Lafayette Along the Vermillion River

Lafayette stretches along the Vermillion River in southwestern Louisiana.

Acadian Village is a privately owned park spanning 32 acres. It was founded in the 1970s to safeguard Acadian heritage. Within its premises, visitors can explore a Cajun village from the 1800s. The village is comprised of eleven structures, out of which seven are genuine 19th-century residences. Guided tours are offered, and the grounds can also be leased for various occasions.

The campus of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette includes the Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum. The museum has a collection of more than 4,000 art objects dating from the 18th century to the 21st century. Exhibits include works of art from America, Europe, and Asia as well as artwork by local artists.

The Children’s Museum of Acadiana offers a hands-on experience with interactive exhibits. Offering children knowledge on various subjects like health, food, money, and other topics. The museum has found its home in the old Heymann Food Center. The museum offers classes, workshops, school field trips, and programs for Girl and Boy Scouts. There are also special events hosted throughout the year.

Walking through the streets of Lafayette you can enjoy the street art in Downtown Lafayette.

Look for the large decorated letters that spell “Lafayette”. The letter Y is missing to encourage visitors to become the Y themselves by standing with their arms raised.

MacIlhenny Tabasco Company is located on Avery Island. The island is located right in the heart of Bayou country. Tours are available.

Also on the island at the Jungle Gardens and Bird City, you can enjoy great-tasting Cajun dishes at Restaurant 1868. The nature preserve has flowers such as azaleas and camellias. You can also delight in animals like alligators, deer, and egrets.

Experience an exhilarating adventure with Champagne's Cajun Swamp Tours by embarking on a captivating swamp excursion. Accompanied by knowledgeable guides, visitors will be taken through the enchanting Lake Martin Cypress Island Preserve.

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery of cypress trees, adorned with Spanish moss.

Additionally, encounter reptiles including alligators, frogs, and snakes. These two-hour tours are offered in both English and French, catering to a wide range of visitors. For those with specific interests, Champagne's Cajun Swamp Tours also provides specialized tours such as bird watching, photography, and night tours, ensuring a truly unforgettable experience.

Come join us for an exciting Cajun Food Adventure. Cajun Food Tours explore the rich history and culture of Cajun cuisine while sampling delicious dishes such as boudin, cracklin,' etoufee, gumbo, king cake, and fried seafood.

Our stops include must-visit spots like Cajun Market Donut, La Cuisine de Maman, Poor Boy’s Riverside Inn, and more.

Discover the mouthwatering flavors of Lafayette, voted the Tastiest Town in the South.

Vermilionville is an educational museum and park located along the Bayou Vermilion, showcasing the rich culture of south-central Louisiana. Visitors can explore the Acadian, Creole, and Native American cultures from 1765 to 1890 through 19 attractions, 13 artisan demonstrations, and seven restored homes. Additionally, the park offers workshops and various events for a hands-on experience.

Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site is the oldest state park in Louisiana. It focuses on the culture of the Bayou Teche area.

The site explores various cultures of the region. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem “Evangeline” tells the story of two Acadian lovers, Evangeline and Gabriel. You can see the tree by which they met and Evangeline’s grave.

Tours are available of the Maison Olivier, a historic 1815 plantation home.

Just a short drive south of Lafayette lies Jefferson Island. Built in 1870, Jefferson Mansion is a stunning Southern plantation-style home.

The mansion is nestled within the 15-acre Rip Van Winkle Garden, filled with exotic plants, statues, and fountains.

Keep an eye out for the beautiful peacocks that freely roam the grounds, and admire the ancient cypress and oak trees, some of which are over 350 years old.