Atchafalaya National Heritage Area | America's French Foreign Country

The Great Lazy River

The Atchafalaya is Culture, Tourism, Nature
and So Much More!

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Welcome to the Atchafalaya

It’s not a swamp. It’s a whole new country!

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It’s so big - and full!

Birding, Biking, Paddling, Camping, Hunting,
Fishing, Golf and Tree Tagging!

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To infinity, and beyond!

The Atchafalaya National Heritage Area Stretches far...
Well into the Gulf of Mexico!

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National Heritage Area

Welcome to the Atchafalaya

In the heart of Louisiana lies a vast natural wonder with a storied past. Welcome to America’s largest freshwater swamp: the Atchafalaya River Basin. From upland forests, to Cypress/Tupelo swamps, to an active land-building river delta, the Atchafalaya has lots to see. How you explore America’s Foreign Country…that’s up to you!

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Action In the Swamp

Events Calendar

Meetings, festivals, tours through the marsh and much more can be found here...
below are the ones coming up next!

Gonzales Jambalaya Festival

4 PM - 6 PM

Carnival rides, food, cooking competition, live music, & more!

May 21, 2026

Lamar Dixon Expo Center | 9039 S St Landry Ave, Go

BTNEP Pollinator Plant Giveaway

9 AM - 12 PM

FREE Pollinator Plants!

May 30, 2026

104 Thoroughbred Park Dr. Thibodaux, LA 70301

Gheens Bon Mange' Festival

Bon Mange’ translated means "good eats," so how could you miss out on this! Join us for the 52nd annual Gheens Bon Mange' Festival featuring fresh cooked foods like griades, gumbo, jambalaya, cracklins, and more. Count memories, not calories at this

June 05, 2026

1783 Hwy 654 Gheens, LA 70355

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Explore Our Website

What’s Inside!

Our website is packed with information to help you schedule school tours, learn about the wetlands, or find out more about the cultures of Louisiana. Below are just some of the great things we invite you to investigate...