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Atchafalaya Basin in Louisiana

The Atchafalaya Basin is the largest river swamp in the country, containing almost a million acres of bottom hardwood, marshes, flood and swampy lakes of America.

The pool begins just outside Simmesport and extends 140 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. Atchafalaya River Basin is currently limited to natural ridges resulting from the construction of dams along the Mississippi River.

Atchafalaya Basin — Louisiana Attractions — American ButlerAtchafalaya Basin History

The river basin began to form around 900 AD, when the mighty Mississippi River left its eastern channel and for about 1000 years flowed in this direction into the current course of the Bayou Lafurche River. Over time, natural dams formed along the stream, holding the annual flow. At the same time, forming a lake in the middle part, limited by densely populated territory. The Atchafalaya River flows in the middle of this Mississippi floodplain and probably would have become the main channel if it had not been for the drainage system located near Simmesport.

Atchafalaya served as a life buoy for its inhabitants, beginning with the early arrival of the Khajuns. This French-speaking tribe has wandered aimlessly over the Atlantic coast for years in search of refuge. After many years of searching and wandering, they found their place in the rich and fertile soils of the Achafalaya basin.

In the 1920s, oil and gas were discovered in the basin, which led to an influx of new settlers. With the completion of the 18-mile bridge on Highway 10 in 1973, the area became completely connected with the rest of the state.

A few decades ago, the pool was destroyed by the logging industry, which destroyed a large number of cypress trees. The stumps of this huge tree, cut down into lumber, can still be found in the swampy areas of Atchafalaya.

These consequences inspired Greg Girard to write The Country of the Dead Giants, which is filled with photographs of the pool. The book attracted the attention of non-profit organizations, so they are now working to protect the region. The ecosystem has been affected by storms, the invasion of the Mississippi River, pollution and deforestation. However, as you move from season to season, new life comes to these parts. Water rises and falls, and everything changes with it.

Atchafalaya Basin — Louisiana swamp photo — American Butler

Atchafalaya Basin — Alligator photo in the swamp — American ButlerFeatures and excursions Atchafalaya Basin

Every year, thousands of tourists from around the world flock to see the legendary cypress forests of the Atchafalaya basin and swamps teeming with wildlife, including nearly 300 species of birds and 65 species of reptiles.

Atchafalaya Basin changes face with each new season. In winter, a cold morning fog covers the swamp of the pool. Spring signals a resurgence when lush greens appear on trees. Sunrise awakens its creatures, which bask in the sunlight. When the sun sets, a piercing silence hangs until the birds chirp in the morning.

A swamp guided tour can be found along the Henderson-Livi Road. Excursions through the swamps attract tourists from all over the world who are looking for the iconic landscape of southern Louisiana. Locals also love to discover new places in the marshland.

Burgers and Beers Jeaux Biff's Burgers and Beer on Grand Point is just one of many places to eat right outside the area. The menu offers local dishes for those staying in the area. They can even cook french fries in the shape of tiny alligators.

Guests can enjoy live music and dance floors overlooking places like Pat's Fisherman's Wharf and McGree's Landing, where guests can grab a bite to eat.

Atchafalaya Basin — the largest swamp in the USA — American Butler

Interesting facts about the Atchafalaya Basin

  • The swamp is bigger than the everglades.
  • Five times larger than any other river basin in North America.
  • About 65 species of reptiles and amphibians, as well as more than 250 known bird species, live in the area.
  • Here you can find animals of such species as a black bear, nutria, fox, muskrat, beaver, otter and raccoon.
  • The basin has the largest concentration of nesting bald eagles in the south central United States.
  • There are over 100 different species of fish and aquatic life.
  • The average annual industrial catch in the basin is estimated at 22 million pounds of crayfish per year.
Additional Information
Address Parish Governing Authority District 8, LA 70517
Telephone +1-337-948-0255
Cost Free
Mode of operation The park is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day
Web site Visit website

American Butler Travel Agency is ready to take a tour of the Atchafalaya Basin.

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  • 1.Receiving discounts and bonuses
  • 2.Comments and ratings
  • 3.Secure payments
  • 4.Payment history
  • 5.Subscribe to news and updates
Login | Registration
Registration via social network
Registration advantages:
  • 1.Receiving discounts and bonuses
  • 2.Comments and ratings
  • 3.Secure payments
  • 4.Payment history
  • 5.Subscribe to news and updates
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