Lake Pontchartrain

Lake Pontchartrain, located in southeastern Louisiana, is one of the largest estuarine lakes in the United States and a defining feature of the New Orleans metropolitan area. Covering approximately 630 square miles, Lake Pontchartrain is connected to the Gulf of Mexico by the Rigolets and Chef Menteur Pass, and it is separated from Lake Borgne to the east by the narrow strip of land known as the Chef Menteur Land Bridge.

One of the main attractions of Lake Pontchartrain is its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. The lake's vast expanse of open water and picturesque shoreline provide ample opportunities for boating, fishing, sailing, kayaking, and other water-based activities. Anglers can cast their lines in search of a variety of freshwater and saltwater fish species, including speckled trout, redfish, bass, catfish, and crappie.

In addition to its recreational offerings, Lake Pontchartrain is also an important ecological and environmental resource for the region. The lake and its surrounding wetlands provide vital habitat for a diverse array of plant and animal species, including migratory birds, waterfowl, and aquatic organisms. Efforts to restore and protect the lake's fragile ecosystem are ongoing, with initiatives focused on wetland restoration, water quality improvement, and habitat conservation.

One of the most iconic features of Lake Pontchartrain is the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, a long bridge that spans the lake and connects the north and south shores of the New Orleans metropolitan area. With a total length of nearly 24 miles, the Causeway is one of the longest continuous bridges in the world and offers breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding landscape.

Overall, Lake Pontchartrain is a beloved and treasured natural resource that plays a central role in the culture, economy, and ecology of the New Orleans metropolitan area. Whether you're looking to enjoy a day of recreation on the water, explore the lake's diverse ecosystem, or simply take in the scenic beauty of the Louisiana coast, Lake Pontchartrain offers something for everyone to enjoy.

The lake does not belong to a single city limit. You will find the exact location of Lake Pontchartrain on the map above.