Experience the heart of Cajun country and the “Crawfish Capitol of the World.”
The Cajuns of south Louisiana trace their ancestors to the French Acadians exiled from Nova Scotia around 1755.
By the 1800s, thousands of Acadians had settled in the rural areas west of New Orleans.
Credit:St. Martin Parish Tourism Commission
Visit theLongfellow-Evangeline State Historic Siteto learn about this important part of history that shaped much of this area.
Continue on to downtown St. Martinville, which has more than 50 historic landmarks and registered historic buildings.
Be sure to visit theAcadian Memorial, theEvangeline Oak Park, theSt.
Credit:Paul Christiansen
Dont miss the gift shop, which has a wide array of exceptional art for sale.
These snapping mudbugs are an integral part of Cajun cuisine.
As a special bonus, visitors are introduced to Marlene, the largest live oak in St. Martin Parish.
Credit:St. Martin Parish Tourism Commission
Be sure to grab a drink and a burger at the floatingTurtles Bar & Grillto top off the day.
The park offers canoe rentals at its Visitor Center boat dock and boasts three hiking trails through the wilderness.
Be sure to look for fun stops along the way, such asBayou Teche Brewingin Arnaudville.
Credit:St. Martin Parish Tourism Commission
