Acadian Cultural Center - Lafayette

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 (Tuesday, February 12, in 2013). 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. 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

• field trips for school and other groups by reservation.
• Girl and Boy Scout programs.
• dulcimer jams 9:30-11:00 a.m. on second and fourth Saturday of the month (May 11 and 25, June 8 and 22). The Cajun Dulcimer Society and its core group, the Lagniappe Dulcimer Society from Baton Rouge, share their music. Bring an acoustic instrument and join in or just enjoy. Free.
• summer day camps for kids---learn more here.

For more information on Cajun history and culture, check out

• www.lafayettetravel.com
• www.acadie1755.ca
• www.acadianacenterforthearts.org