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!

Mud Bug Boil Off

Come join us for a family fun event in the Historic Downtown Thibodaux area! This crawfish cook-off is sure to please, with great food, live music, live auction, and fun for all ages. The Mud Bug Boil-Off is a CASH ONLY event!

June 13, 2026

Downtown Thibodaux, Louisiana

Bayou Teche Fest 2026

9 AM - 1 PM

Come pass a great time with the City of New Iberia in Bouligny Plaza, June 13 starting at 9 AM, at this year’s Bayou Teche Fest—a celebration of everything we love about life on the bayou!

June 13, 2026

Bouligny Plaza 128 W. Main St. New Iberia LA 70560

Shadows on the Teche Program: Faith & Freedom Symposium

9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Faith and Freedom will explore how African Americans have used religious beliefs, spiritual practices, and sacred spaces as tools of community organization across freedom movements — including Abolition, Civil Rights, and Black Lives Matter. The keynote

June 19, 2026

Shadows Visitor Center (320 E. Main Street, New Ib

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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...