The city of Lafayette, Louisiana, is packed with places where you and yours can learn of its interesting history. Please take a look at our list of favorite historical destinations below. You might be surprised by what you find.
Vermillionville
To experience the living history of Louisiana head over to the 23-acre Vermillionville. At Vermillionville, you’ll discover 19 attractions, including musical and cultural performances, food offerings, and arts and crafts workshops where villagers do everything as it was done in the early days of colonization. Immerse yourself in the history and cultural works of the Acadians, Creoles, and Native Americans who populated this area from 1765 to 1890.
Take home a piece of that history by purchasing one of the handmade items that are crafted there daily. Take a walk through the large Healer’s Garden, a space packed with vibrant flowers, buzzing honeybees, and many forms of wildlife. Vermillionville is located at 300 Fisher Road in Lafayette.
The Center for Louisiana Studies
To thumb through the history of Lafayette, head over to the Center for Louisiana Studies at The University of Louisiana at Lafayette, situated at 104 East University Ave. There, you’ll find a treasure trove of information painstakingly gathered by dedicated researchers since the center’s founding in 1973. This center works to preserve the heritage of the state, from the practices of the state’s native peoples to the music of the colonists who came after them.
The center is housed on the third floor of the Edith Garland Dupre Library on campus but is raising funds to move to a new location. If you cherish the history of Lafayette and Louisiana at large, consider donating to aid the center’s members in their efforts.
Dwyer’s Cafe
While you’re discovering the history of Lafayette, you’re bound to get hungry. When you do, feel free to eat at Dwyer’s Cafe, a historic location that has been a mainstay of Lafayette cuisine since 1927. The entrees change daily, so you’re sure to find something surprisingly delicious at this location. Dwyer’s is honored to have fed the hard workers of FDR’s Civilian Conservation Corps in its early days, and it will pleasantly serve you and your fellow guests when you arrive.
Dwyer’s Cafe sits at 323 Jefferson St. in Lafayette and is open Monday through Sunday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cane River National Heritage Area
On the banks of the Cane River in nearby Natchitoches, Louisiana, you’ll find the Cane River National Heritage Area, a place where French, Spanish, Native American, American, African, and Creole cultures meet. This area is packed with historic locations, including an expansive 63-acre park, the Melrose Plantation, churches and cemeteries from earlier days, and an array of colonial-era forts. The Melrose Plantation alone consists of 18 acres of buildings, including a plantation store, blacksmith shop, gin barn, cabins, and a historic slave hospital. The Cane River National Heritage Area rests at 1115 Washington St. in nearby Natchitoches, Louisiana.
Lafayette and the surrounding area are home to a wide array of historical sites and treasures. Discover them on your next vacation or weekend off and enjoy sifting through the past of this wonderful city and state.
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