Tucked away in Acadiana, New Iberia is the largest city in Iberia Parish, and it’s the perfect spot to spend a day playing tourist. History lovers will especially love visiting this charming town, home to several historic landmarks you need to see. Here are some of our favorites:
- Rip Van Winkle Gardens
Mumclt/Trip Advisor Also known as the Joseph Jefferson House, this historic house was built in 1870 by Joseph Jefferson, an American stage actor known for playing Rip Van Winkle. The house has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973 and is located on Jefferson Island, one of the “five islands” of south Louisiana. You can tour the house, stroll through the gardens, and even grab a bite to eat at the cafe that overlooks the lake.
- Shadows on the Teche
Shadows on the Teche/Google Formerly a sugar cane plantation, today Shadows on the Teche is a huge, 3,750-square-foot house featuring formal gardens and a cemetery. It was built in 1834 and added to the National Historic Landmark Register in 1974. From the architecture to the gardens, this Greek Revival house is not to be missed!
- Avery Island
Jungle Gardens/Google While not a National Historic Landmark, we feel confident including this unofficial historic spot. Avery Island is most known for being the home of Tabasco, that famous little pepper sauce. You can tour the factory and learn how it’s made, then enjoy an authentic Cajun meal spiced with the sauce. After your tour, spend some time walking through Jungle Gardens, a sprawling green space that’s perhaps one of the most naturally beautiful places in the state.
- The Steamboat House
624 LA-182/Google Also known as the Emmer-Hughes House, this historic house was built in 1896 and belonged to local legends like Lieutenant Governor Paul N. Cyr and even the New Iberia mayor at one point. Designed in a beautiful Victorian architectural style, this is a great contrast to the Greek-Revival architecture you saw at Shadows on the Teche.
- Konriko Company
Management/Trip Advisor Founded in 1912, the Conrad Rice Mill is the oldest rice mill in the country. You’ll learn all about the history of this fascinating business and then pop into the gift shop where you can stock up on unique spice blends, sauces, marinades, and of course, all the rice you can carry!
Have you ever visited any of these historic places? Let us know in the comments!
Mumclt/Trip Advisor
Also known as the Joseph Jefferson House, this historic house was built in 1870 by Joseph Jefferson, an American stage actor known for playing Rip Van Winkle. The house has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973 and is located on Jefferson Island, one of the “five islands” of south Louisiana. You can tour the house, stroll through the gardens, and even grab a bite to eat at the cafe that overlooks the lake.
Shadows on the Teche/Google
Formerly a sugar cane plantation, today Shadows on the Teche is a huge, 3,750-square-foot house featuring formal gardens and a cemetery. It was built in 1834 and added to the National Historic Landmark Register in 1974. From the architecture to the gardens, this Greek Revival house is not to be missed!
Jungle Gardens/Google
While not a National Historic Landmark, we feel confident including this unofficial historic spot. Avery Island is most known for being the home of Tabasco, that famous little pepper sauce. You can tour the factory and learn how it’s made, then enjoy an authentic Cajun meal spiced with the sauce. After your tour, spend some time walking through Jungle Gardens, a sprawling green space that’s perhaps one of the most naturally beautiful places in the state.
624 LA-182/Google
Also known as the Emmer-Hughes House, this historic house was built in 1896 and belonged to local legends like Lieutenant Governor Paul N. Cyr and even the New Iberia mayor at one point. Designed in a beautiful Victorian architectural style, this is a great contrast to the Greek-Revival architecture you saw at Shadows on the Teche.
Management/Trip Advisor
Founded in 1912, the Conrad Rice Mill is the oldest rice mill in the country. You’ll learn all about the history of this fascinating business and then pop into the gift shop where you can stock up on unique spice blends, sauces, marinades, and of course, all the rice you can carry!
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Address: Shadows-on-the-Teche, 317 E Main St, New Iberia, LA 70560, USAAddress: Avery Island, LA, USAAddress: Rip Van Winkle Gardens, 5505 Rip Van Winkle Rd, New Iberia, LA 70560, USAAddress: The Steamboat House, 623 E Main St, New Iberia, LA 70560, USAAddress: Konriko Co Store, 307 Ann St, New Iberia, LA 70560, USA
