It used to be hard to entice anyone but fishermen up to Toledo Bend. But things have changed at the South’s largest man-made body of water and the country’s fifth largest man-made reservoir. For one, it doesn’t have to be about the fish.
Wildwood Resort has been on the lake for years, but within the past decade has specialized more in upscale cabins and lodges, consistently adding amenities to the property such as swimming pools, stocked private ponds and one of the loveliest fishing piers on the lake. We visited hoping for a lakeside getaway — admittedly not that interested in fishing — and were pleasantly surprised at the comfy accommodations and the varied activities that didn’t involve a rod and reel.
The resort is located near Zwolle at the top end of Toledo Bend, with cabins scattered throughout the property beneath shade trees and occasionally overlooking the ponds. We had to trek down to the lake for a view, but that’s a moot point — the landscaped grounds are home to songbirds, ducks and Canadian geese so we felt like we were poised on the edge.
Wildwood Resort consists of thirty-two luxury cabins equipped with wireless Internet, cable TV, full kitchens and porches sporting rocking chairs. It’s a pleasant blend of country relaxation and enough technology to provide entertainment. Outdoor pits allow visitors to barbecue or boil up seafood caught on the lake.
For those wanting a romantic escape, there are several cabins with Jacuzzis, fireplaces, and other amenities such as in-cabin massages available by appointment. The honeymoon cabin, for instance, sports an oversized heart-shaped tub.
The resort also offers lodges and suites that accommodate several guests, perfect for weddings, family reunions, fishing excursions and business retreats. Owner Randy Zeigler caters barbecue (with a sauce to write home about!), fish frys, seafood boils and other creations.
Weddings and larger business groups may wish to utilize the Conference Center, Pavilion and the Junior Conference Center, where catering is also available. A new outdoor deck, perfect for weddings, was added near the Conference Center and Pavilion last year.
If you want to fish for Toledo Bend’s bass and sac-a-lait, Wildwood can arrange a fishing excursion with Living the Dream Guide Service. Owners Jerry Thompson and Jim Shanley are full-time professional hunting and fishing guides who specialize in both fish and will provide everything from bait to cleaning.
For those wanting the experience without the mess — or children looking to learn the sport — the six stocked ponds on site at Wildwood are available for catch and release.
For a weekend getaway that doesn’t involve fish, Wildwood offers four swimming pools, pontoon boat and canoe rentals, bon fires and hay rides, forty acres to hike, and a bird aviary and petting zoo. There’s also basketball, tennis and volleyball courts. Sunsets can be enjoyed on the 450-foot covered fishing pier; for a romantic moment, bring a bottle of wine.
Near the property is North Toledo Bend State Park and the town of Zwolle, known for tamales—some of the best we have ever tasted—and an annual festival celebrating the food in October. Shreveport, Natchitoches and Natchidoches, Texas, are but short drives away with restaurants and nightlife.
Golf enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Cypress Bend Golf Resort and Conference Center’s 18-hole championship golf course, a charter member of the state’s Audubon Golf Trail. Ten holes exist along the lake’s edge, with more winding through wetlands, forests and landscaped gardens. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot one of the bald eagles who make Cypress Bend their home.
There are three other state parks in the region—South Toledo Bend State Park (where bald eagles nest as well), Fort Jessup State Historical Site near Many, and Hodges Gardens. Hodges was created by oil and gas businessman A.J. Hodges who purchased 100,000 acres near Toledo Bend in the 1940s and planted 30,000 acres with trees and 700 acres with roses, Japanese red maples and native azaleas, among many other plants. The elegantly landscaped acres are now operated by the state parks system and include one of the oldest ginkgo trees on earth and a large collection of petrified wood.
Details. Details. Details.
Wildwood Resort
129 Wildwood Drive
Zwolle, La.
(318) 645-2509
Living the Dream Guide Service
(318) 990-9156, (318) 256-8991
Cypress Bend Golf Resort and Conference Center
(877) 519-1500
North and South Toledo Bend State Parks, Fort Jessup, Hodges Gardens
