23 Jul 2018

Louisiana Memorial United Methodist Church

2022-08-16T14:27:37-05:00

The Louisiana Memorial United Methodist Church in Opelousas, Louisiana is the oldest Methodist church congregation west of the Mississippi River. In fact, Opelousas is known as the “Cradle of Louisiana Methodism.” Missionary Elisha W. Bowman established the church in Opelousas in 1806. The present church, constructed in 1955, sits on the site where two earlier churches existed. Property for the church was purchased in 1857 from the Fonda Family. Today, you can visit the church to learn more about its architecture, design, and long history as a congregation.

Louisiana Memorial United Methodist Church2022-08-16T14:27:37-05:00
23 Jul 2018

Le Vieux Village Heritage Park

2021-07-23T15:01:34-05:00

Le Vieux Village Heritage Park is a collection of exhibits, museums, and the town’s oldest structures. French for the old village, this attraction was created in 1988 by the Opelousas Tourism and Activities Committee. Many of its components were donated by families from the area. Get a glimpse of historic Opelousas, one of Louisiana’s oldest cities, by touring the grounds which includes an old schoolhouse, a Methodist church, a doctor’s office, and the home of Marie Francois Venus. Tours are given Tuesday through Friday on the hour from 10am-2pm and by appointment. Self-guided tours are also available.

Also housed at Le Vieux Village, is the City of Opelousas Tourist Information Center & Gift Shop. It is located at the eastern entrance to Opelousas along U.S. Highway 190. The center houses the Jim Bowie Display and the Zydeco Music Exhibit. Did you know that Jim Bowie, an American hero of the Alamo, once lived in Opelousas? For more fun, historical facts, visit the center’s exhibit.

The park is also home to the Louisiana Orphan Train Museum, a facility dedicated to documenting and researching the lives of the orphan train riders.

Ici on parle français. French is spoken here. 

Le Vieux Village Heritage Park in Opelousas, Louisiana
The Chapel at Le Vieux Village in Opelousas, Louisiana
Le Vieux Village Heritage Park in Opelousas, Louisiana
Le Vieux Village Heritage Park in Opelousas, Louisiana
J.S. Clark Memorial at Le Vieux Village Heritage Park in Opelousas, Louisiana
Le Vieux Village Heritage Park in Opelousas, Louisiana
Le Vieux Village Heritage Park2021-07-23T15:01:34-05:00
23 Jul 2018

JS Clark Memorial Walkway

2021-03-12T09:52:21-06:00

The Opelousas high school that bore the name of the late educator J.S. Clark, founder of Southern University in Baton Rouge, lasted for only 15 years, but it made a lasting mark on its city inspiring current charter school J.S. Clark Christian Academy and will forever be remembered by the J.S. Clark Memorial Walkway, located at Le Vieux Village Heritage Park. From 1954 to 1969, in the days before school desegregation, J.S. Clark served the needs of black high school students in and around Opelousas.

The memorial walkway was officially dedicated on October 18, 2014, during a special ceremony. It features bricks and monuments that pay tribute to many of the school’s former teachers, staff and students. It also honors outstanding people connected with J.S. Clark: football standout Preston Fontenot, 1972 Olympic track and field gold medalist Rodney Milburn, and Rosa B. Scott Anderson, a former lead majorette who became a nurse and helped casualties during a firearm assault on Fairchild Air Force Base in Washington State 20 years ago.

JS Clark Memorial Walkway at Le Vieux Village in Opelousas, Louisiana
JS Clark Memorial Walkway at Le Vieux Village in Opelousas, Louisiana
JS Clark Memorial Walkway at Le Vieux Village in Opelousas, Louisiana
JS Clark Memorial Walkway2021-03-12T09:52:21-06:00
23 Jul 2018

Holy Ghost Catholic Church

2022-02-23T10:29:50-06:00

The Holy Ghost Parish was founded in 1920 in Opelousas, Louisiana at the request of a group of parishioners of the St. Landry Catholic Church and the efforts of Rt. Rev. Canon A. B. Colliard. Prior to desegregation, St. Landry Church’s black parishioners were sectioned off from the rest of the congregation. With the assistance of the Holy Ghost Fathers and a desire to have a place of worship where the African American community felt they could belong, the new Parish was created. Initially, masses were held at the Holy Ghost School, but soon thereafter a church was built.

