Patterson is a town in southern Louisiana, located in St. Mary Parish along the Lower Atchafalaya River. It is about 85 miles west of New Orleans and 25 miles southwest of Morgan City. The town is known for its Cajun heritage, wetlands, seafood industry, and nearby Lake Fausse Pointe State Park, with bayous and wildlife shaping the surrounding landscape.
Location Map of Patterson, St. Mary Parish, Louisiana
About Map: The map shows the location of Patterson in St. Mary Parish, in the U.S. state of Louisiana.
Patterson Map, Louisiana
About Patterson Map: The Google Map highlights the location of Patterson in St. Mary Parish, Louisiana. Use the zoom, satellite, and street-view options to explore the city's neighborhoods, roads, and nearby places.
Where is Patterson Located?
Patterson is a town located in St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, the United States. It lies in southern Louisiana near the Lower Atchafalaya River, about 85 miles west of New Orleans and roughly 25 miles southwest of Morgan City. Franklin is around 20 miles southwest, while Berwick is about 25 miles southeast. Patterson is positioned near 29.693° North latitude and 91.302° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 5,885 residents. The town covers about 3.96 square miles, or 10.26 square kilometers. Patterson developed in a region shaped by bayous, wetlands, forests, fishing, farming, and river transportation. The nearby Atchafalaya Basin is one of the largest river swamps in the United States and supports a wide variety of birds, fish, reptiles, and other wildlife. Patterson is also home to the Wedell-Williams Aviation and Cypress Sawmill Museum, which preserves important parts of Louisiana's aviation and lumber history. The town was incorporated in 1902. A unique fact about Patterson is its connection to aviation pioneer Jimmie Wedell and the Wedell-Williams Air Service, which became an important part of early American aviation history. Patterson's location near the Atchafalaya Basin also gives the town strong ties to Louisiana's wetland culture and outdoor recreation.
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Patterson City Facts
| City | Patterson |
| State | Louisiana |
| County | St. Mary Parish |
| Country | United States |
| Region | South Louisiana and Atchafalaya Basin |
| Incorporated | 1902 |
| Founded | 1900 |
| Total Area | 3.96 sq mi (10.26 sq km) |
| Land Area | 3.93 sq mi (10.18 sq km) |
| Water Area | 0.03 sq mi (0.08 sq km) |
| Elevation | 10 ft (3 m) |
| Population (2023 estimate) | About 5,800 |
| Population (2020 Census) | 5,885 |
| Population Density | 1,497 people per sq mi |
| Time Zone | Central Time (CST/CDT) |
| ZIP Codes | 70392 |
| Area Code | 985 |
| Major Highways | US-90, LA-182, and LA-70 |
| Public Transit | St. Mary Transit |
| Major Attractions | Wedell-Williams Aviation and Cypress Sawmill Museum, Atchafalaya Basin, Lake Fausse Pointe State Park, and Bayou Teche |
| Official Website | https://www.townofpatterson.com/ |
Distance from Patterson, LA to Nearby Cities
- Morgan City, LA – 25 miles (40 km)
- Franklin, LA – 20 miles (32 km)
- Berwick, LA – 25 miles (40 km)
- Baldwin, LA – 20 miles (32 km)
- Bayou Vista, LA – 20 miles (32 km)
- Jeanerette, LA – 35 miles (56 km)
- New Iberia, LA – 45 miles (72 km)
- Houma, LA – 55 miles (89 km)
- Lafayette, LA – 60 miles (97 km)
- Thibodaux, LA – 60 miles (97 km)
- Donaldsonville, LA – 70 miles (113 km)
- Baton Rouge, LA – 80 miles (129 km)
- New Orleans, LA – 85 miles (137 km)
- Lake Charles, LA – 125 miles (201 km)
- Metairie, LA – 90 miles (145 km)
- Kenner, LA – 90 miles (145 km)
- Alexandria, LA – 125 miles (201 km)
- Shreveport, LA – 250 miles (402 km)
Top Attractions in Patterson
- Wedell-Williams Aviation and Cypress Sawmill Museum – A state museum in Patterson preserving Louisiana aviation history and the story of the state's cypress lumber industry.
- Atchafalaya Basin – A vast wetland area near Patterson known for bayous, cypress forests, wildlife, fishing, boating, and scenic swamp landscapes.
- Lake Fausse Pointe State Park – A nearby state park with bayous, trails, cabins, camping, fishing, boating, and views of southern Louisiana wetlands.
- Bayou Teche – A historic waterway running through the Acadiana region and closely connected to the area's Cajun culture and settlement history.
- Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge – A nearby protected wetland area providing habitat for waterfowl, wading birds, alligators, fish, and other wildlife.
- Cajun Coast Visitors and Convention Bureau Area – The surrounding St. Mary Parish region offers access to fishing, birdwatching, swamp tours, seafood communities, and cultural sites.
- Lake Palourde – A nearby lake connected to the Atchafalaya Basin and popular for boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
- Historic Downtown Morgan City – A nearby riverfront community with historic buildings, museums, restaurants, and access to the Atchafalaya River.
Airports Near Patterson, LA
- Acadiana Regional Airport (ARA) – 55 miles
- Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR) – 80 miles
- Lafayette Regional Airport (LFT) – 65 miles
- Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) – 100 miles
- Lake Charles Regional Airport (LCH) – 125 miles
Sources:
Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official Patterson town website and local government records.
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