24 Jul 2018

Washington Museum & Tourist Center

2022-02-28T11:46:39-06:00

Make this your first stop in Washington, Louisiana for information on sites, attractions, and the history of Washington. More than 80 percent of this steamboat town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. At this museum and information center, you can pick up a map of these historic locations around town for your own walking tour. You can also check out their displays with examples of Acadiana brown cotton blankets and antique loom, antique agriculture equipment, white oak weaved baskets, and Native American tools.

  • Friday-Sunday 10am-3pm

  • 404 North Main Street, Washington, Louisiana 70589

  • 337-324-8658

Washington Museum and Tourist Center, Washington, Louisiana
Washington Museum and Tourist Center, Washington, Louisiana
Washington Museum and Tourist Center, Washington, Louisiana

Washington Museum & Tourist Center2022-02-28T11:46:39-06:00
24 Jul 2018

Thistlethwaite Wildlife Management Area

2021-09-22T11:01:07-05:00

The Thistlethwaite Wildlife Management Area is a peaceful, secluded spot for enjoying the natural wildlife of South Central Louisiana. The nature preserve is a 17-square mile tract offering 11,000 acres of mature bottomland hardwoods utilized for hunting as well as birding and nature walks. To get there, take Interstate-49 North to Exit 27. Travel north on LA 10/LA 182 for 1.5 miles. Turn right onto Plant Road, then go approximately 0.5 miles to the WMA entrance.

Thistlethwaite WMA, Washington, LA

Thistlethwaite Wildlife Management Area2021-09-22T11:01:07-05:00
23 Jul 2018

Liberty Theatre

2022-09-28T16:08:01-05:00

The Liberty is currently closed for renovations. Check out their progress here.

The Liberty Theatre is one of Louisiana’s most iconic concert halls. Since 1987, the world has flocked to the Liberty Theatre for the Saturday night “Rendez-vous des Cajuns,” a live radio and TV show featuring Cajun and zydeco music bands. The first show took place the evening of July 11 and featured Julius Angelle “Papa Cairo” Lamperez, Chuck Guillory and His Rhythm Boys, and the Church Point Playboys. More recently, Grammy-nominated bands graced the stage such as Dwayne Dopsie & The Zydeco Hellraisers or The Magnolia Sisters. You could dance with Louisiana music legends every Saturday night at 6pm. Listen to past concerts on KRVS.

The Liberty Amusement Co. formed in 1920 and hosted comedic acts such as “Happy Gowland.” In 1924, the owners A. F. McGee, Sr. and Claude Keller took their acts to a new location, the corner of Park Avenue and Second Street where The Liberty still stands today. The restored vaudeville theatre would host other musical events throughout the year including Creole Accordion Kings, Cajun Fiddle Masters, and a Tribute to Hank Williams, Sr. The Liberty Theatre was also available year-round to groups. Groups could book the space for dance lessons or even a private party.

Ici on parle français. French is spoken here.

Liberty Theater in Eunice Louisiana
Liberty Theater in Eunice Louisiana
Tribute to Hank Williams Sr. in Eunice, Louisiana
Liberty Theater in Eunice Louisiana
Liberty Theater in Eunice Louisiana
Liberty Theatre2022-09-28T16:08:01-05:00
23 Jul 2018

The Grotto at St. Leo’s Catholic Church

2021-03-12T09:48:54-06:00

St. Landry Parish has several stunning devotional grottos including the one at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church in Leonville, Louisiana. The grotto is located near scenic Bayou Teche and includes a walkway, in honor of Our Lady of Lourdes, featuring porcelain plaques depicting the 20 mysteries of the rosary. For those interested in a quiet space for reflection, this is a peaceful spot for mindful meditation as well.

Four out of the last five years, St. Leo the Great Catholic Church has hosted the August 15th mass celebrating the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary that culminates with the start of a Eucharistic procession down Bayou Teche. Pilgrims from across the Diocese of Lafayette meet at the Leonville boat landing, where Fete Dieu du Teche launches. Led by boat, the procession traces the passage of Catholic Acadians after their exile from Canada.

Don’t have a boat? That’s alright; spectators are always welcome to join in this spiritual event on the banks of Bayou Teche in Leonville.

