Brownell Memorial Park & Carillon Tower - 3559 Hwy. 70, Morgan City - A 9.5 acre park in natural setting next to lovely Lake Palourde, a Native American word meaning "shellfish." This 106 ft. tower contains 61 bronze bells that were cast in Holland and plays selections every 30 minutes. A must for photographers and naturalists. 985-384-3383. Open W-Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free admission.
Cajun Houseboat Rentals, Morgan City - Swamp and birding tours available by appointment. 985-384-2283. Fee varies.
Cajun Jack's Swamp Tour, 118 Main Street, Patterson - Sit back, relax and let Cajun Jack serve as your guide to explore the untouched beauty of the Atchafalaya Basin. Learn about the Cajun Culture and the basin. Reservations recommended. Tours last 2.5 hours. Tour 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Call for prices and reservations. 985-395-7420, www.cajunjack.com.
Cypress Manor & Mardi Gras Museum, 715 Second Street, Morgan City - Built in 1906, this cypress home is typical of the period. It contains an elaborate display of Mardi Gras costumes and local artifacts. Open Tues-Sat. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sun. 1 to 5 p.m. 985-380-4651, www.louisianamardigras.com.
Everett Street Gallery, 201 Everett Street, Morgan City - Art gallery diplaying works of local artists. Open Wed-Friday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sat. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free admission.
Morgan City Main Street, Front Street - a certified Main Street, this 16 block area encompasses a lovely riverfront area including boutique shops, historic churches and noteworthy homes.
International Petroleum Museum & Exposition - Riverfront, 111 First Street, Morgan City - Walk aboard an authentic drilling rig, the historic Mr. Charlie. Learn about the oil industry including the past and present. 985-384-3744. www.rigmuseum.com
Louisiana State Museum - Wedell Williams Aviation & Cypress Sawmill - 118 Cotten Road - Patterson - A state museum housing the collections of pioneer aviators, Harry Williams and Jimmy Wedell. Exhibits and aircraft including trophies of the 1930's air races. Also includes the Cypress Sawmill collection documenting Louisiana's cypress industry. 985-399-1268. Open Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission $3.00.
Swamp Gardens - 725 Myrtle Street, Morgan City - Located on 3.5 acres of swampland, this heritage park documents the Cajun Culture. Also includes native animals to the swamp. Open daily. Tours on the hour. Admission $4.00. 985-384-3343.
The Atchafalaya at Idlewild - Cotten Road - The Atchafalaya at Idlewild is the newest addition to the Audubon Golf Trail. Rated at the most difficult course in Louisiana. Designed by Robert Vaon Hagge, Smelek and Baril. Open daily. Fees vary. 985-395-golf. www.atchafalayagolf.com.
Birdwatching - throughout the Cajun Coast - Follow the America's Wetland's Birding Guide to view birds throughout St. Mary Parish (county). Eagle Expo held in February. www.birdlouisiana.com
Bayou Teche Scenic Byway - Drive along 125 miles of scenic byways throughout St Mary Parish (county), Iberia and St. Martin. Learn about the Cajun, French, Spanish, English, Native Americans and "gumbo" of peoples along this trail and the culture that defined the byway. www.byways.org/browse/byways/
Atchafalaya Trace Heritage Area - The Atchafalaya Trace Heritage area is an area rich in culture and tradition defined by the Atchafalaya Swamp Basin, the largest overflow swamp in the U.S.
Biking - Bike throughout St. Mary Parish. For more information, visit www.bikelouisiana.com.
Fishing - Great freshwater and saltwater fishing throughout the area.
Wildlife Management Areas: Atchafalaya Delta Wildlife Management Area, Attakapas Wildlife Management Area, and Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge.
