• 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!
The Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program (BTNEP), Nicholls State University and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) are hosting a beach sweep at Elmer’s Island Wildlife Refuge to coincide with the Ocean Conservancy's annua

September 19, 2026

Step into an unforgettable night at Farm Fête: a high-energy celebration of Louisiana culture filled with incredible farm fresh food and cocktails prepared by local chefs, live music, dancing, and more experiences that bring the best of the Red Stick Far

September 24, 2026

Kick off festival weekend with Farm Fest! This family-friendly event will take place on Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the grounds of the Shadows-on-the-Teche.

September 24, 2026

Shadows-on-the-Teche | 317 E. Main Street, New Ibe

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...
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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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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We have brochures, phone numbers and everything you need for over 40 different field trips!!
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