Lake Bruin is an ox-bow lake of the Mississippi River located in Tensas Parish in northeastern Louisiana. It consists of some 3,000 acres (12 km2) of unusually clear water, particularly suited for swimming, boating, and fishing. Part of the lake is owned by the state, which operates Lake Bruin State Park, one of nineteen Louisiana state parks.[1] Much of the land beside the lake is in private hands, and many fashionable homes, both vacation houses and permanent residences, have been constructed there in recent years. Many of the homes have piers extending into the lake.
Lake Bruin is the ox-bow lake for the St. Joseph area. Other ox-bow lakes include Lake St. Joseph, located in Newellton and across the highway from the nearby Winter Quarters State Historic Site, and Lake St. John near Waterproof.
Lake Bruin is named for Peter Bryan Bruin (1756-1827), a native of Winchester, Virginia, who owned a large plantation on the shores of the lake and resided there for a number of years after 1807. He is interred near Bruinsburg in Claiborne County, Mississippi.[2]
Former State Senator Clifford Cleveland Brooks in 1920 purchased the Botany Bay plantation on Lake Bruin. He served in the State Senate from 1924 to 1932.[3] After Brooks’ death in 1944, his widow continued to operate the cotton plantation.[4]
Area district attorney Jefferson B. Snyder, a St. Joseph native, maintained for many years a popular hunting lodge on Lake Bruin where he hosted a variety of governors, U.S. senators, surgeons, publishers, architects, local bootleggers, and African Americans in various occupations.[5]
Lake Bruin has many priceless moments and memories that many have come to know and love. Such as having your morning coffee overlooking the lake and watching the sun rise, or seeing your children and grandchildren jumping, swimming, skiing or tubing in the calm, clear water. And maybe top off the day with a sunset cruise on the pontoon boat. But don’t forget to squeeze in a little fishing between all those activities! Lake Bruin is known to be one of the best lakes in Louisiana for bass, bream and crappie.
But don’t take our word for it, come visit us and we will tour the lake with a boat ride. It’s truly magnificent! Not only do we want to help you find the perfect get-a-way place, we want you to experience ALL Lake Bruin has to offer, just as our family has for over forty years. Gaining friendships and making memories is what Lake Bruin is all about. We look forward to hearing from you.
– Cindy Clark
POINTS OF INTEREST:
• Lake Life Stop & Go And Café
• Lake Bruin State Park
• Lake Bruin Lake Commission
• Lake Bruin Country Club
• Lake Bruin Lodge & Fish Tales
• Mac’s Fresh Market
• Netterville Landing
• Lake Bruin Storage
• LA Wildlife and Fisheries
ANNUAL EVENTS:
• 4th of July Flotilla
• Poker Run
• Farmer’s Market