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!

Louisiana Through Wild Eyes: A Dual Vision of Lens & Brush

6 PM

JOIN US FOR AN ARTIST TALK & ART OPENING! Louisiana Through Wild Eyes is a collaborative, traveling art exhibit by photographer Dave McNamara and watercolor artist Katherine Klimitas that explores the rich and untamed beauty of Louisiana wildlife.

September 11, 2026

7910 Park Ave, Houma, LA

2026 International Coastal Cleanup at Elmer's Island Wildlife Refuge

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

FARM FÊTE

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

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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...