Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center

Life in Louisiana's wetlands wasn't easy back in the day, but there was almost always time for a song or two.

 

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, 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 (Tuesday, February 12, in 2013). Useful information about public transportation, regulations on pets, etc., is available here.

Regularly scheduled programs:.

• Explore Thibodaux's history with a ranger-guided walking tour at 2:00 p.m. every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Through May 31. Free.
• Free Cajun music jam every Monday 5:30-7:00 p.m. Bring an instrument and play along with local musicians or just enjoy!
• Cercle Francophone invites you to come pass a good time speaking French (Cajun or otherwise) 5:30-7:00 p.m. every Tuesday. Free. Help keep French alive in Louisiana---and if you don't speak French, come on along to watch linguistic history in action.
• Boat tours on Bayou Lafourche cruise into Louisiana's past in spring and fall. Spring 2013 cruising season is now through May 24. Learn more here.

Special events and programs:

• Field trips for schools and other groups by reservation.
• Summer day camps for kids---learn more here.
• Thibodaux-area students participate in First Bloom, a National Park Foundation program aimed at connecting students to nature and national parks. The students have designed and planted a native plant garden at the center. Visit the First Bloom website to check out their work and and see more First Bloom adventures here.