Lafayette, LA Tourist Attractions

The Lafayette Science Museum developed from service projects of Les Deux Douzaines in the late 1960s, an active local women's organization, that in French means "the two dozen". The exhibits feature history, culture and the fine arts. This modern regional museum is housed in a readapted downtown former department store originally built around 1918.

The Acadian Cultural Center tells the story of the Acadians who settled, fished, hunted, and trapped throughout the prairies, bayous, and marshes of southern Louisiana. Their history, language, music, and architecture are highlighted to tell the story of their everyday life.

The Acadian Village in Lafayette is a replica of a late 1800 Acadian Village. The village consists of eight authentic Acadian homes, complete with replicas of a general store, blacksmith's shop and chapel. Ten acres of gardens and woodlands are also located within the village.

The oldest portion of the Alexandre Mouton House was built around 1800 by Jean Mouton, who was the founder of Lafayette, for use as a town or Sunday house. The home is furnished in period with displays that include heirlooms, local historical memorabilia, and Mardi Gras costumes.

The Cajundome in Lafayette is home to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Ragin Cajuns Basketball team. It hosts various events and concerts. The Convention Center, located adjacent to the Cajundome, is available for conventions, meetings, trade shows or events.

Vermilionville in Lafayette features the traditions and heritage of the Acadian settlers of the 18th century. Demonstrations of arts and skills that have been preserved and handed down from previous generations are presented by costumed craftspeople and historians.

The Children's Museum of Acadiana in Lafayette features hands-on exhibits that include an operating room, an ambulance, a television newsroom, and a bank. The museum is geared to children 2 to 12 years of age.

The Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum in Lafayette presents works of art unique to the cultural heritage of Southwestern Louisiana. Exhibits include paintings, prints, drawings, sculpture, and photography.

The Acadiana Center for the Arts in Lafayette features classical paintings and modern sculpture, as well as musical performances and locally written plays.