Today, the church boasts one of the largest Catholic congregations of African Americans in the US. Visitors are often struck with admiration at the sight of the church’s collection of religious art depicting African Americans. The artist responsible for these powerful images is a local master painter, Donald Lee “Aldox” Alexander. Alexander has done outstanding work for the African American community both in his home state and outside of Louisiana.

Another special treat is the Holy Ghost Catholic Church Gospel Choir. The gospel choirs sing every Sunday during the 11am Mass. For group tours, please make an appointment with Deacon Richard.

During the first weekend of November, the church celebrates its Creole heritage with a three-day event, The Holy Ghost Creole Festival Bazaar. The festival features a special gospel concert Friday night, live music and dancing Saturday and Sunday, and Creole dishes all weekend long!

  • 747 North Union Street, Opelousas, Louisiana 70570

  • Free admission

  • Group tours by appointment only

  • Bus parking available

  • 337-942-2732

  • HGCatholic.org

  • secretary@hgcatholic.org

Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Opelousas, Louisiana
Holy Ghost Creole Festival in Opelousas, Louisiana
Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Opelousas, Louisiana
Holy Ghost Creole Festival in Opelousas, Louisiana
Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Opelousas, Louisiana
Holy Ghost Creole Bazaar Funnel Cake in Opelousas, Louisiana
Holy Ghost Catholic Church2022-02-23T10:29:50-06:00
23 Jul 2018

Historic Michel Prudhomme Home

2022-04-29T10:14:07-05:00

The Michel Prudhomme Home is believed to be the oldest structure in St. Landry Parish and is located in Opelousas. It is a French Colonial house built in the late 1700s by Michel Prudhomme. Prudhomme was an important public figure in the area and even donated the land to build St. Landry Catholic Church, one of the parish’s oldest Catholic churches. Today, the home is available for tours and is owned by the Preservationists of St. Landry, Inc. Their historians will tell captivating stories of what took place in the home during the Civil War. In fact, it was used as the Union headquarters when Opelousas was occupied.

This attraction is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is also open for meetings, receptions, reunions, and other private events.

  • By appointment.

  • 1152 Prudhomme Circle, Opelousas, Louisiana 70570

  • 337-942-8011

Historic Michel Prudhomme Home in Opelousas, Louisiana
Historic Michel Prudhomme Home in Opelousas, Louisiana
Historic Michel Prudhomme Home in Opelousas, Louisiana
Historic Michel Prudhomme Home2022-04-29T10:14:07-05:00
23 Jul 2018

Fiddle Mania II

2021-03-12T09:52:51-06:00

Fiddle Mania, located in downtown Opelousas and at the St. Landry Parish Visitor’s Center, features over-sized fiddles fabricated from metal, painted and designed by local artists. It was unveiled in November 2012 in conjunction with the state office of tourism’s Main to Main initiative.

The overall theme of the fiddle designs encompasses Louisiana’s rich heritage depicting wildlife and waterways, its diverse people, food, music and well-known locales. The Fiddle Mania exhibit is dedicated in memory of local musician/fiddler and cultural ambassador Hadley J. Castille.

Artists involved in the project include June Lowrey, Jerome Ford, Kat Guidroz, Kimberly Nelams Becnal, Alicia Johnson, Gary Steckler, Shawn Hunt, Natalie Clay Hutchinson, Darlene Moore, Tony Cutrera, Ne’keeta Guillory, Kate Ferry, Deante Benjamin, Theon Guillory, Katy Leger Roy, Westminster Christian Academy Art II Senior Emily Waguespack and Bailey Benoit, Hunter Tardiff and Brianna Jordan of Port Barre Middle School, Davonte’ Lafontaine of Port Barre High and Noah Guidroz of Park Vista Elementary.

The address provided is for the St. Landry Chamber of Commerce where you can park and visit to learn more about businesses within the parish before you make your way to the fiddles. The fiddles are across the street, behind the St. Landry Bank.

  • 109 West Vine, Opelousas, Louisiana 70570

  • 337-948-5227

Fiddle Mania II2021-03-12T09:52:51-06:00
23 Jul 2018

Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino

2022-11-29T13:02:23-06:00

Evangeline Downs is Louisiana’s first racino built from the ground up and stands in the Zydeco Capital of the World, Opelousas. In fact, in 2015 the business celebrated 50 years of racing. The racetrack isn’t the only attraction at this one-stop-shop for entertainment. The 24-hour complex features 1,350 slot machines, live horse racing, zydeco music, nightlife, and great food. You might say it’s the perfect place to play. If you play too hard; that’s okay because Evangeline Downs Hotel is just steps away with luxury guestrooms and suites.

