Port Wonder

Port Wonder

The Children’s Museum of Southwest Louisiana & the Louisiana Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Nature and Science Center

Port Wonder is a vibrant, dual-exhibit destination combining a hands-on children’s museum and an interactive nature and science center, offering immersive experiences in play and learning.

Completed: December 2024

Project Profile: Children's Museum

Location: Lake Charles, LA

Completed: December 2024

Location: Lake Charles, LA

Project Profile: Children's Museum

Overview

Port Wonder is a dynamic, shared facility that houses two distinct experiences: the Children’s Museum at Port Wonder and the LDWF Nature and Science Center. Together, these exhibits offer more than 18,000 square feet of immersive learning, play and exploration for families and children of all ages, all built and installed by 1220.

The Children’s Museum features four themed galleries—Nature, Health, Tech, and City—each designed to spark curiosity and hands-on engagement. The Nature Gallery encourages outdoor discovery with pollinator gardens, pond and marsh-themed water activities, and a multi-level Ant Climber. In the Health Gallery, children explore the five senses and learn about body systems through interactive demonstrations and towering anatomical models. The Tech Gallery invites kids to explore the principles of science and physics with simple machines, wind-powered activities, and a 25-foot-tall Lighthouse Climber. The City Gallery offers creative role-play opportunities in spaces like Safety Square, Sunnys Market, Pet Vet Hospital, and a Cowboy Café—plus a dedicated area for infants and toddlers.

The LDWF Nature and Science Center expands the experience with 7,360 square feet of exhibits focused on Louisiana’s diverse ecosystems. Guests journey through four ecological zones—the Bayou, Inshore and Offshore Waters, and Exploration Gulf—via interactive games, educational stations, and live animal encounters. Highlights include nine towering animal-themed pylons, four live animal tanks, and two touch tanks that allow visitors to experience native species up close.

Scope

  • Plywood & Veneer Larger than Life Grass Blades
  • Glass Murals
  • Lily Pads with Frog Sounds
  • Pirogue & Crabbing Dock
  • Ant Hill & Chambers Climbing Structure
  • Scenically Created Giant Nose, Teeth, Elephant and Rabbit Ears & Eye
  • Plywood Body Systems Models with Programmable LEDs
  • Spring Loaded Pressure Plate System
  • Topographically Layered “Heart Walls”
  • Digestive System Maze
  • Skeleton Riding a Bicycle Interactive
  • Archimedes Screw
  • Three Unique Raceways
  • Fabrication of Kids Lighthouse Climber
  • Fire Station, Pet Vet Clinic, TV Station, Cowboy Cafe, Sunny’s Market, Kids Port and Infant Space House Façades 
  • Scenically Created Fire Truck
  • Barrier Islands Wave Interactive
  • All Mural Graphics
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