City—each offering unique opportunities for discovery. These environments are more than just playful spaces; they are thoughtfully crafted to encourage curiosity, critical thinking and collaborative learning.
Nature Gallery
Outdoors meets indoors in this nature-inspired space. Families can stroll through pollinator gardens, test their skills with pond and marsh-themed water activities, and climb to new heights on the multi-level Ant Climber. The gallery invites children to understand and appreciate the natural world through active play.
Health Gallery
Here, visitors embark on a journey inside the human body. Towering anatomical models, interactive demonstrations, and sensory activities help kids learn about body systems and the five senses in a fun, approachable way. Whether examining a giant ear or taking part in a movement-based challenge, children connect healthy habits with hands-on experiences.
Tech Gallery
Science, physics, and engineering come alive in the Tech Gallery. Young innovators experiment with simple machines, try their hand at wind-powered activities, and take on the challenge of climbing the 25-foot-tall Lighthouse Climber. Each element encourages problem-solving, teamwork, and experimentation.
City Gallery
The City Gallery transforms everyday environments into places for imaginative role-play. Children can shop for groceries at Sunny’s Market, care for furry friends in the Pet Vet Hospital, or whip up pretend meals at the Cowboy Café. Safety Square teaches valuable lessons about community safety, while a dedicated area for infants and toddlers ensures even the smallest visitors have a space of their own.
LDWF Nature and Science Center
The Nature and Science Center, covering 7,360 square feet, takes visitors on a deep dive into Louisiana’s diverse ecosystems. Designed to complement the Children’s Museum, this space invites guests to explore the state’s natural wonders through hands-on learning, live animal encounters, and beautifully crafted environmental design solutions.
Guests journey through four ecological zones:
- The Bayou – A lush, immersive area filled with the sights and sounds of Louisiana’s wetlands.
- Inshore Waters – Interactive elements introduce species that live just off the coast.
- Offshore Waters – Visitors can explore life farther out in the Gulf of Mexico.
- Exploration Gulf – A hub for interactive games and educational stations that connect all the ecological themes.
Exhibit highlights include nine towering animal-themed pylons, four live animal tanks, and two touch tanks, where guests can get up close with native species. These experiences encourage a deeper appreciation for Louisiana’s wildlife and conservation efforts.
The 1220 Exhibits Touch
Port Wonder is more than a collection of exhibits. It’s a carefully orchestrated environment where education and imagination thrive side by side. The fabrication and installation process required precise craftsmanship, creative problem-solving, and an understanding of how children learn through play.
Every element, from the custom-built climbers to the interactive stations and animal habitats, was designed with durability, safety, and long-term engagement in mind. The result is a facility that not only entertains but also inspires a lifelong love of learning.
A Destination for All Ages
While designed with children at its heart, Port Wonder offers something for visitors of all ages. Parents and caregivers often find themselves just as engaged as their kids—whether it’s peering into a touch tank, testing their skills in a physics challenge, or taking in the vibrant colors and details of each exhibit space.
By housing both the Children’s Museum and the LDWF Nature and Science Center under one roof, Port Wonder creates a seamless experience that blends play-based learning with nature education. It’s a place where a family can spend hours exploring, discovering, and connecting.
Port Wonder stands as a shining example of what happens when creativity, craftsmanship, and community vision come together. At 1220 Exhibits, we’re proud to have helped bring this extraordinary project to life. We can’t wait to see the generations of explorers, learners, and dreamers who will pass through its doors.
Want to see how this amazing project turned out? Check out the full video here.
