by Alana A. Carmon

Allen Parish, often referred to as the "Gateway to Southwest Louisiana," has a population of approximately 21,000 (2000 census). Allen Parish was carved from the northwest portion of Imperial Calcasieu Parish in 1912.

Allen Parish is blessed with extensive timberlands, some 367,000 acres, which attracted sawmills late in the nineteenth century. The parish's economy is based on forestry, livestock, agriculture, and a large federal detention facility in Oakdale. Allen’s low, flat land is particularly conducive to rice cultivation and pasturing cattle. Other chief crops include soybeans and a growing seafood processing industry.

Located in the heart of a "Sportsman’s Paradise" and traversed by the Calcasieu and Whiskey Chitto Rivers, Allen Parish is ideal for fishing and canoeing. For the hunter or bird watcher, West Bay Wildlife Management Area is open year round, with the finest duck and goose hunting available. Festivals and celebrations such as Oberlin's Cajun Rendezvous, the Kinderfest, Oakdale's Springfest and Great Louisiana Gumbo Cook-off, and Elizabeth's Country Christmas also abound in Allen Parish. Additionally, a sampling of the parish’s flavor can be savored at Grant's Syrup-Making Mill, West Bay Peach Farm, and Gamble's Muscadine Vineyards. Overnight accommodations are available at Little Piney Park, located near the historic sawmill town of Elizabeth, and at the many hotels near Allen’s Parish most popular attraction–Grand Casino Coushatta.