In 1840, St. Mary Parish was considered one of Louisiana’s leading sugar suppliers. This history offers a multifaceted perspective on the destination: agriculture and early sugar plantations sit alongside mansions and historic districts; museums tell stories of aviation, cypress lumber, and regional history. Trails through wetlands, recreational fishing, sailing, and the Chitimacha’s continuing basketry tradition add further dimensions. This offers points of interest for a range of interests.
Sugar Heritage and Historic Buildings
The development of the sugar industry can be traced back to the early farms. Early settlers in Louisiana converted some of St. Mary Parish’s earliest small indigo and cotton farms into sugar plantations. Arlington Mansion takes visitors to another chapter of history: the three-story building was constructed around 1830 on the banks of Bayou Teche in St. Mary Parish.
A single mansion and an entire historic district offer different perspectives on architectural history. The Franklin Historic District includes more than 420 notable buildings in Franklin. The Brown House Berwick’s Heritage Museum presents the history of the oldest permanently established settlement in St. Mary Parish. History enthusiasts can explore stories of settlements and architecture as well as agriculture.
Museums, Collections, and Living Craft Traditions
At the Wedell-Williams Aviation & Cypress Sawmill Museum in Patterson, the collection features numerous aircraft, trophies, and memorabilia from 1930s air racing. They are associated with aviation pioneers Jimmie Wedell and Harry P. Williams. Another collection at the same museum, the Cypress Sawmill Collection, documents the history of Louisiana’s cypress lumber industry. Aviation and the lumber industry come together here as distinct subjects under one museum name.
The Chitimacha Museum preserves and promotes the enduring heritage and pride of the original inhabitants of southern Louisiana. This includes a living tradition: the Chitimacha tribe continues the art of basket weaving to this day. The Diving & ROV Historical Preservation Museum in Morgan City offers an interactive look at diving and remotely operated underwater vehicles. Confirm the museum’s visiting arrangements before your trip.
Trails, Water, and Wildlife Watching
At Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge, the Garden City Interpretive Boardwalk Trail and the Franklin Hiking Trail are open year-round. Seasonal rules may change; check the notices before your visit. Recreational fishing is permitted on open waterways during daylight hours from the shore and from boats. State restrictions and refuge rules apply.
At Cypremort Point State Park, a boardwalk through a wetland and an outdoor classroom provide opportunities to observe wildlife. The park also offers sailing and has a half-mile-long artificial beach. For cyclists, the Old Spanish Trail offers a route through St. Mary Parish; the name also refers to Highway 182. Check route conditions before setting out.
A Festival in Morgan City
Every Labor Day weekend, the Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival takes place in downtown Morgan City in St. Mary Parish. The free, five-day event features music, food, rides, and arts and crafts. As the program may vary from year to year, it is recommended that you check the specific festival dates and annual program before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Morgan City, Tangipahoa Parish, St. Martin Parish, West Feliciana, Livingston, Rapides Parish, Allen, Lafayette County.
For the main travel overview: Louisiana.
