Originally named Vermilionville when it was founded in 1821, the city now known as Lafayette was renamed in honour of the Marquis de Lafayette, who aided the US during the Revolutionary War. Among the city’s boasting points is its collection of restaurants, which is one of the largest in Louisiana.
The city has a significant tourist industry and there is no shortage of worthy draw cards, of which the Creole and Cajun heritage of the surrounding area is among the biggest. In fact, the slogan of the city’s Conventions and Visitors Center is: “Genuinely Cajun. Uniquely Creole” and the city uses its rich cultural assets to its advantage.
Of all the city’s attractions, visitors can best pursue its Cajun culture via the fascinating Arcadian Village, a facility of great significance in terms of Lafayette heritage. If this aspect of the city is of interest, then it can be further pursued through the local cuisine which includes many mouthwatering Cajun dishes, among which staunch favourites include gumbo, jambalaya, boudin and crawfish boil.
Highlights
Acadian Village: this replica of an original Cajun village introduces visitors to the fascinating culture of the proud Acadian people. Original village buildings include a village store and chapel.
Alexandre Mouton House Museum: once the home of Louisiana’s first Democratic governor, this antebellum townhouse is now an interesting museum with a collection of artifacts relating to Mouton’s life, such as historical documents, antiques, personal possessions and clothing.
Children’s Museum of Acadiana: a variety of themed sections provide edutainment for kids, from toddlers up to 12-year-olds.
Lafayette Natural History Museum and Planetarium: this combined facility has a museum featuring artifacts relating to the history of Louisiana as well as over 1,000 pieces of artwork created by the state’s most popular artists. Additionally, the planetarium introduces visitors to the wonders that lie beyond.
Zoo of Acadiana: situated in the nearby town of Broussard, Zoo of Acadiana provides the perfect day out for families with its large collection of animals, some indigenous to the state and other from elsewhere.