  • 126 Church Street, Leonville, Louisiana 70551

  • 337-879-2365

The Grotto at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church in Leonville, Louisiana
The Grotto at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church in Leonville, Louisiana
The Grotto at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church in Leonville, Louisiana
The Grotto at St. Leo’s Catholic Church2021-03-12T09:48:54-06:00
23 Jul 2018

St. Landry Catholic Church & Cemetery

2022-04-01T16:46:12-05:00

Visit the second oldest church parish in the Lafayette Catholic Diocese, St. Landry Catholic Church of Opelousas. The earliest documented ritual performed was a baptism on May 16, 1756. However, the parish church was officially founded in 1770 as The Parish Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Post of Opelousas by French Capuchin friars. Since the 1700s, more ornate churches have been built, and the current edifice, designed and completed by noted Opelousas architect, Tilghman George Chachere, Sr. in 1909, is a Gothic form of structure with Romanesque motifs. Also, view stained-glass windows made in France by German artisans.

Another reason to visit St. Landry Catholic Church is the captivating image of Lieutenant Father Joseph Verbis Lafleur fighting to save the lives of American POWs during WWII. The Father Lafleur Monument can be found on the grounds of the church, near the entrance.

“Sculpted by renowned Italian artist, Franco Alessandrini, Lieutenant Father Lafleur’s last heroic crowning moment of life is depicted in white Carrara marble. Beautifully carved is Father Lafleur struggling to push men to possible freedom from the hull of the torpedoed and sinking ‘hell ship’, the Shinyo Maru while water pours down over them.”

You can learn more about Father Lafleur on a tour of the church and cemetery with historian James Douget. Guided tours are available for groups and individuals by appointment.

During the second and third weekends of October, see costumed re-enactors portray historic Opelousas figures in the cemetery during the St. Landry Catholic Church Cemetery Tours & Historic Reenactments. This historic cemetery contains graves that date back to the 1790s. Veterans from various wars are buried here, along with old prominent families of the Opelousas area. Louisiana Governor Jacques Dupré and his wife are buried here, as well as one of Napoléon Bonaparte’s soldiers, Gen. Garrigues de Flaugeac. This event welcomes bus groups and also offers handicap-accessible tours! Additionally, tours of the St. Landry Catholic Church Cemetery can be arranged throughout the year by appointment.

St. Landry Catholic Church in Opelousas, Louisiana
St. Landry Catholic Church in Opelousas, Louisiana
St. Landry Catholic Church in Opelousas, Louisiana
St. Landry Catholic Church in Opelousas, Louisiana
St. Landry Catholic Church in Opelousas, Louisiana
St. Landry Catholic Church in Opelousas, Louisiana
St. Landry Catholic Church & Cemetery2022-04-01T16:46:12-05:00
23 Jul 2018

Shrine of St. John Berchmans

2022-06-20T09:25:43-05:00

Located at the Academy of the Sacred Heart in Grand Coteau, the Shrine of Saint John Berchmans sits on the site of the 1866 miraculous cure of a Religious of the Sacred Heart. As a novice, Mary Wilson was sent to Grand Coteau in the hopes that a milder climate would improve her poor health. However, her health continued to deteriorate, and she was confined to the infirmary the month after her arrival. Hopeful, yet anticipating Mary’s death any day, the religious offered a novena to Blessed John Berchmans. Mary’s testimony describes an apparition of John Berchmans followed by immediate relief from her pain and her subsequent recovery. The Catholic Church investigated this cure, and it was used in the canonization process of Saint John Berchmans in 1888. The infirmary, where this miracle occurred, is now the Shrine of Saint John Berchmans, a peaceful place of devotion and pilgrimage.

While on campus, visit Le Petit Musée, a museum dedicated to the history of the Academy of the Sacred Heart.  Founded in 1821, under the direction of Saint Philippine Duchesne, the Academy has remained in continuous operation through fire, epidemic, and war.

Shrine of St. John Berchmanns, Grand Coteau, Louisiana
Shrine of St. John Berchmanns, Grand Coteau, Louisiana
Shrine of St. John Berchmanns, Grand Coteau, Louisiana
Shrine of St. John Berchmans2022-06-20T09:25:43-05:00
23 Jul 2018

Sherburne Wildlife Management Area (WMA)

2021-03-12T09:49:55-06:00

Sherburne Wildlife Management Area (WMA) encompasses 40,638 thousand acres within the Atchafalaya Basin—located in Pointe Coupee, Iberville and St. Martin Parishes as well as St. Landry Parish. The WMA complex is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts with opportunities for hunting, fishing, trapping, hiking, and bird watching. The complex features nature trails, ATV trails, and a boat launch with access to Little Alabama and Big Alabama bayous. A shooting range complex consisting of rifle, handgun, archery and skeet shooting is available for year-round use.

