History is not always found behind museum walls. Sometimes, it is waiting along familiar roads, near working airport facilities and in places Southwest Louisiana residents pass every day.
The new Historic Chennault Air Force Base Driving Tour gives locals and visitors a chance to experience that history firsthand. The self-guided tour connects participants with 17 locations tied to the former base and its lasting impact on aviation, military service and the Lake Charles community.
Tour at a Glance
The self-guided driving tour features 17 historic locations across the area, with free brochures available throughout Southwest Louisiana for residents, visitors, veterans and aviation enthusiasts.
A Tour Created to Preserve Chennault’s Story
The driving tour and accompanying brochure were created by the Historic Chennault Air Force Base Society, an organization committed to preserving and sharing the history of the former military installation.
Through the tour, the Society is helping bring Chennault’s past into clearer view. Each stop offers an opportunity to learn more about the places, people and events that helped shape the base’s history.
The brochure serves as a guide, allowing participants to explore the route at their own pace. There is no required starting point or schedule, making it an accessible activity for families, history enthusiasts and anyone interested in learning more about Southwest Louisiana.
Discover What Once Stood Here
Many of the locations connected to the former Chennault Air Force Base have changed over time. Some have taken on new purposes, while others may no longer be immediately recognizable as historic sites.
The driving tour helps participants understand what once stood in these places and why each location matters.
Rather than presenting Chennault’s history as a single chapter, the tour shows how the former base was connected to a much larger story. That story includes military operations, aviation development, community growth and generations of people who worked and served on the property.
An Experience for Locals and Visitors
The tour offers a new way for visitors to explore the Lake Charles area, but it may be especially meaningful for people who already call Southwest Louisiana home.
Local residents may recognize many of the roads and landmarks featured in the brochure. The tour adds historical context to those familiar places, revealing stories that may not be visible from the road.
For veterans and former employees, the route may also provide an opportunity to revisit locations connected to their own experiences or those of family members.
Pick Up a Brochure and Start Exploring
Driving tour brochures are available at 17 locations across Southwest Louisiana.
Pickup locations include:
- The Lake Charles Visitor Center
- Calcasieu Parish Public Library locations
- Million Air at Chennault International Airport
- Additional participating locations throughout the area
Once you have a brochure, you can follow the route and visit each location at your own pace. The tour is designed to be flexible, whether you complete it in one outing or explore a few stops at a time.
Before You Go
Pick up a brochure at a participating location, review the route and allow time to stop safely at each site. Some locations may be near active businesses or airport operations, so visitors should remain aware of posted signs and property boundaries.
Connecting Chennault’s Past and Present
The former Chennault Air Force Base played an important role in the region’s military and aviation history. Today, that same property continues to support aviation, industry and economic activity through Chennault International Airport.
The driving tour creates a connection between those two eras. It recognizes the people and missions that shaped the former base while showing how its aviation legacy continues today.
Thanks to the work of the Historic Chennault Air Force Base Society, residents and visitors now have a new way to experience that story.
Pick up a brochure, follow the route and discover the history that has been here all along.