Our New Visitor Center is Open! Here's What You Need to Know!
Our New Visitor Center is Open! Here's What You Need to Know!
Nearly four years after Hurricane Ida destroyed its predecessor, the brand-new and long-awaited Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Visitor Center has officially opened to the public. The new center was purpose-built to function as a facility that warmly welcomes visitors to the region while also educating them about all that makes our parish such a remarkable destination.
Lafourche Parish Government worked with FEMA to secure the funds to build this permanent structure. Ground broke on the new facility on May 17, 2024, and less than 15 months later, the facility’s opening has been celebrated with a ribbon-cutting and open house.
On August 29, 2021, Hurricane Ida swept through coastal Louisiana. The impact on our parish was devastating, and the former visitor center was among the buildings deemed a complete loss. It took a total of 1,433 days – or 3 years, 11 months and 3 days – for the new center to be rebuilt, but now we’re back and better than ever!
The new visitor center includes offices for our tourism staff as well as an interactive visitor experience aimed at ensuring that all who pass through it are captivated by the region’s special appeals.
Among the elements designed with the needs and curiosity of visitors in mind is a three-dimensional map of the parish, an element that’s been nicknamed “the Fun Finder.” It features more than 30 interactive buttons that can be pressed to learn more about the places, people, tastes and sounds ready to be discovered up and down the bayou. Visitors learn the inspiring story of the Acadians, who sought exile in Louisiana in the late 1700s and became known as “Cajuns.” A telephone feature on the Fun Finder allows users to listen to the sounds of Cajun French, which is still spoken by many of our residents. The visitor center also honors the flora and fauna of the region, with a replica oak tree standing in one corner and a pair of mock alligators situated in another. Visitors can even pose for a photo with a larger-than-life washboard, which is used in our famous Cajun music.
In addition to all the interactive displays, the center is staffed by travel counselors on Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. These specially trained residents can answer questions about the region and provide insider tips about the best places to stay, visit and eat.
So, whether you’re a longtime resident or visitor eager to learn more about our region, we encourage you to stop by the new visitor center in Raceland to say hello and check out the new exhibits. We can’t wait to welcome you!
