• 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!
Learn More

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!
Lafayette, LA's annual Festivals Acadiens et Créoles, held the second full weekend in October, provides the ideal opportunity to discover Lafayette, LA's blend of food, music and culture that makes the city so unique. Since 1974 this free festival has of

October 09, 2026

Girard Park, Lafayette
Think you know Gumbo? Want to sample truly authentic Cajun gumbo? Then head on over to the "Gumbo Capital of Louisiana" for the Louisiana Gumbo Festival!

October 09, 2026

326 Hwy 304 Chackbay, LA 70301
Every 2nd weekend in October. Family oriented food festival in historic downtown New Iberia. Gumbo Cookoff, Roux Run, Youth Gumbo Cookoff, Meanest Beans Competition, children’s activities, live music all weekend and more. Cajun/Creole food midday Saturd

October 10, 2026

Bouligny Plaza 102 W. Main St. New Iberia LA 70560

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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Cajun and Creole music forms are closely related and, as such, they share many common origins and influences. Find out more about music on the bayou here!
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Our partnership with the American Birding Association to produce a statewide birding guide as part of the ABA's Birdfinding Guide series. Get the facts here!
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