The racing season kicks off in April with thoroughbred racing through September. In October, quarter horse racing begins and ends in December. Horse races take place every Wednesday through Saturday. Other exciting annual events are held including Louisiana Legends Night and the LQHBA Louisiana Million Final. For more information, view the racing calendar.

Looking for something good eat? For a quick bite, check out EVD Express for snacks and sandwiches to alligator bites and shrimp stuffed potatoes. The Spotted Horse Tavern & Dining Parlor is the perfect place for specialty cocktails, craft beer, and Cajun fusion cuisine. For musical entertainment, check the event center calendar for concerts happening year-round.

Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino in Opelousas, LA
Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino in Opelousas, LA
Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino in Opelousas, LA
Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino in Opelousas, LA
Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino in Opelousas, LA
Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino in Opelousas, LA
Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino2022-11-29T13:02:23-06:00
23 Jul 2018

Early Fire Fighting Tribute Mural

2021-03-12T09:52:59-06:00

The fire mural pays tribute to early firefighting and is dedicated to all firefighters – past, present and future. The mural, Early Fire Fighting: A Tribute to Lelle, was painted by a group of local artists at Opelousas Catholic under the direction of Cindy Pitre. The mural depicts the fire truck named after Marie Celeste “Lelle” Dupre’ Robertson. Along with her husband, she was an active member of the Hope, Hook and Ladder Fire Company Number 1, established in 1871. Miss Lelle has been credited with many of the company’s early successes, but most remember her for her role in helping fight the courthouse fire that occurred during the early years of the 20th century. You can find “Lelle” at the Hope, Hook and Ladder Fire Station in downtown Opelousas.

  • 109 North Union Street, Opelousas, Louisiana 70570

Early Fire Fighting Tribute Mural2021-03-12T09:52:59-06:00
23 Jul 2018

Creole Heritage Folklife Center

2021-03-12T09:53:04-06:00

The Creole Heritage Folklife Center in Opelousas offers the public an opportunity to relive traditions of the African-American community with folklorist, Rebecca Henry. Henry is a native to St. Landry Parish and offers educational programs and events that focus on Creole heritage. Learn about the use of herbs and folk medicine, everyday tools, home-life, and folk art. In the gift shop, find handsewn quilts, homemade soaps and potpourri, preserves, handcrafted dolls, and artwork. Guided tours are offered weekly and by appointment. The Creole Heritage Folklife Center is included on the Louisiana African-American Heritage Trail.

Wait, what is Creole? According to Creole Heritage Inc. founder, Rebecca Henry, “‘Creole is family, culture, heritage, and tradition which embodies all that connects the inner and outer families with their ancestral past, not a racial confusion.”

Ici on parle français. French is spoken here.

  • Tuesday-Friday 12pm-4pm | Saturday 1pm-4pm | Sunday by appointment

  • 1113 West Vine Street, Opelousas, Louisiana 70570

  • Adults $8, Seniors $7 (64+), Children (12 and under) $5

  • Guided tours offered weekly and by appointment.

  • 337-945-5064

Creole Heritage Folklife Center in Opelousas, Louisiana
Creole Heritage Folklife Center in Opelousas, Louisiana
Creole Heritage Folklife Center in Opelousas, Louisiana
Creole Heritage Folklife Center in Opelousas, Louisiana
Creole Heritage Folklife Center in Opelousas, Louisiana
Creole Heritage Folklife Center in Opelousas, Louisiana
Creole Heritage Folklife Center2021-03-12T09:53:04-06:00
23 Jul 2018

Acadian to Cajun Mural

2021-06-11T12:47:54-05:00

The Acadian to Cajun Mural depicts the journey of the Acadians, from their exile from Nova Scotia, in the mid-1700s, to their settlement here in south Louisiana. The 20′ by 12′ mural is located in downtown Opelousas, across from the St. Landry Parish Courthouse, and was created by local artist, Jerome Ford. Jerome grew up in the lower ninth ward of New Orleans and moved to Opelousas with his family in 2006. It’s clear that both worlds have inspired his colorful depictions of Louisiana’s people and culture. Today, Jerome teaches art and also creates new works of art as a professional artist. Learn more about the artist at his website JFordArt.com.

Acadian to Cajun Mural2021-06-11T12:47:54-05:00

St. Landry Parish Visitor Center
Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm

337.948.8004
978 Kennerson Road (I-49 exit 23)
P.O. Box 1415 • Opelousas, LA 70570

Visitor Guide (En)
Visitor Guide (Fr)

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