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

Jesuit Spirituality Center at St. Charles College

2021-03-12T09:52:28-06:00

Founded in 1837, St. Charles College in Grand Coteau, Louisiana is the site of the first Jesuit College in the South. Today, it functions as a Jesuit seminary and spirituality center. The massive brick structure was built in 1909 to replace the original, which was destroyed by fire. The extensive grounds include the dairy barn, another Grand Coteau landmark, which was used when the Jesuit College was a fully sustainable complex.

The Jesuit Spirituality Center offers a variety of retreats and workshops for men and women that focus on different spiritual practices. Events are available on the 3rd, 4th, 8th, and 30th of each month by reservation only. You can get a list of events on their website, JesuitSpiritualityCenter.org.

The grounds of the center are private and only available to registered guests or by appointment.

  • Monday-Friday 8am-12pm, 1pm-5pm

  • 313 East Martin Luther King Drive, Grand Coteau, Louisiana 70541

  • 337-662-5251

  • JesuitSpiritualityCenter.org

  • office@jesuitspiritualitycenter.org

Jesuit Spirituality Center at St. Charles College in Grand Coteau, Louisiana
Jesuit Spirituality Center at St. Charles College in Grand Coteau, Louisiana
Jesuit Spirituality Center at St. Charles College in Grand Coteau, Louisiana
Jesuit Spirituality Center at St. Charles College in Grand Coteau, Louisiana
Jesuit Spirituality Center at St. Charles College2021-03-12T09:52:28-06:00
23 Jul 2018

Jean Lafitte National Park & Preserve – Prairie Acadian Cultural Center

2025-07-31T16:23:28-05:00

Learn all about the history and folk traditions of the prairie Cajuns at the Prairie Acadian Cultural Center. The center is a unit of the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, and is located in Eunice, Louisiana. The only one of its kind, the center tells the story of the Acadians who settled the prairie region of Southwest Louisiana and has a full demonstration kitchen used to teach old Cajun recipes. View extensive exhibits and artifacts interpreting the history, language, music, and architecture of the Cajuns. Interpretive panels in French and English explain the history of the deportation of the Acadians and the migration of other cultures to Louisiana. Visit the Courir de Mardi Gras Exhibit to see costumes and photos to follow the history of the chicken run.

The center also has a wide selection of Louisiana gifts available for sale. Browse through a library of books for adults and children, Cajun and zydeco music cd's, toys, and crafts. Bring your junior ranger to the park to get one step closer to owning a junior ranger badge.

Every week, music, crafts, and Cajun cooking demos take place at the center. Visitors can learn how to Cajun waltz during the interpretive musical performances or learn more about hand quilting in the crafting exhibit. You can keep up with the center's special programs at NPS.gov.

Ici on parle français. French is spoken here.

  • Tuesday-Wednesday 9:30am-4:30pm | Thursday 12pm-7pm | Friday-Saturday 9:30am-4:30pm

  • 250 West Park Avenue, Eunice, Louisiana 70535

  • Free admission

  • 337-457-8499

Jean Lafitte National Park Prairie Acadian Cultural Center in Eunice, Louisiana Jean Lafitte National Park Prairie Acadian Cultural Center in Eunice, Louisiana
Jean Lafitte National Park Prairie Acadian Cultural Center in Eunice, Louisiana
Jean Lafitte National Park Prairie Acadian Cultural Center in Eunice, Louisiana
Jean Lafitte National Park Prairie Acadian Cultural Center in Eunice, Louisiana
Jean Lafitte National Park Prairie Acadian Cultural Center in Eunice, Louisiana
Jean Lafitte National Park Prairie Acadian Cultural Center in Eunice, Louisiana
Jean Lafitte National Park & Preserve – Prairie Acadian Cultural Center2025-07-31T16:23:28-05:00
23 Jul 2018

Indian Bayou Area

2021-09-21T16:01:36-05:00

Indian Bayou is a 28,500 acre, public access area located in the heart of the Atchafalaya Basin. You can access part of this area in Krotz Springs, Louisiana. Experience Louisiana's outdoors by boat, ATV, or on your own two feet. Find indigenous plants, trees, and wildlife along the area's trails, or bring your binoculars and find several species of native birds. Fishing is also available in Indian Bayou, and you can launch your boat at the basin boat launch.

To get to the wildlife management area, take Highway 190 off of Interstate 49. Continue on Highway 190 traveling east toward Baton Rouge until you get to Highway 105. Travel south for 11.5 miles to the ranger station, the fifth parking area on the right. The area is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

  • West Atchafalaya Levee Road, Krotz Springs, Louisiana 70750

  • 337-585-0853

  • MVN.USAce.Army.Mil

Indian Bayou Area in Krotz Springs, Louisiana
Indian Bayou Area in Krotz Springs, Louisiana
Indian Bayou Area in Krotz Springs, Louisiana
Indian Bayou Area in Krotz Springs, Louisiana
Indian Bayou Area in Krotz Springs, Louisiana
Indian Bayou Area2021-09-21T16:01:36-05:00
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

Eunice Depot Museum

2022-06-10T11:06:01-05:00

The Eunice Depot Museum is housed in the old train depot from which C.C. Duson sold the first land sites in 1894 for the town named after his wife, Eunice. Restored in 1984, the building is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and contains exhibits and collections depicting the lifestyles of the early settlers of this Cajun prairie town. The museum is a time capsule of items such as clothing, tools, toys and antique items that you may not even recognize. The Courir de Mardi Gras exhibit gives a brief history of the unique rituals that take place and colorful clothing that is worn by revelers during the carnival season.

The museum is located in downtown Eunice, Louisiana, right next to the Cajun French Music Hall of Fame & Museum and walking distance from shops and the Jean Lafitte National Park Prairie Acadian Cultural Center. A statue of Clovis Crawfish stands out front celebrating the famous children's stories of Eunice resident, Mary Alice Fontenot.

If you're wondering where in Eunice or St. Landry Parish that you should head next, the Eunice Chamber of Commerce, located just next door, doubles as a tourist information center. They are open Monday-Friday from 9am-3pm, or you can call them at 337-457-2565.

Ici on parle français. French is spoken here.

  • Wednesday-Saturday 8:30am-4:30pm

  • 220 South C. C. Duson Street, Eunice, Louisiana 70535

  • Free Admission

  • 337-457-6540

Eunice Depot Museum in Eunice, Louisiana
Eunice Depot Museum in Eunice, Louisiana
Eunice Depot Museum in Eunice, Louisiana
Eunice Depot Museum in Eunice, Louisiana
Eunice Depot Museum2022-06-10T11:06:01-05:00
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

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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