Forming part of Louisiana’s Bayou Country, Houma is surrounded by wetlands and swamps on the Gulf of Mexico. It takes its name from Native American peoples who are related to the Choctaw and was developed for sugar cane plantations in the early 19th century. Today, Houma is renowned for its authentic Cajun culture and hospitality, with excellent museums, lively dance halls and restaurants serving home-cooked fare.
Things to do in Houma
For insight into the industries and traditions of Houma, pay a visit to the Bayou Terrebonne Waterlife Museum, which features a charming porch overlooking the bayou. Learn about historic transportation along the waterway, local mining operations and fishing, as well as the water-based hunting activities that have gone on for centuries. On select nights of the week, a Cajun band performs at the museum for visitors.
Take a step back in time at the Southdown Plantation, a 19th-century manor house that is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1974, the property was donated to the Terrebonne Historical and Cultural Society, with its period-furnished rooms open to the public. Join a guided tour to learn about its storied past while visiting the slave quarters and worker’s cabin.
If you want to experience Cajun cuisine and entertainment, head to Jolly Inn Cajun Dance Hall where live music is performed on the weekends. Feast on traditional Cajun favourites like fried catfish or beans and rice before joining the locals on the dance floor. Also renowned for serving homestyle fare are A-Bear’s Restaurant and Boudreau & Thibodeau’s.
Getting around Houma
Houma is just over an hour’s drive from New Orleans and Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, which has flights to destinations across North America. Buses travel throughout Houma and connect most of its attractions.