DESCRIPTION:

Located in the center of Laurel Valley Plantation on Bayou Lafourche, it is the site of the largest, most intact remaining turn-of-the-century sugar plantation complex in the southern United States. In the village, the visitor will drive past rows of century-old faded cypress tenant houses, the remains of the giant sugar mill, the two-story boarding house for migrant workers, and the one-room schoolhouse and more. Because the village buildings have not yet been restored, visitors may view them from outside only.

The museum/country store area offers local crafts, and a museum of farm implements and other relics. Outside, visitors may view an array of antique tractors and also several train engines. A recent addition to Laurel Valley is the boat builder's shop, where visitors can watch craftsmen work on the construction of a cypress boat.

ACTIVITIES:

• Go to the American Sugar Cane League office on Hwy. 308 for the video presentation before you visit Laurel Valley.

• Take the guided oi>Take the guided or self-guided tour of the village. Notice the sugar cane fields on either side of the road. Determine the stage of planting or growth of the cane in the fields.

• Purchase corn at the country store and feed the farm animals.

• Cross Bayou Lafourche at the first bridge northwest (towards Thibodaux).  Travel 1-2 miles up Hwy. 1 to Nicholls State University. Park on the road shoulder across from Nicholls (by the fountain) and picnic at shady tables along the bayou. Bring extra bread to feed the ducks

DESCRIPTION:
The Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center offers guided programs using age-appropried programs using age-appropriate materials which are tied to the State curriculum. Pre-visit and post-visit activities and curriculum provide an introduction and a follow-up to your visit. The theme of the program is the Acadian people and the other diverse cultural groups that have settled in Louisiana. Programs on other cultural topics such as: transportation route evolution and how the South Louisiana natural environment molded the culture of its inhabitants may be requested. Rangers are willing to work with teachers on a topic of their choice to create a meaningful program.

* Note: The more elaborate a program you want, the more advance notice you need to give.

Occasionally, special events, such as Native American Day are offered. This particular event includes demonstrations of native American dance and crafts, with plenty of access to native Americans for questions. To learn about these events, call the center monthly. Your principal's office may request that your school be on the mailing list to be notified of upcoming events. Funds for mailing are limited, so be sure that interest is sincere.

After the program, picnic on Bayou Lafourche at shady tables across from Nicholls State University or lunch at various restaurants and fast food stops.