Volunteer Tante (Aunt) Ruth shares a story with local children.
The Acadian Cultural Center in Lafayette tells stories of the origins, migration, settlement, and contemporary culture of the Acadians (Cajuns) and other area groups. Ranger programs, films, exhibits, and events share a variety of local traditions including music, story-telling, dance, and food, and explore the mysteries of the Atchafalaya Basin, Louisiana's wildest place. Kids can explore the center and earn a badge with the Junior Ranger program. The center bookstore sells music, books, and crafts. Admission to the center is free. Click here for directions and for program listings for specific dates.
501 Fisher Road, Lafayette
337-232-0789
Open daily 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Closed December 25 and Mardi Gras (February 21 in 2012). Useful information about public transportation, regulations on pets, etc., is available here.
Regularly scheduled programs:
- Every day at 2:45 p.m., rangers give free talks on local history and culture. (No talk on Mardi Gras, Tuesday, February 21; center closed.)
- On the second and fourth Saturdays of the month, enjoy a free dulcimer jam session 10:00-11:30 a.m. Presented by the Cajun Dulcimer Society and its core group, the Lagniappe Dulcimer Society from Baton Rouge, the jam session features Cajun, folk, country, and Celtic music as well as hymns. Bring your acoustic instrument and join in or just enjoy!
- Discover the beauty of everyday life in Louisiana with the works of Joseph Lewis, on exhibit February 1 through March 5 in honor of National African American History Month. Lewis works in a variety of mediums---wood, photography, and painting---to express his respect for his heritage and his love of the land. Free.
- In spring and fall, ranger-guided boat tours on the good ship Cocodrie cruise Bayou Vermilion, first settled by American Indians and later home to farmers, trappers, and traders.
Special events and programs
For more information on Cajun history and culture, check out
