Rip Van Winkle Gardens Closed Indefinitely for Repairs After Severe Storm Damage

Rip Van Winkle Gardens, a cherished landmark on Jefferson Island in Iberia Parish, known for its enchanting trees, natural beauty, and iconic peacocks on Lake Peigneur, has announced an indefinite closure due to severe storm damage.

This popular venue for photos, weddings, and receptions, as well as the home of Café Jefferson, sustained extensive damage from a recent weather event suspected to be a tornado or microburst, which has impacted Youngsville, Vermilion Parish, Iberia Parish, and other parts of South Louisiana.

The damage at Rip Van Winkle Gardens is significant. Photos inside Café Jefferson reveal shattered glass littering the floor, possibly caused by trees and debris crashing through.

Numerous trees on the property have been snapped in half, and branches and leaves are scattered everywhere, creating a hazardous environment.

In a Facebook post made just after 2 PM on Sunday, June 2nd, Rip Van Winkle Gardens urged visitors to stay away from the property:

"Please, we respectfully ask you don’t come out to RVW at all! We have many downed power lines. It is not safe!!! Our employees only! The Richard family and employees are safe and sound. We do have extensive damages and need time to recover. Please respect our employees working to repair damages and do not come here. We expect this will take much time to repair and are working diligently towards our goal to open as quickly as possible. Pictured is just some of the damage RVW has endured. Thank you for understanding."

Earlier in the day, just after noon, another post from the gardens highlighted the uncertainty of the situation:

"Due to unforeseen circumstances, a weather event has caused RVW issues that we do not know how long we will be closed to correct. Please watch here to know when we will reopen. We thank you for your patience and understanding."

In the immediate aftermath, around 4 AM, the gardens announced:

"Rip Van Winkle Gardens and Café Jefferson will be closed today due to weather damage. Please watch here for follow-up details on when we can safely reopen. Thank you for your patience."

As the Rip Van Winkle Gardens and Café Jefferson work towards recovery, updates on the reopening will be shared as they become available.