Impressive Things To Do In Lafayette, Louisiana

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Places to visit in Lafayette, LA.

There are many things to do in Lafayette, Louisiana. Whether traveling to this city for business or pleasure, you can enjoy plenty of great activities. Lafayette is a quaint city located in Cajun Country in Southwestern Louisiana. The city is home to several festivals and activities throughout the year. In addition, several attractions can be enjoyed with the family.

Explore the Acadian culture, stuff yourself with Cajun food, and listen to local Zydeco music while visiting this incredible city. First, visit Vermilionville Historic Village; a unique attraction is a living museum that recreates an 1800s Acadian village. It features eleven buildings and seven authentic homes donated by the community’s original settlers.

Best tourist attractions in Lafayette, Louisiana

Zoosiana

Zoosiana in Lafayette, Louisiana, is home to more than 750 animals. The zoo is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. It features a giraffe feeding station, a petting zoo, and a safari train ride.

The zoo has a newsroom to boot. It is a great place to find out what’s happening at the zoo and learn about its new animal residents. There is also a gift shop to browse through.

In addition to the zoo, there are other family-friendly activities to keep your little ones entertained. For example, you can ride on the Safari Train and check out the Jungle Lodge Playground.

Vermilionville Historic Village

Vermilionville is a historic village that represents the cultural heritage of Creole, Acadian, and Native American cultures. Located in Lafayette, Louisiana, this 23-acre living history museum features authentic homes and buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries.

The first Acadian settlement in Louisiana was established at Vermilionville, where the city of Lafayette was born. This site features seven historic buildings donated by descendants of the original inhabitants.

The Lagrange Family House (c. 1830) - Vermilionville Historic Village — The Lagrange Family House (c. 1830) – Vermilionville Historic Village

There are 19 attractions and activities to enjoy at this site. One of the best is the living history museum. It provides an up-close look at the life of the Acadians and the surrounding region.

The Village also hosts several special events, including Cajun Jam Sessions, concerts, dances, plays, and more. In addition, various school field trips are organized throughout the year to visit the site.

Girard Park

Girard Park is a public park in Lafayette, Louisiana. The City of Lafayette Parks Department maintains it. There are numerous events held at this location, including concerts. The park is also home to the Girard Municipal Swimming Pool. This pool is open from Memorial Day to early August.

Places to go in Lafayette, Louisiana

Festivals Acadiens et Creoles is a festival that celebrates Cajun and Creole culture. Live music, dancing, food, and more are featured during this event. Besides showcasing the local culture, the festival blends the various cultures in the area, including French, Celtic, Native American, Scots-Irish, and more. You can expect traditional gumbos, fusion food, and experimental music during this event.

Girard Park is a popular location for live performances in the heart of downtown. Visit the park for music concerts in the coming years.

LARC’s Acadian Village

LARC’s Acadian Village is a museum that offers an authentic view of life in South Louisiana during the 19th century. Visitors to Acadian Village can enjoy historic homes, woodlands, bayous, and a blacksmith shop. These period buildings are restored on-site to their original appearance.

The Acadian Village is open year-round, with guided tours and educational programs. Some houses feature high-peaked roofs, wooden pegs, mud walls, and cypress timbers hand-cut by hand. Guests can also take part in artisan demonstrations.

LARC’s Acadian Village features seven authentic nineteenth-century homes. Guests can also check out a chapel, a blacksmith shop, and a general store. Each home reflects the unique architecture of Acadians in South Louisiana. In addition, all are furnished with antiques from the area.

Acadian Village’s attractions include Christmas tree lighting, a carousel, an enchanted forest, and a lighted Gingerbread house during the holidays. This family-friendly event is held on the first week of December. Guests can also enjoy live entertainment.

Acadian Village’s Christmas events offer an opportunity to create memories with family and friends. Guests can also get pictures taken with Santa. Those who wish to attend can purchase tickets online or at the door.

Guests can also participate in the 21 Nights of Half-a-Million Lights, a holiday celebration featuring food, live entertainment, and 10 acres of animated displays.

What to See at Lake Martin

Lake Martin is a natural sanctuary located in St. Martin Parish, Louisiana. It is a small lake, but it is filled with various types of animals. Some animals here include alligators, snakes, cottonmouths, and turtles. There is also a lot of aquatic life on Lake Martin. In addition, there are turtles and fish. The lake is also home to the nutria rat.

Lake Martin is also home to many species of birds. These include White Ibis, Black-crowned Night Heron, and Roseate Spoonbills. During the spring and summer, thousands of these birds come to this area to nest.

There is also a nature trail that you can walk around the lake. The path is approximately 4-5 miles long and is free to enter. However, some of the hiking trails are closed during the breeding season.

If you are looking for an up-close look at some of the wildlife in the lake, you may want to consider taking a swamp tour. Companies offer guided boat tours that will give you a look at the flora and fauna that call this area home. In addition, you will learn about this area’s history while taking in the sights.

In addition to the bird and wildlife sightings, there are alligators at Lake Martin. They are not typically aggressive. However, if you are spotted feeding one, you could get a fine. It is because it is illegal to feed alligators.