Welcome to Louisiana’s Bayou Country
Just an hour south of New Orleans, you’ll find a place where life moves to the rhythm of Cajun music, the water stretches for miles, and history is written in the moss hanging from centuries-old cypress trees. This is Houma—Louisiana’s Bayou Country.
We’ve got over 300 years of culture, 2,500 square miles of wetlands, world-class fishing, unforgettable food, and a warm, laid-back vibe that makes visitors feel like locals.
Let us show you around.
Want to get out on the water? You’ve got options. Traditional pontoon boats with local Cajun guides are perfect for soaking in the scenery and hearing stories passed down through generations. If you’re in the mood for speed, hop on an airboat for a fast and thrilling ride through the bayous. Prefer something a little more educational? There are nature-focused tours that dive into Louisiana’s fragile coastal ecosystems and the wildlife that call them home. For a truly wild experience, check out Greenwood Gator Farm. You might recognize it from Swamp People on the History Channel. Owner Tim Domangue gives visitors a close-up look at the life of an alligator—from hatchlings to full-grown beasts. It’s equal parts fun and fascinating.
If you really want to get close to nature, hop in a kayak and explore our waterways at your own pace. PAC Kayak Rentals in nearby Pointe-aux-Chenes offers easy access to the winding marshes of Terrebonne Parish. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced paddler, there’s nothing quite like gliding past cypress trees, spotting wildlife, and soaking in the peaceful sounds of nature. Keep an eye out for porpoises and wild horses! If fishing is more your speed, you’re in luck. With more than 50 local charter captains, you can head out into fresh, brackish, or offshore waters—whatever kind of catch you’re chasing. Or, if you’d rather stay dry, take a drive along the Wetlands Cultural Byway. This scenic route winds through swamps, marshes, and bayous, passing by historic plantation homes, Native American mounds, and small-town museums.
People often ask, “What’s the difference between Cajun and Creole?” Down here, we’re proud to share our side of the story. Houma is at the heart of Bayou Cajun culture, and you can taste it in every bite of boudin, gumbo, or crawfish étouffée served at our family-run restaurants and meat markets. These recipes have been passed down through generations—and once you try them, you’ll understand why we hold onto them so tightly. To get a deeper look at how folks here lived off the land (and water), stop by the Bayou Terrebonne Waterlife Museum. Exhibits cover everything from fishing and trapping to the unique traditions that shaped daily life in the bayou. Right outside the museum, you’ll find the Acadian Deportation Cross Monument—one of just ten in the world. It marks the journey of the Cajun people after being exiled from Canada, with bilingual panels that tell the story in both English and French.
Whether you’re here for the food, the fishing, the music, or just the vibe—you’ll find plenty to love in Houma. We’re proud of our culture, our people, and our way of life, and we’d love to share it with you.
Bring the family, hit the trails, catch a fish, and stay for the stories. We’ll see you down the bayou.