Development and management have improved access, habitat, wildlife populations, and public use on the Sherburne WMA complex. Camping is permitted on two designated camping areas, one of each on the northern and southern portions of the area. The complex is located off of Highway 975, which connects with Highway 190 near Krotz Springs on the north, and I-10 at Whiskey Bay on the south near Arnaudville.

Every summer, the Sherburne Wildlife Management Area offers hands-on activities for children and adults during, Step Outside Day. WMA management offers classes in fishing, archery, rock climbing, and more. Rangers also offer Cajun-style cooking and boat tours on the bayou.

Sherburne Wildlife Management Area in Krotz Springs, Louisiana
Sherburne Wildlife Management Area in Krotz Springs, Louisiana
Sherburne Wildlife Management Area in Krotz Springs, Louisiana
Sherburne Wildlife Management Area in Krotz Springs, Louisiana
Sherburne Wildlife Management Area (WMA)2021-03-12T09:49:55-06:00
23 Jul 2018

Savoy Music Center

2024-10-21T14:05:19-05:00

Music fans should certainly add this destination to their itinerary, and visit the studio of the famed accordion craftsman, Marc Savoy, at the Savoy Music Center. Known for his skill, quit wit, and unique philosophy, its no wonder visitors and journalists come from far and wide to this little music shop in Eunice, Louisiana. His hand-crafted accordions are available for purchase.

While you’re there you may also get the chance meet Marc’s wife, Ann, the author of Cajun Music: A Reflection of a People and the singer/musician for numerous bands including the Savoy Family Band and the Magnolia Sisters. On a Saturday morning, it isn’t uncommon to see more talented musicians playing together for the traditional Savoy Jam Session which Marc and Ann have been hosting since 1966. To learn more about Marc Savoy’s accordions and his musically talented family visit, SavoyMusicCenter.com.

Ici on parle français.

Savoy Music Center
Savoy Music Center
Savoy Music Center
Savoy Music Center
Savoy Music Center

Savoy Music Center2024-10-21T14:05:19-05:00
23 Jul 2018

Opelousas Museum

2024-06-24T15:44:43-05:00

The Opelousas Museum is a great destination for those interested in the Civil War, zydeco music, Native American history, or any traveler looking for things to do in Opelousas. The museum explores the history and culture of the Opelousas area from prehistoric times to the present. The Main Exhibit Room tells the story of the Free People of Color as well as Native Americans. The other side of the exhibit space focuses on zydeco, a popular music genre fostered right here in Opelousas. Other exhibits include the Civil War Room, the Louisiana Video Collection Library, the Rodney Milburn Exhibit, and the Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival Archives.

Group tours are available by appointment. Sign up to their newsletter or check out their Facebook page for new programming.

Opelousas Museum & Interpretive Center in Opelousas, Louisiana
Opelousas Museum & Interpretive Center in Opelousas, Louisiana
Opelousas Museum & Interpretive Center in Opelousas, Louisiana
Opelousas Museum & Interpretive Center in Opelousas, Louisiana
Opelousas Museum2024-06-24T15:44:43-05:00
23 Jul 2018

NUNU Arts & Culture Collective

2024-03-11T13:56:17-05:00

Arnaudville’s robust art scene begins at NUNU Arts and Culture Collective, a volunteer-run art gallery, artisan market, and cultural venue. The shopping bug will certainly bite you here as you wander the 5,000-square-foot former Singleton Hardware Store and its vast inventory of fine art, handmade jewelry, pottery, wood and metalwork, blown glass, books, natural bath products, and a whole lot more. NUNU is a must-stop attraction for visitors seeking one-of-a-kind art and/or gifts.

For visitors looking for things to do and the opportunity to meet authentic French Louisiana locals, NUNU collective hosts a multitude of programs including exhibitions, quilting/needlework, drumming circles, a monthly potluck dinner and dance, and French language conversational tables where “All French is Good French.” You can keep up with what’s happening at the collective here.

If traveling with a group, the Jacques Arnaud French Studies Collective, curated by Mavis Arnaud Frugé, provides French immersion workshops designed to give visitors a “mini-taste” of Louisiana French language and culture. Contact the collective for costs. Other arts and cultural workshops are available, as well.

Ici on parle français. French is spoken here.

NUNU Arts & Culture Collective in Arnaudville, Louisiana
NUNU Arts & Culture Collective Drumming Circle in Arnaudville, Louisiana
La Table Francaise d'Arnaudville
NUNU Arts & Culture Collective in Arnaudville, Louisiana
French Table at NUNU Arts & Culture Collective in Arnaudville, Louisiana
NUNU Arts & Culture Collective2024-03-11T13:56:17-05:00

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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