• The Great Lazy River

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

  • Welcome to the Atchafalaya

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

  • It’s so big - and full!

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

  • To infinity, and beyond!

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

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!

Soul Food Festival

8 a.m. - 10 p.m.

June 13, 2025

Historic Downtown Franklin

Juneteenth Folklife Celebration

6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
The Juneteenth Folklife Celebration highlights the folk art, heritage, and traditions of African-American culture in St. Landry Parish. Rebecca Henry, owner of the Creole Heritage Folklife Center, hosts the event. She is a child of sharecroppers, artist,

June 21, 2025

Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino 2235 Creswell
The Canoe Races and Anything Over Rice Cook-Off is a full day of fun on Saturday, June 21 at the Bayou Courtableau Boat Ramp in Port Barre. There will be things to do for all ages with kids activities as well as music, food, and drinks available througho

June 21, 2025

Bayou Courtableau Boat Ramp 196 Bayou Road, Port B

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...
Cycling our back roads is a great way to get to know Louisiana. You'll taste our famous food, hear our music, meet our people and experience Louisiana!
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We have brochures, phone numbers and everything you need for over 40 different field trips!!
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Louisiana's complex blending of cultures for over 300 years has produced distinctive regional food traditions for which we are known worldwide.
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