Louisiana Destinations ... Travel Across the Bayou State


Shrimp fleet docked in the Atchafalaya River, Morgan City Louisiana
Shrimp fleet docked along the Atchafalaya River in Morgan City

Morgan City Louisiana Travel Guide

Morgan City is known worldwide for fresh and salt water fishing, hunting and fine Cajun cuisine. It is the gateway to the Gulf of Mexico for the shrimping and oilfield industries.

Its economy is diverse, including large onshore and offshore drilling, production and support services for the oil and gas industry.

We've visited Morgan City since the early 1960s, and remember attending the Shrimp and Petroleum Festival, and the blessing of the shrimp boat fleet.

Location of Morgan City & Berwick

Situated in St. Martin Parish and St. Mary Parish, the City of Morgan City is at an elevation only 7' above sea level. Morgan City is located on the banks of the Atchafalaya River and near the Gulf of Mexico, near the southern end of the great Atchafalaya Swamp. The population is about 11,500 residents, and the Zip Code is 70380.

Across the Atchafalaya River from Morgan City is Berwick, originally settled in 1797. Today, Berwick's population is about 4,500 residents.

Morgan City is located on U.S. 90 about half-way between New Orleans and Lafayette, and near the following South Louisiana cities and towns: Patterson, Houma, Franklin, Raceland, Thibodaux, Pierre Part and Jeanerette.

 

Attractions and things to do in Morgan City, Louisiana


Among the many Morgan City area attractions:

  • Brownell Memorial Park & Carillon Tower is a 9.5 acre park showcasing the many various plants and trees that grow abundantly wild along the ridges of area swamps. It is located at 3359 State Route 70 in Morgan City.
  • The Swamp Gardens and Wildlife Zoo is located at 725 Myrtle Street and depicts life in the Atchafalaya Swamp. Guided tours through the 3.5-acre park take visitors past indigenous animals and dispalays about the Cajun people who once inhabitated the swamp.
  • The annual Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival takes place in downtown Morgan City in early September, and features the blessing of the shrimp boat fleet, water parade, car show and many other events.
  • Lake End Park - Campgrounds, marina & outdoor recreation
  • Morgan City Petting Zoo
  • Lake Palourde
  • The Wedell-Williams Memorial Aviation Museum is located in nearby Patterson, and operated by the Louisiana State Museum system. Named after Jimmie Wedell and Harry Williams, two of Louisiana's aviation pioneers, the museum showcases numerous aircraft, 1930s air race trophies and memorabilia.

    Included in the same building is the Cypress Sawmill Museum which exhibits a variety of artifacts, photographs and films of this early regional industry. Cypress lumber harvested and milled in Louisiana was shipped in mass quantities across the United States.


Swamp tours and boats in the Atchafalaya Basin in south Louisiana
Take a boat tour of the many swamps near Morgan City

One of the most popular things to do in Louisiana is touring the swamps!

The lush growth in a Louisiana swamp is indescribable. You have to see it to believe it.

The most impressive objects in the swamp are the cypress trees which are very graceful in their structure, with their reddish bark, exquisitely bent branches, and delicately fine leaves.

Besides the trees and abundant fauna, there are a variety of alligators, turtles, snakes, birds and other wildlife.

Learn more about Swamp Tours Near Houma, Morgan City & Thibodaux

Swamp People on the History Channel

Explore the Swamp People TV show, filmed around Pierre Part

Some episodes of the popular TV reality show "Swamp People" are filmed near Morgan City, e.g., just to the north at Lake Verret and Pierre Part.

Other segments of "Swamp People" are shot around other swamps in South Louisiana, such as those near Bayou Sorrel, Bayou Pigeon, Houma, Pecan Island, and other locales.

The History Channel debuted Season 15 of Swamp People on January 4, 2024, at 8/7C, with Episode 1, entitled “Cruel Summer.”

History of Morgan City

Morgan City was originally named Tiger Island, and later renamed Brashear City in honor of Dr. Walter Brashear who had purchased large amounts of land holdings in the area.

Incorporated in 1860 as Brashear City, the community's name was changed in 1876 to Morgan City after Charles Morgan, the man who dredged the Atchafalaya Bay to accommodate ocean-going vessels.

Interactive map of Morgan City, Louisiana, courtesy of Google Maps


More Morgan City Area Information

Cajun Coast Visitors & Convention Bureau

Morgan City at LouisianaTravel.com
The Official Travel Website of the State of Louisiana

City of Morgan City

Morgan City Community Concert Association

Port of Morgan City

St. Mary Parish Government

St. Mary Parish Chamber of Commerce

Morgan City Travel Guide at TripAdvisor


Photographs of Present-Day Morgan City

The Spirit of Morgan City

Morgan City, Louisiana

Photograph Copyright by the Author

The Spirit of Morgan City boat in the median, Morgan City, Louisiana

Shrimp boat, riverfront, Morgan City, Louisiana

Photograph Copyright by the Author

Shrimp boat, riverfront, Morgan City, Louisiana

Joseph H. Webster Fisherman's Wharf between the two bridges, downtown, Morgan City, Louisiana

Photograph Copyright by the Author

Joseph H. Webster Fisherman's Wharf between the two bridges, downtown, Morgan City, Louisiana

The Long-Allen Bridge, built under the administratrion of Gov. Huey P. Long and Gov. O.K. Allen

Morgan City, Louisiana

Photograph Copyright by the Author

The Long-Allen Bridge, built under the administratrion of Gov. Huey P. Long and Gov. O.K. Allen, over the Atchafalaya River at Morgan City, Louisiana

Welcome to Berwick Louisiana

Settled in 1797 ... township in 1907

Photograph by the Author

Welcome to Berwick Louisiana


Vintage Images of the past from Morgan City

Southern Pacific Railroad Bridge over the Atchafalaya River

Morgan City, Louisiana

Southern Pacific Railroad Bridge over the Atchafalaya River, Morgan City, Louisiana

Shrimp Festival, September 1962

Morgan City, Louisiana

Photograph Copyright by the Author

Shrimp Festival, September 1962. Morgan City LA

Morgan City Tourist Court

Morgan City, Louisiana

Morgan City Tourist Court

Morgan City Court

Morgan City, Louisiana

Morgan City Court

More Louisiana Information
Louisiana hotels, motels, vacation rentals and other lodging options All about the Louisiana alligator Learn about Louisiana facts, state seal, state animal and more!
Explore the Acadiana Region and Cajun Country in South Louisiana Explore Louisiana museums, from New Orleans in the south, to Shreveport in the north Louisiana food, chefs and culinary traditions
Tour the towering Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge Take a boat tour of the many swamps all across Louisiana All about Louisiana crawfish: facts, seasons, buying, boiling and recipes