Whether you are looking to explore history and culture, listen to great music, dine on local foods, or enjoy the natural wildlife, Lafayette, Louisiana has something for you.
Vermilionville
Vermilionville is a living history museum and folklife park located on the banks of the Bayou Vermilion. It includes a historic village that showcases the Acadian, Creole, and Native American cultures from 1765 to 1890.
Visitors are transported back in time as they walk through the restored historic homes and gardens and witness local artisans demonstrating the same crafts that were performed by the early settlers.
Directions
From SW Evangeline Highway: Turn left on LA 728-8. Proceed 0.5 miles to Fisher Road. Turn left on Fisher Road. The parking lot will be on the right. 300 Fisher Road, Lafayette, LA 70508.
Children’s Museum of Acadiana
The Children’s Museum of Acadiana (CMA) in downtown Lafayette provides hands-on learning and discovery for kids through interactive exhibits, performances, and workshops. Children can experience a bubble factory, a kid’s television station, and a play grocery store among other exhibits.
Directions
From SW Evangeline Highway: Turn right on Jefferson Street and proceed to Garfield Street. Turn left on Garfield Street; travel 2 blocks and turn right on Taylor Street. CMA will be 1 block on the right; enter parking lot from Taylor Street. 201 E. Congress Street, Lafayette, LA 70501.
Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist
The historic Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist was completed in 1916 in the architecturally impressive Dutch Romanesque Revival style. The land for the cathedral was donated in 1821 by Jean Mouton, the founder of Vermilionville. Inside St. John’s Cathedral are original stained glass windows and elaborate oil paintings.
Directions
From SW Evangeline Highway: Turn right on E. 2nd Street. Continue onto W. Congress Street. In 0.2 miles turn left on St. John Street. In 0.3 miles turn right on Cathedral Street. The cathedral will be on the left. 515 Cathedral Street, Lafayette, LA 70501.
Alexandre Mouton House
The historic Alexandre Mouton House was built by Jean Mouton, the founder of Vermilionville, around 1800. From 1825 to 1836, his son Alexandre Mouton resided in the home with his family. Alexander Mouton was the first Democratic Governor of Louisiana from 1843 to 1846.
Directions
From SW Evangeline Highway: Turn right on E. 2nd Street. Continue onto W. Congress Street. Turn left on Lafayette Street. The Alexandre Mouton House is 0.4 miles on the right. 1122 Lafayette Street, LA 70501.
Blue Moon Saloon
The Blue Moon Saloon is one of the premier venues for roots music in America. Here you can enjoy a cold beer or tropical cocktail while dancing to local Cajun, zydeco, swamp pop, and national roots acts.
Directions
From SW Evangeline Highway: Turn right on Johnston Street. Continue for 0.6 miles and turn left on E. Convent Street. The Blue Moon Saloon will be on the left. 215 East Convent Street, Lafayette, Louisiana 70501.
Cypress Island Preserve
Birdwatchers, boaters, and fishermen should be sure to visit the Cypress Island Preserve on Lake Martin. The Preserve is one of the largest wading bird rookeries in North America. 20,000 egrets, herons, ibises, roseate spoonbills, and other species nest in the 2,800-acre swamp each spring. The 2.5-mile walking trail is open from fall to the spring and is suitable for children.
Directions
The Cypress Island Preserve is located between Breaux Bridge and Lafay. Parking is available at the Visitor Center where Rookery Road meets LA Highway 353. 1264 Prairie Hwy, St Martinville, LA 70582.
Bon Temps Grill
Chow down on delicious and authentic Cajun and Creole food in a relaxed atmosphere at Bon Temps Grill. Enjoy unique dishes like crawfish pie, grits and shrimp, and Cajun jerk chicken. Feel free to bring your kids along to this family-friendly restaurant.
Directions
From SW Evangeline Highway: Turn right onto E. Verot School Road. Continue 2.1 miles and Bon Temps Grill will be on your right. 1312 Verot School Road, Lafayette, LA 70508.
