Waterways, which have played a pivotal role in Iberville’s history, also run through the charming back roads of Rosedale, Grosse Tete and Maringouin in North Iberville. In fact, the meandering Bayou Grosse Tete, draped with massive live oak trees, runs along La. Hwy. 77, giving visitors a real sense of the charm and tranquility of rural life in Louisiana.

Besides the picturesque ride through open fields of sugarcane, corn and soybeans; past rustic fences and pastures of green grass dotted with old barns, visitors will find still more antebellum homes and a variety of architectural styles.

The Village of Rosedale, located amidst Interstate 10, received its name from its pioneers in 1815 because of the wild Cherokee rose found throughout the area. Legend runs deep in the Village of Grosse Tete, which is snuggled next to Rosedale. It has been said that the name Grosse Tete, which means “big head,” came from a big headed Choctaw Indian who lived and hunted in the area when it was settled by Acadians.

“Big Head” has also been said to mean five or six streams joining to become Bayou Grosse Tete. No matter which legend you pick, Grosse Tete is home to country folks who love the slow pace of this rural life. Located at the extreme northeast corner of Iberville is the Town of Maringouin, the main business community for north Iberville. Maringouin is believed to have been settled by Acadians in 1802, and was named for south Louisiana’s most annoying pest – the mosquito.

 North Iberville is home to Live Oak Plantation, listed on the National Register of Historic Places; the Church of the Nativity, a Protestant Episcopal chapel built in 1859 and featuring English architecture; and Trinity Plantation, an old manor home built in 1839 and constructed on an Indian mound.

SUNNYSIDE

Sunnyside is a lovely two-story mansion located on the east bank of Bayou Grosse Tete between Rosedale and Grosse Tete. The mansion, built in 1895, sits in a grove of live oak trees.

TANGLEWOOD

Directly across the Grosse Tete Bridge at Maringouin sits Tanglewood Plantation. Built before 1860, it is a one and a half story raised cottage with a pillored front gallery, dormer windows and a modified Greek key design at the front doorway.

MOUND HOUSE

Located on Bayou Grosse Tete about three miles from Maringouin, Mound House was built in 1840 by Austin Woolfolk, a large landowner. It is a one and a half story frame house, which sits among moss-draped oak trees.

LIVE OAKS PLANTATION

Facing Bayou Grosse Tete, Live Oaks was built by slave artisans who hauled cypress from the swamps and made brick from clay soil found in the area. Built in 1826 by Charles Dickinson, it features six columns supporting wonderful galleries on both the first and second floors. The view from the second floor gallery of the majestic oaks, which shelter the home, must be quite impressive. In fact, one of the oaks is the fifth largest live oak tree in the country. One of the most outstanding architectural features of the home is the winding stairway leading from the 20-feet-wide hall to the second floor. The home can be viewed from La. Hwy. 77.

LEROY’S RESTAURANT

This country hotspot for locals is only five miles off Interstate 10, and is known for its mouth-watering steaks. But, it also has a full menu of seafood, po-boys, hamburgers and even pizza on Wednesday nights. It is also located on the pictureseque route of La. 77 between south and north Iberville. Located at 22044 La. Hwy. 77. Hours: 9:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Wednesday and Sunday. Phone: (225) 648-2740.

TIGER TRUCK STOP

Although Tiger Truck Stop is a restaurant, gas station and convenience store, it could also be a North Iberville attraction with its unusual “pets.” It is the home of five tigers, including one white tiger. They live in a caged area near the truck stop and visitors are welcome to take photos. Tiger is also popular for its variety of Cajun dishes, including crawfish etouffee, alligator sausage and boudin balls. The restaurant also serves a variety of American food, such as hamburgers, poboys, sandwiches and broasted chicken. Located at the intersection of Interstate 10 and Hwy. 77. Hours: Open 24 hours daily. Phone: (225) 648-2312.

DAVID’S COUNTRY COTTAGES BED & BREAKFAST

The lovely little houses of David’s Country Cottages are set in the peaceful surroundings of Grosse Tete. The front porches, complete with rockers, overlook 500 acres of wide open countryside. Just across the street is the meandering Bayou Grosse Tete. Each cottage has one bedroom and a bath, plus sitting and dining areas. Located just 20 minutes west of Baton Rouge in the heart of rural Iberville, they are just a half mile south of Interstate 10, providing easy travel access. Reservations are required. Phone: 1-888-648-0116 or (225) 648-2977. Website: www.davidscc.com.