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A Rich Heritage
Lake Fausse Pointe State Park occupies a 6,000-acre site which
was once part of the Atchafalaya Basin. Prior to the 20th
century, the Basin was a vast swamp enclosed by the natural
levees of Bayou Teche and the Mississippi River. The construction
of the east and west protection levees isolated the former
Atchafalaya swampland; the park site lies within this isolated
swamp, bound on the east by the protection levee and on the
west by the natural levee of the Teche.
The area surrounding the park was formerly the home site
of the Chitimacha Indians. From the middle 1700's, the region
was dominated by French and Acadian farmers and trappers,
although the Spanish were in control of the land from 1763
until 1802. It was during this period that a major influx
of Spaniards and Canary Islanders (called Isleños)
emigrated to the New Iberia area, contributing to the cultural
diversity of this section of Louisiana.
Agriculture was the major industry of the area, and in 1830,
sugar cane became the dominant crop. After the Civil War,
continual difficulties with flooding brought a decline to
all farming, and the Basin region developed as a commercial
hunting, fishing and lumbering center. Lake Fausse Pointe
State Park, at the edge of a beautiful water wilderness, is
a perfect point from which to explore the natural and cultural
heritage of South Louisiana. Combine your wilderness adventure
with a tour of nearby historic areas such as the city of St.
Martinville and Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site.
A stay at Lake Fausse Pointe State Park will be remembered
as an introduction to the remarkable diversity of South Louisiana.
Recreation in the Heart of French Louisiana
Situated in the heart of a thriving French culture, Lake
Fausse Pointe State Park is adjacent to one of the great natural
wonders of North America, the Atchafalaya Basin.
When writers describe Louisiana's rich natural resources,
they have in mind places like Lake Fausse Pointe. This park
truly has a great diversity of recreational activities, especially
those related to water, and maintains a peaceful, relaxing
atmosphere in the midst of rare outdoor beauty.
Fishing, boating and canoeing opportunities abound. A boat
launch gives visitors easy access to the labyrinth of waterways
that winds through the Basin. A visitor center complex features
a boat dock with rentals, and a country store provides the
extras for a delightful stay at the park.
A large group pavilion sits upon stilts over the edge of
Old Bird Island Chute, and picnic areas for small groups to
large family reunions are also available. A conference room
with a fully outfitted commercial kitchen is perfect for business
retreats and group activities. Quiet nature and canoe trails
invite curious nature enthusiasts to explore the unique environment
of the wetlands with the park naturalist on their own.
There are 50 units for camping in tents or trailers, each
equipped with water and electricity. Primitive group and canoe
campsites are also available. Eighteen waterfront vacation
cabins featuring screened porches, air conditioning and piers
are enormously popular throughout the year.
Nearby Attractions:
Cypremort Point State Park
--(24 miles south of Jeanerette, off LA 319)--This 185-acre
park offers access to the Gulf of Mexico. A man-made beach
offers fishing, sailing, windsurfing and other water sports.
Picnic pavilions, tables, a bathhouse, and fishing pier, sailboat
ramp and boat ramp adjacent to the park offer easy access
to the water. Large populations and varieties of birds and
animals attract nature enthusiasts.
Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site --(LA Hwy. 31,
St. Martinville)--Situated on the banks of Bayou Teche, this
157-acre park interprets the history of the French-speaking
peoples of Louisiana. The park features Maison Olivier, built
circa 1815, and an Acadian farmstead and house. The visitor
may see livestock, crops, kitchen and herb gardens, living
history and interpretive programs, the Visitor Center, a picnic
pavilion, and an outdoor classroom.
Historic Town of St. Martinville --The third oldest town
in Louisiana. Here you'll find many buildings and homes with
beautiful architecture, historic St. Martin de Tours Catholic
Church, and the Evangeline Oak made famous in Longfellow's
poem of Evangeline.
Historic Town of New Iberia --Its historic district features
plantation homes along Bayou Teche and the Episcopal Church
of the Epiphany.
Plantations along Bayou Teche
--The rich and colorful heritage of South Louisiana is kept
alive in the stately plantation homes, churches and unique
historic structures along Bayou Teche.
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Lake Fausse Pointe State Park--(5400 Levee Road, St. Martinville,
LA 70582; 337-229-4764 or 1-888-677-7200) is located south
of I-10, approximately 18 miles southeast of St. Martinville
on the West Atchafalaya Protection Levee Road. To access the
Levee Road from St. Martinville, take LA 96 to LA 679, then
to LA 3083. Turn right onto Levee Road for 8 miles.
To reserve a cabin, campsite, meeting room or picnic pavilion,
call 1-877-CAMP-N-LA toll free (877-226-7652).
Email: lakefaussept@crt.state.la.us
Next Park> North Toledo Bend
State Park
Information, pictures and
maps provided by Louisiana Office of State Parks
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