Hayes, LA

Hayes is a Calcasieu Parish census-designated place on the west bank of Bayou Lacassine, where the bayou marks the line with Jefferson Davis Parish. Louisiana Highway 14 runs through the community, three miles west to Bell City and then toward Lake Arthur. The early place was known as Dugas Pasture, or La Savanne des Dugas, after a cattle grazer from nearby Andrus Cove. The Louisiana Western Railroad reached Hayes in 1904 on its route between Lake Charles and Lake Arthur. Cajun culture remains part of the local character, including a regional French dialect and a food tradition that travels well beyond the parish.

Lorrain Park gives Hayes a recognizable gathering spot at the foot of Lorrain Bridge. The Calcasieu Parish park has a boat launch, nine RV sites, a dump station, showers, picnic areas, a pavilion, and playground equipment. The bridge dates to the late nineteenth century, was rebuilt after damage and closure, and reopened in 2004 through work by parish and bridge groups. Bell City High School serves K-12 students three miles west, while the bayou and highway organize the daily routes. Hayes is a small southwest Louisiana community where Cajun memory, a restored bridge, and water access all share one map.