Atchafalaya National Heritage Area

Swamp Castle

Atchafalaya NHA Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

Louisiana

Significance:

The Atchafalaya National Heritage Area spans 14 parishes and preserves local cuisine, music, traditions, language and cultural landscapes.

Designation:

National Heritage Area

OPEN TO PUBLIC:

Yes

MANAGED BY:

Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism

An American-Indian word, "Atchafalaya" (Think of a sneeze: uh-CHA-fuh-lie-uh) means long river. Established in 2006, the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area stretches across 14 parishes in south-central Louisiana. It is among the most culturally rich and ecologically varied regions in the United States, home to the widely recognized Cajun culture as well as a diverse population of European, African, Caribbean and Native-American descent.

With a story around every bend in the river and music from every corner, the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area is an ever-changing, rich and mysterious landscape. It is filled with twisting bayous, rivers and America’s largest river swamp. There are fields of sugar cane and cotton, ancient live oaks and towering cypress. Alligators, raccoons, and even bears roam the lands while 270 species of birds take to the skies. From the waters come catfish, shrimp, oysters and the crawfish that make the Atchafalaya so well known.

This Heritage Area includes the following sites:
 

• Jean Lafitte National Historical Park - Acadian Cultural Center
• Jean Lafitte National Historical Park - Prairie Acadian Cultural Center
• Jean Lafitte National Historical Park - Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center
• Lake Fausse Pointe State Park
• Cypremort Point State Park
• Natchez Trace Parkway and National Scenic Trail
• Water Heritage Trail