Atchafalaya National Heritage Area Welcome Center
Date Visited: March 6, 2020
Address: 1908 Atchafalaya River Hwy, Breaux Bridge, LA 70517
GPS: 30.34172, -91.72197
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 am to 5 pm
Phone: (225) 228-1094
The Atchafalaya Basin is our nation’s largest river swamp and located right in the heart of it is the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area Welcome Center. It is open 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily and closed for New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Restrooms are available outside 24 hours a day. There’s free coffee and brochures inside as well as staff, some who speak French, who are very helpful.
Outside there are restrooms, picnic areas and walking trails. A number of statues of birds and animals that are commonly found in the area are on display around the center. There is also a flat-bottomed crawfishing boat on the back deck of the visitor center.
Inside the center are a number of truly awesome exhibits portraying the flora, fauna, history and lifestyles of the people of the Atchafalaya Basin. They have this little animatronic show with a turtle and a raccoon that is sure to delight the kids or adults who are still kids at heart. Hanging from the ceiling are by far the biggest fishing lures I have ever seen!
This is a great place to stop to stretch your legs, see some great exhibits and get a little education on the area.
Don’t forget to check out the Louisiana Airborne Memorial Bridge Monument on the premises too.
