5505 Rip Van Winkle Rd
New Iberia, LA

Rip Van Winkle Gardens is a charming place filled with surprises and adventure around every corner. Built in 1870 by revered actor Joseph Jefferson, this charming mansion and botanical garden is the perfect place to spend a day exploring or celebrating your wedding or event.

5505 Rip Van Winkle Rd
New Iberia, LA

The resident peacocks greet and delight visitors with their mating dances.

5505 Rip Van Winkle Rd
New Iberia, LA

Tour the Joseph Jefferson Home (ca. 1870), a grand architectural masterpiece built as a hunting lodge and painting studio for famous 19th century actor, Joseph Jefferson, who portrayed Rip Van Winkle.

Iberia Parish, LA

On November 20, 1980 a drilling rig pierced one of the giant caverns of the Diamond Crystal Salt Mine, flooding the entire mine. A vortex swallowed the lake, 65 acres of native wood land, a welcome center, a glass conservatory and a new home just built on the lake. You can watch a video of the incident on your garden tour.

5505 Rip Van Winkle Rd
New Iberia, LA

Take a stroll through approximately 15 acres of semi-tropical gardens nestled among 350 year old oak trees.

5505 Rip Van Winkle Rd
New Iberia, LA

Enjoy a relaxing lunch under ancient moss draped live oaks overlooking Lake Peigneur. The café specializes in local seafood dishes, such as sensational bisques, gumbos, étouffée and sauce piquante. Non seafood options like paninis, spaghetti and meatballs, and homemade gourmet desserts are also available.

5505 Rip Van Winkle Rd
New Iberia, LA

The Gift Shop features a variety of items such as Orange Island Coffee produced on Jefferson Island, home décor, garden items, gifts, T-shirts, delicious food items, postcards, recipe books, children's items and more. Be sure to check out the showcase with the centuries old mastodon bones and teeth that were found on the island.

5505 Rip Van Winkle Rd
New Iberia, LA

Visitors can see birds and gators at Rip’s Rookery, located at the corner of Rip Van Winkle and Jefferson Island Roads. The nesting and rearing period is from March through June or July, depending on the weather.

5505 Rip Van Winkle Rd
New Iberia, LA

Start your happily ever after at the gardens, a local favorite for weddings, engagements and professional photography.

5505 Rip Van Winkle Rd
New Iberia, LA

It's so peaceful you will never want to leave! And you don't have to, as you have the option to book one of the onsite cottages. Sleep like Rip Van Winkle on handcrafted king size tester beds in Acadian cottages circa 1870 and 1925.