Skip to main content
Sterling Sugars Inc. manufacturer in Lafayette, LA
Photo: Mauro Mayorga
View of Sterling Sugars Inc. in Lafayette, LA
Photo: Jairo Tzul
View of Sterling Sugars Inc. in Lafayette, LA
Photo: Life of Boon

Sterling Sugars Inc.

4.7(3 reviews)$Farm
🕑 1-1.5 hours👶 Best for ages 6 and up. Elementary and middle school children will appreciate the industrial machinery and understand the farm-to-table process, while the tour may be too technical for preschoolers. Great for homeschool field trips and curious learners interested in how things are made.

About

Sterling Sugars Inc. offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how sugarcane transforms into sweet Louisiana sugar at a working mill. Kids get hands-on learning about agriculture and manufacturing while watching the actual processing equipment in action, making this a uniquely educational experience that brings Louisiana's farming heritage to life.

Highlights

  • Watching real sugarcane being processed into sugar
  • Learning about Louisiana's agricultural history and traditions
  • Seeing large-scale industrial machinery in operation
  • Understanding the farm-to-table journey of sugar production
  • Educational experience perfect for school projects

Pro Tips

  1. 1.Call ahead to confirm tour availability and schedule your visit, as this is a working mill with varying production schedules
  2. 2.Note the midday break from 12:00-1:00 PM when planning your arrival time
  3. 3.Wear closed-toe shoes and have kids dress in clothes that can get a bit dirty since this is an active manufacturing facility
  4. 4.Bring a camera to capture the impressive machinery, but check photography policies with staff first
  5. 5.Ask questions during the tour - the staff are knowledgeable about local sugarcane farming and love sharing their expertise

Best Time to Visit

Visit during sugarcane harvest season (October through December) when the mill is most active and kids can see the full production process in action. Weekday mornings tend to be less busy than afternoons.

What to Know

Tour costs and reservation requirements should be confirmed by calling ahead. The facility is a working mill, so expect industrial surroundings and some noise during operations.

Seasonal Notes

Peak activity occurs during sugarcane harvest season from October through December when processing is in full swing. Production may be limited or inactive during other times of year, so calling ahead is essential to ensure the mill is operating during your visit.

Nearby Eats

Head to The Grapevine Cafe & Gallery in nearby Franklin (about 5 minutes away) for family-friendly Southern comfort food, or stop by Pat's Fisherman's Wharf Restaurant for casual seafood that kids will enjoy.

More Activities Near Lafayette

Nature

Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge

Free

Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge offers families an authentic Louisiana wilderness experience where kids can spot alligators, herons, and turtles in their natural bayou habitat. With easy boardwalk trails and interpretive areas, it's an accessible introduction to swamp ecology that feels like a real adventure. The stunning cypress forests and wetland scenery create a magical backdrop for exploring one of America's largest river swamps.

Adventure

Atchafalaya Trace Nature Trail

Free

The Atchafalaya Trace Nature Trail offers families a peaceful escape into Louisiana's beautiful natural landscape right in Lafayette. This well-maintained trail is perfect for introducing kids to outdoor recreation through easy walking, biking, or wildlife spotting adventures, with flat terrain ideal for strollers and young riders learning to bike.

Trampoline Park

Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park

4.8$$

Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park in Lafayette is an indoor playground paradise where kids can literally bounce off the walls! This sprawling facility features interconnected trampoline courts, foam pits, climbing walls, and multiple adventure attractions that keep children active and entertained for hours. With its excellent 4.8-star rating and climate-controlled environment, it's the perfect energy-burning destination rain or shine.

Park

Canoe & Trail Adventures Rentals @ Cane Bayou Launch - Fontainebleau State Park

4.8$

Canoe & Trail Adventures at Fontainebleau State Park offers families the perfect blend of water-based fun and nature exploration along the scenic Cane Bayou. Kids can experience their first paddling adventure in calm bayou waters while parents enjoy the area's beautiful trails, playground, and peaceful picnic spots. With top-notch equipment rentals and stunning waterfront scenery, it's an ideal destination for families ready to unplug and enjoy Louisiana's natural beauty together.