Attractions
Creole Heritage & Folklife Center - Learn about the rich heritage of the Creole people in Southwest Louisiana–from food to festivals. Committed to nurturing the unique identity of Creole culture, the non-profit organization offers demonstrations, information and events. Hours are Tues.-Fri., 12-4 p.m., Sat. and Sun. by appointment. For more information, call 337.407.0250
Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino
This Racino is the first new facility of its kind to be built from the ground up! More than 1600 slot machines, live horse racing, music, nightlife and great food! Plus, choose from a variety of dining venues.
Historical Churches/Cemeteries -Opelousas boasts a number of historical churches and cemeteries including St. Landry Catholic Church which dates back to the mid 1700s. Other nearby historic churches include Little Zion Baptist Church, Mt. Olive Baptist Church, LA United Memorial Methodist Church and Holy Ghost Catholic Church. Historic cemeteries include St. Landry Catholic Cemetery and Myrtle Grove Cemetery.
Historic District -Nestled in Louisiana’s third oldest city is the Opelousas Historical District, which includes an abundance of historic homes and buildings. Walk on old brick sidewalks dating back to 1838 and view antebellum, Victorian, and turn-of-the century homes and buildings, including the Hidden Capitol of Louisiana on Liberty St. which served as the Governor’s Mansion during the Civil war. To print out a walking tour map, click here, or visit www.cityofopelousas.com or pick up a map at the Opelousas Tourist Center. Phone: 1.800.424.5442.
Historic Michel Prudhomme Home - The home is believed to be the oldest structure in St. Landry Parish. The home is a French Colonial House built in the late 1700’s and currently listed in the National Register of Historic Places. During the Civil War the house was used to house Union officers. The home is currently owned by the Preservationists of St. Landry, Inc. It is available for meetings, receptions and tours.
Louisiana Orphan Train Museum - In 2009, a former Union Pacific Freight Depot was restored to become the Louisiana Orphan Train Museum. The museum features documents, artifacts and memorabilia dedicated to those who were part of the Orphan Train Riders who traveled from New York to Louisiana between the years of 1873 and 1929. Located inside Le Vieux Village at the Opelousas Tourist Center. Hours are 10-3 pm, Tues.-Fri. and 10-2 pm on Sat. For details, call 337 948 9922
Le Vieux Village du Poste des Opelousas -- The Old Village of the Opelousas Poste. This little village was created in 1988 by the Opelousas Tourism and Activities Committee. Many of its structures were donated by families from the area. We invite you to sit back and imagine yourself in any of these old historical buildings that were brought together from various places within St. Landry Parish to form this beautiful little village of the past..from a schoolhouse to a store to a church to a doctor's office. Guided tours are available by special request. Tours are given Tues - Fri on the hour from 10-2 p.m. and by appointment.
Opelousas Museum & Interpretive Center - This history museum is dedicated to collecting, preserving and interpreting objects and artifacts relating to the history and culture of the Opelousas area including things about Native Americans, Cajun and Creole culture and the Civil War. Hours are Mon.-Fri., 8-4:30 p.m.,Sat. 10-2 p.m. The museum is also home to the Geraldine Welch Doll Collection and Olympian Rodney Milburn Exhibit.
