Butte La Rose
Butte La Rose is a small community nestled along the Atchafalaya Basin off Interstate 10, just east of Henderson. It's the only community in St. Martin Parish that is still located between the Basin Levees. It is primarily a weekend vacation getaway for families in the Lafayette/Acadian area who embrace the many recreational sports that the Atchafalaya Basin offers, such as boat riding, water skiing, jet skiing, fishing, and hunting. Three parish-operated boat ramps are located in the area. All are free and open around the clock. Conveniently located at the Butte La Rose exit, is the Atchafalaya Welcome Center. Excellent for an overview of the area, the center is well stocked with informational brochures and features interesting exhibits highlighting the culture and geography of the Atchafalaya. Also located in Butte La Rose is Uncle Dick Davis Campground, seven miles from the Welcome Center. This campground offers Seventeen full hook-ups along the Butte La Rose Canal, as well as several tent sites, which are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. A remnant of the old pontoon bridge has been relocated to the campground and is an interesting piece of history to visit.
Catahoula Area
Catahoula, Louisiana is a small unincorporated community named after Catahoula Lake, the state's largest freshwater lake, not to be confused with Catahoula Parish, which is a totally separate place. This area was once considered sacred to the Indians who lived here before Europeans arrived. Indians traveled from afar to worship the all-powerful Manitou, the Great Spirit. Catahoula meant “sacrifice” to the Attakapas and Chitimacha Indians who would bathe themselves and their possessions in the clear water of the lake, hoping to find favor in the eyes of Manitou. Catahoula Lake and the surrounding bayous are popular with fishermen and boaters year-round. You can find a public boat launch at Clayton Boudreaux Memorial Park.
Cecilia
The unincorporated community of Cecilia was originally known by the Spanish as La Punta which describes a deep bend in Bayou Teche. The settlers who only spoke French, translated it into La Grande Pointe. Today, it is called Cecilia, named for St. Cecilia, the patron saint of music. As the community grew, more services were needed. Religious, education, and other forms of trade were provided for the many landowners in the outlying area. Cecilia also became a convenient stopping point for bayou travelers between Opelousas and St. Martinville. Cecilia is home to many different artists, including musicians, visual artists, sculptors, and more.
Lake Martin
Lake Martin is eight hundred acres of flooded cypress-tupelo forest, the broad, shallow lake features a wide-open area in the middle and shaded coves all along its perimeter. It's a fisherman's paradise, a kayaker's playground, and a birdwatcher's absolute dream. Lake Martin is home to one of the largest wading bird rookeries in the United States. From late February to late July, you can usually find little blue herons, barred and great horned owls, night herons, roseate spoonbills, white ibis, and egrets along with plentiful alligators. At the lake, there is a paved boat launch ramp and parking area for public use.
Parks
Parks is located in the middle of the former La Pointe District of 1765. Once called “Potier”, Parks was founded in 1900 and incorporated in 1902. Today, Parks is a small, close-knit community. Agriculture is the predominant industry. Sugar cane fields drape the landscape along with moss-filled live oaks, and the beautiful Bayou Teche flows through the community. A 16-slot campground is located in the Cecile Poche Memorial Park with boat landing access to the Bayou Teche as well as a kayak dock.
Cade
The community of Cade, located in southwestern St. Martin Parish was founded and named after Captain Cade, who was the long-time sheriff of New Iberia. It is home to the Cade Community Center and Recreational Park.
