Houma, Louisiana, calls itself the center of Cajun Country, and with all the swamps and Cajun food, the city might be right. Houma is 40 miles southwest of New Orleans, and about 20 miles from the gulf. Even so, ocean waters find their way to Houma. It is not uncommon to see a shrimping boat in one of the canals that often can be seen between two streets. There are many outdoor activities to enjoy in Houma.
Wetlands
Houma is in the heart of America's wetlands, better known as swampland. Several outfitters--two in Houma--offer two-hour tours through the swamps. The tours can include meals and lodging if you wish.
Learn about America's vanishing wetlands and the dangers to this delicate ecosystem while you enjoy the natural environment of a swamp. See the beauty of the bayous and marshes, watch alligators and wading birds. You also may see shrimping and crab boats at work.
Most tours involve some walking through forested areas.
Birding
Another way to enjoy nature around Houma is to hike on the Louisiana Great Gulf Coast Birding Trail, which is a series of trails with 115 bird-watching stations. The trail passes through 22 Louisiana parishes and Houma, and also reaches into Mississippi and Texas.
Some of the trail is made up of parts of the All American Road and five state scenic bi-ways.
Canoeing
If you want to get even closer to nature around Houma, consider paddling the many streams and swamps in the area.
Go with a guide if you don't know the swamps because it's easy to get lost among the cypress trees and black waters. Guided tours are available from local outfitters.
Rent a canoe or kayak, even an air boat, for exploring the swamp in an intimate way. Float along the quiet water and look for alligators and other wildlife. Watch the trees and leaves overhead as they provide a canopy of shade.
Golfing
Three golf courses are available in Houma, even more in nearby small towns.
The Southern Oaks Golf Club is a nine-hole course built in 1928, with oak-lined fairways. The trees are draped in Spanish moss.
Colonial Acres is a nine-hole course with low green fees, as little as $7.50 for a walking golfer.
The Ellendale Country Club is an 18-hole course in Houma. Some restrictions apply for playing, but there are times for the general public.
Fish Camp
Experience Cajun life--the way it used to be--by renting a fishing camp. These are cabins on the swamp used for fishing and water recreation. At one time, people lived on the swamp in these type of tiny cabin settlements.
There are three businesses in Houma that will rent you a cabin on the bayou out in the swamps. Fish, cast for shrimp and catch crabs for an authentic Cajun seafood meal.
Freshwater or saltwater fishing is available. Rentals are for large groups or small groups.
Fishing
Many fishing outfitters pepper the area. Whether you want to deep-sea fish in the gulf or ply the freshwater swamps, there is a guide for you. Some guides cater to women and families. Casual charters are more relaxed and geared toward the novice angler.
Wildlife Refuges
Wildlife refuges are good places to go to relax and enjoy nature without the pressure of a guide controlling where and when you go. The Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge is 3,212 acres of freshwater marsh and cypress-tupelo swampland. The refuge is a habitat for many kinds of birds and wildlife.
The only access is by water. Fishing is allowed year-round, and hunting is allowed at specific times during the year.
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