WETLANDS ACADIAN CULTURAL CENTER

This Wetlands Cultural Center tells the story of the Acadians who settled in the swamps and bayous of southeast Louisiana. After the Great Upheaval, some exiled Acadians settled in the countryside west of New Orleans. At the beginning of the 19th century, there were approximately 3,500 Acadians in Louisiana. They adapted to the natural conditions imposed on them by this region and developed an activity based on fishing and hunting. This very spacious center explains in an intelligent and pleasant way their origins, their settlement in the marshy region of the Wetlands and their culture: history, language, religion, music, fishing, cooking, daily life and tutti quanti. In a large room, reserved for local crafts, you can see how a boat is built or how a fishing net is made. A 200-seat theater, the Thibodaux Playhouse, has been presenting Acadian shows and programs since 1960. Finally, a series of video projections is available in French; don't hesitate to ask the park rangers who are particularly helpful. Activities include guided tours of the historic area of Thibodaux, boat tours on Bayou Lafourche (summer break), Saturday musical performances (zydeco, gospel, blues, jazz, Cajun, etc.), children's activities (also on Saturdays) and summer camps for children and teens.