National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service:  U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and PreserveA park ranger and visitors cruise down the bayou in a bright green boat, right behind the Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center.
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center
 

The lives of the Acadians (Cajuns) and others whose travels brought them to Louisiana’s bayous are featured at the Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center in Thibodaux. Recreation, clothing and home furnishings, religion, cuisine, and fishing are explored through exhibits, artifacts, videos, and films. A 200-seat theater is used for productions by the Thibodaux Playhouse, Inc., and other programs. Kids can explore the center and earn a badge with the Junior Ranger program. The center's bookstore has books, music, children's books, and craft items on sale. Admission to the center and to most programs is free. Click here for directions and program listings for specific dates.

314 St. Mary Street, Thibodaux
985-448-1375
Open Monday-Tuesday 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m., Wednesday-Thursday 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m., Friday-Saturday 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Closed December 25 and Mardi Gras. Useful information about public transportation, regulations on pets, etc., is available here.

Regularly scheduled programs:

  • Free delta music jam every Monday at 5:30 p.m. Bring an instrument and join in the blues, Cajun, country, gospel, jazz, and zydeco, or just set back and enjoy.
  • Free historic Thibodaux walking tour at 2:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Take a one-mile walk with a ranger through local history.
  • Free traditional Cajun music jam first and third Saturday of every month 10:00 a.m.-noon. Bring an instrument or just listen in.
  • Free canoe trek on Grand Bayou every Saturday in October and November. Treks head out from the Grand Bayou Boat Launch in Chackway (north of Thibodaux) at 9:00 a.m. For ages 9 and up. Canoes are provided but reservations are required. Call the center for more information and reservations.

Special events and programs:

  • Field trips for schools and other groups by reservation.
  • Exhibition by local artist Alvin Batiste shares life along Bayou Lafourche and in south Louisiana through his American primitive-style works. November 7 through January 4. Free.
  • Summer day camps for kids.



 



 

Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center logo shows man in big straw hat poling pirogue
From Acadian to Cajun
Learn how the exiles of Acadie became Louisiana's Cajuns
more...
Trees and blue sky reflected in a bayou
Make "America's best idea" even better
Get involved with your national parks!
more...
Young opossum riding their mother's back.  

Did You Know?
The opossum is North America's only native marsupial! The female will carry young in her pouch for 2-3 months and then on her back another 1-2 months. A female will usually have 7-8 babies, and each one latches onto one of 13 teats in her pouch.

Last Updated: November 06, 2009 at 12:12 EST