Belle cheney springs

What is the location of Belle Cheney Springs?

The location of Belle Cheney Springs is in northern Evangeline Parish, Louisiana, near the city of Turkey Creek. The springs lie approximately four miles from Cocodrie Lake and 38 miles north of Opelousas. The geographic coordinates of Belle Cheney Springs are 30°59′19″N latitude and 92°25′23″W longitude. Historically, the site was situated near the Glenmora Turkey Creek Highway and is now located on private property with limited public access.

What is the historical accessibility and transportation method to Belle Cheney Springs?

The historical accessibility of Belle Cheney Springs involved rail and horse-drawn travel. Visitors reached the springs by taking the Texas and Pacific or Morgan Railroad to LeCompte Station, followed by a horse or buggy ride to the site. In the present day, the access route is an overgrown country road that is barely visible and requires a local guide for navigation due to dense vegetation and private land restrictions.

What is the current access type of Belle Cheney Springs?

The current access type of Belle Cheney Springs is private and restricted. Although the springs once operated as a public resort, the site is now located on private property. The area is overgrown with vines and is inaccessible without a guide, reflecting a significant decline in public access over time.

What is the temperature of Belle Cheney Springs?

The temperature of Belle Cheney Springs is classified as cold. Unlike geothermal hot springs that emit heated water, Belle Cheney Springs produce cool mineral water, which was historically valued for its refreshing and medicinal qualities.

What is the mineral composition of Belle Cheney Springs?

The mineral composition of Belle Cheney Springs is described as mineral-laden with medicinal properties. The waters were historically believed to offer therapeutic benefits, attracting visitors who sought relief from various ailments through immersion and consumption of the spring water.

What is the number and type of pools at Belle Cheney Springs?

The number of pools at Belle Cheney Springs includes three distinct springs. The pool types historically consisted of bath houses, bathing areas, and a swimming pool. These facilities supported both therapeutic bathing and recreational swimming during the resort’s operational years.

What facilities were available at Belle Cheney Springs during its peak?

The facilities at Belle Cheney Springs during its peak included a wide range of accommodations and recreational structures. The resort featured the Belle Cheney Hotel, seven double cottages, three large houses for families, and twelve cottages for gentlemen. Additional buildings included a large tavern house, summer houses, a coffee house, a ballroom, a store house, and stables. Recreational amenities comprised bathing areas, a music hall, a swimming pool, and facilities for hunting and fishing. An electric light plant also served the property.

What accommodations were offered at Belle Cheney Springs?

The accommodations at Belle Cheney Springs included the Belle Cheney Hotel and various cottages. Specifically, the resort provided seven double cottages, three large houses suitable for families, and twelve cottages designated for gentlemen. These lodging options were designed to support extended stays during the summer season.

What was the historical entry fee at Belle Cheney Springs?

The historical entry fee at Belle Cheney Springs was $1 per day or $25 per month. Discounts were offered for children and servants, reflecting the resort's pricing structure during its operational period.

What was the best season to visit Belle Cheney Springs?

The best season to visit Belle Cheney Springs was between May 1 and November 1. This summer period aligned with the resort’s peak operational months, when families and individuals traveled to the springs for health and leisure.

What is the distance of Belle Cheney Springs from major cities?

The distance of Belle Cheney Springs from major cities includes approximately 38 miles north of Opelousas. The springs were located within a 100-mile radius of New Orleans, Alexandria, and Shreveport. Historically, the site was accessible by rail from both New Orleans and Baton Rouge.

What are the nearby attractions to Belle Cheney Springs?

The nearby attractions to Belle Cheney Springs include Cocodrie Lake and areas known for good hunting and fishing. The surrounding region once hosted summer homes and offered outdoor recreational opportunities that complemented the resort’s health-focused offerings.

What is the current state of accessibility at Belle Cheney Springs?

The current state of accessibility at Belle Cheney Springs is significantly limited. The original resort area is now covered in vines and vegetation, and the road leading to the springs is barely visible. Access requires a local guide due to the overgrown and private nature of the property.

What is the pet policy at Belle Cheney Springs?

The pet policy at Belle Cheney Springs is not currently specified. Historically, the springs were discovered when dogs were observed bathing in the water, suggesting early informal use by animals. However, no formal pet policy is documented for the present-day site.

What is the clothing policy at Belle Cheney Springs?

The clothing policy at Belle Cheney Springs is not specified in the available documentation. No historical or current regulations regarding attire during bathing or recreational use have been recorded.

What is the website source for Belle Cheney Springs?

The website source for Belle Cheney Springs is https://64parishes.org/taking-the-waters. This source provides historical context and details about the development, usage, and decline of the springs as a regional resort destination.