A Water World, A Water Culture

Located on the banks of the scenic Tchefuncte River in Madisonville, the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum takes you on a historic journey through maritime Louisiana.

From canoes to pirogues, from bateaux to steamboats, Louisiana’s unique maritime history and culture has it all. Native Americans, European explorers, and early settlers depended upon Louisiana’s extensive bayous, rivers, and lakes as the pathways of survival, linking the hinterland with the sea. These waterways represented the connections among people, the connections of life.

The museum brings Louisiana’s maritime history to life through unique interpretive programs, exhibits, and publications. These programs include the time honored craft of boatbuilding, hands-on field trips, constructing underwater robots, lighthouse restoration, and other exciting educational opportunities for people of all ages.

We welcome you to participate in a variety of unique programs and activities, created to highlight what makes Louisiana’s maritime family great! We also offer our facility and beautiful dock on the Tchefuncte River for your next event. Start your voyage of discovery here.