Louisiana's state nickname is "Sportsman's Paradise," and a visit to Lafayette in the southern part of the state will show you why. Lafayette, the fourth largest city in Louisiana, is nestled in the center of Cajun country. The nearby bayous are home to uncommon flora and fauna and give outdoor enthusiasts a rare opportunity enjoy activities unique to the region.
Wildlife Viewing
If you're interested in checking out the unusual wildlife of Lafayette, try "the Atchafalaya Experience." Father and son Coerte and Kim Voorhies lead expeditions by boat into the Atchafalaya---the largest river swamp in North America. In addition to alligators, "one can expect to encounter beaver, nutria, otters, mink, deer, squirrels and other mammals, as well as up to 38 species of birds, including some that are endangered," according to the Voorhies family.
Canoeing and Kayaking
The 6,000-acre Lake Fausse Point State Park has a 7-mile canoe trail for paddlers. You can rent kayaks, canoes, paddles and life jackets at the park. According to a paddler on the trail, "We saw egrets, herons, a 5-foot alligator who gave us no problems and some fish jumping. There were a few motorboats, all with friendly, courteous drivers."
Camping
Whether you like the creature comforts of a cabin in the woods or the more rustic pleasure of tent camping, Cyprus Black Bayou has plenty of options. There are 73 sites with water and electricity for RVs that will cost you $17 per night. For $55 a night, you can rent a cabin or cottage with a kitchen, air-conditioning and heat. If you're the bring-your-own-tent type, the primitive camping area costs $10 a night.
Fishing
Catfish is a staple of Creole cooking and culture, so it makes sense you'd find a park in Creole country dedicated to catfish. Catfish Heaven and Aqua Farm will provide you with rods and reels and a pond filled with farm-raised catfish. Catfish Heaven will even clean your catch for you if you're squeamish. There are campgrounds with cooking equipment if you want to cook your catfish, and a cafe called the "Rod and Reel Grill" if you don't.
Golf
Lafayette has three public golf courses within its city limits: the Wetlands, the Jay and Lionel Hebert Municipal Golf Course and Les Vieux Chenes. The Wetlands is a member of the Audubon Golf Trail and has hosted the LPGA Louisiana Pelican Classic. The course at Les Vieux Chenes was recently renovated and its staff trained in the handicap computer system.
There are also a handful of private courses in the area, but you'd have to join a country club to use them.
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