by Jeanni Ritchie
This month’s spotlight on one of the amazing treasures we have in Louisiana brings us to Toledo Bend, home of Wildwood Resort and Toledo Bend Family Adventure Park.
The waterpark is perfectly-sized for a day of family fun. Or, in my case, an opportunity to read, snooze, and just bathe in the sun all alone! The 301 sq. ft lazy river is perfect for floating. The waterslides are fun (though those steps are for much younger feet!) and the pool is cool and refreshing. My favorite place to perch, though, is in one of the many wading pools with book in hand. I had many conversations with children between chapters, staying cool in the water.
There is an 18-hole mini golf course (included with admission) and a large splash pad for kids with a giant bucket of water to stand under. I may or may not have done that a few times!
I bought an unlimited refillable tumbler which I was able to use all three days. It stayed filled with coke or water and was well worth the price. The concession stand also had ice cream and pizza, fries, and other snack items.
With Blue Bayou in Baton Rouge not opening this summer, you should consider Toledo Bend as an alternative. Because they have one thing Blue Bayou did not…
Wildwood Resort!
With 31 cabins and 45 RV spots right next door, your waterpark trip becomes a camping experience as well. The resort has three swimming pools of its own and several ponds. There’s a boat launch and a dock that boasts one of the most beautiful Louisiana sunsets you’ll ever see.
Big Meaux’s Grill is the onsite restaurant. Order a brisket sandwich with fries and a side of jalapeño ranch and watch the ducks swim while you eat!
I’d booked the honeymoon cabin. Ironic since it was just me and a stuffed teddy bear but I absolutely loved my stay. I’d expected rustic; I got elegant. It was spacious; it was well-equipped. Best of all there was a giant hot tub next to the four poster bed. I spent lots of time on the porch rockers overlooking the pond as well.
While the waterpark is seasonal, the cabins are available for rent year-round. I’m already planning a weeklong return in the off-season just to get alone in nature and have some quiet time. The hustle and bustle of exploring a new city is exciting and I will never tire of it. But places like Wildwood Resort are essential to reclaiming one’s center. There is no man vs. man, man vs. God, or man vs. nature here. For out on Toledo Bend is where man, nature, and God all come together as one.
Jeanni Ritchie is a contributing journalist from Central Louisiana. She can be reached at jeanniritchie54@gmail.com.
