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!

Gheens Bon Mange' Festival

Bon Mange’ translated means "good eats," so how could you miss out on this!

June 06, 2025

1783 Hwy 654 Gheens, LA 70355

Cajun Heritage Festival

A hunter’s dream, the Cajun Heritage Festival showcases a decoy show and live auction, plus carving demos, duck calling contests, Cajun food, vendors and raffles.

June 06, 2025

307 East 5th St. Larose, LA 70373

St. Landry BBQ Fest

6 p.m. - 10 p.m.

St. Landry Parish Government is excited to announce the return of the highly anticipated 4th Annual BBQ Festival. The three-day event will be held at the Yambilee Grounds in Opelousas, Louisiana.

June 06, 2025

Yambilee Building 1939 West Landry Street Opelousa

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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...