Lake End Park sits on the bank of Lake Palourde in Morgan City, which stretches over 11,500 acres. This beautiful park was established back in 1928. In 1998, the park was renamed Victor Guarisco Lake End Park in honor of the man who donated the land for use as a park.
Amenities
The park is a multi-use area. It is a mecca for RV campers, fishermen, boating enthusiasts, parties and other celebrations. RV campers flock to the park from around the country, especially on weekends. There are 149 regular RV sites, 91 long term sites, 20 tent sites and four pavilions.
There are six rental cabins located directly on the lake. These are often rented for birthday parties, family reunions or other celebrations. Reservations are strongly recommended for the cabins. Golf carts are available for rent as transportation within the park.
There is a shaded walking trail that meanders through the park and is surrounded by huge, moss-covered cypress trees. There are an abundance of squirrels (even black ones) and ducks throughout the park. During the spring, summer and fall, the park hosts popular bands and offers food and drink for the public.
Attractions
There is a freshwater beach that is popular for swimming. Rentals are available including jet skis and kayaks.
There is also a marina with 47 boat slips. Some locals harbor their floating house boats there.
Photographers flock to the park for the scenic natural beauty of the exquisitely maintained grounds. Sunrises and sunsets over the lake are sights to behold.
If water skiing, tubing or wake boarding is what you crave, the lake offers a huge area for you to enjoy. This huge lake allows boaters to have a great time and not be crowded by other boats.
Types of fishing
The lake offers incredible fishing opportunities. You can catch largemouth bass along the shallow banks amongst the cypress knees. Bluegills and sac-a-lait also frequent the same areas. Maybe catfish is your thing. Catch them anywhere in the lake with rod and reel. Fish them shallow with a bobber or go deep with a Carolina rig. If you prefer the larger cats, focus on the deeper water passes near Amelia.
For monster catfish, try your luck with juglining or trotlines. Fishing at night, it is not uncommon to catch blue cats in excess of 30 to 40 pounds and even larger. Using a cast net to catch bait is quite common. Large catfish love mullet and shad, which are prolific in the lake. River shrimp are another main bait source. The shrimp and night crawlers can be found in abundance at nearby bait shops.
Crabbing is a favorite past time in the lake. Methods for catching crabs include traps, nets, trotlines and fishing from one of the wharfs. Commonly used bait is usually chicken or fish.
Fun facts
In 1917, the silent movie Tarzan of the Apes was filmed entirely in and around Lake Palourde. The swamp was used as a stand-in for the African jungle. This was the first Tarzan movie ever filmed.
In 2016, a manatee was spotted in Lake Palourde. Five feet long and estimated at 330 pounds, it caused quite a stir in the Morgan City area at the time. How the creature was able to wind up in south Louisiana, so far from home, remains a mystery.
Victor Guarisco Lake End Park is truly a must see and experience destination in south Louisiana. It is the rare location that offers so much to do for so many different people. Give it a visit. You won’t be disappointed!
