1. Madonna Chapel
The Madonna Chapel is considered “The World’s Smallest Church” and has even been featured in “Ripley’s Believe it or Not!” This 9 feet by 9 feet structure was built in 1902 by Italian farmer Anthony Gullo. In celebration of the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a special mass is held only once a year. However, the tiny church is open for public viewing year-round.
2. Dining
Roberto’s River Road Restaurant is one of the most popular eateries in Iberville Parish and beyond south Louisiana. Set in a 200-year-old building, Roberto’s serves up classic Creole and Cajun dishes featuring plenty of fresh seafood. Additional spots include Fat Daddy’s for great po’boys, Uncle Earle’s for down-home Southern plate lunches, and J’s Joint for classic bar bites paired with live music. For hot boiled crawfish when in season, check out Crawfish X-Press and Ourso’s Seafood.
3. Plaquemine Lock State Historic Site
In 1909, a series of shipping locks was built on Bayou Plaquemine, when business was booming on the Mississippi River. Plaquemine Lock was an unrivaled engineering marvel, capable of raising ships 51 feet - a world record at the time. The lock is now the Plaquemine Lock State Historic Site and serves as a museum, where visitors can see the industrial artifacts that once powered boats up five stories of water between the bayou and river.
4. Iberville Museum
The Iberville Museum preserves and promotes Iberville Parish’s heritage and culture through various exhibits. “Atchafalaya Basin: A Journey to the Past, A Map to the Future” tells the story of America’s largest wetland and swamp and its relationship with the people who made it their home for nearly 100 years, along with its cultural and environmental heritage. See historical artifacts, such as photographs, logbooks, tools, boat models, household objects, maps, and a twenty-four-foot-long “putt-putt” bateau. Touch activated information kiosks featuring videos, timelines, digital maps, and games will allow visitors to explore the Basin’s history. The museum also features memorabilia from World War I, World War II, and the Vietnam War and objects from everyday life during the early 19th century to the turn-of-the 20th century, such as cookware, medical supplies, and school or office supplies.
5. The Island Golf Course
The Island Golf Course was built by notable architect Mike Young in 2000 and features 18 holes, nine man-made lakes, a driving range, pool, and tennis courts. This course accommodates golfers of all skill levels. The Clubhouse Bistro dishes out a mix of local favorites all week long, and is also open for Sunday brunch.
6. Last Wilderness Swamp Tours
Last Wilderness Swamp Tours is a family-owned company is passionate about the Atchafalaya Basin. Climb in their small boats that allow visitors to and meander through the swamp and discover every nook and cranny where larger airboats wouldn’t allow. These knowledgeable guides know the area like the back of their hand and show you everything you need to know about the mysterious Atchafalaya Basin, from its ecosystem to political and economic impacts and of course, alligators.
7. Istrouma Brewing
Istrouma Brewing is a small batch nano-brewery located on Sugar Farms - a family-friendly destination. At Sugar farms, you’ll not only spot sheep and goats, but you’ll also see a restaurant, art gallery and drive-in theater, and of course the brewery. The brewery uses local ingredients like honey from nearby beekeepers. Enjoy the spacious outdoor patio and taproom filled with vintage furnishings, and pair your brew with a pizza made onsite.
8. The National Hansen's Disease Museum
The National Hansen's Disease Museum is one of the quirkier attractions Louisiana has to offer. This museum focuses on Hansen’s disease, more commonly known as leprosy, by honoring patients - once quarantined on-site - and the medical staff who made medical history through their treatments. The museum collects, preserves and interprets medical and cultural artifacts to inform and educate the public about Hansen’s disease. See a circa 1940’s patient’s room, learn about medical adaptations and treatment, explore laboratory research and get a better idea of Carville’s history.
9. Nottoway Plantation
Nottoway is one of the south’s largest historic homes. Take a tour of the mansion, which lies on 31 acres and is surrounded by century-old oaks. The Mansion Restaurant features a restored turn-of-the-century dining room, plus outdoor dining with sweeping views of the grounds. The chef often changes the menu to provide dishes with the freshest ingredients available. Then, choose from one of their many accommodations for an overnight stay.
10. Sugar Cain Inn
For a more quaint lodging option, try the Sugar Cain Inn. This home, originally built in 1847, was originally owned by a family who came over from France in 1792. It features three bedrooms and original antique furnishing from previous owners. Enjoy a peaceful afternoon in a rocker on the back porch overlooking a fenced private courtyard and gazebo, or take a dip in the beautiful lap pool.
