Need a soulful getaway steeped in Creole culture, music, and history? Head to Opelousas! As Louisiana’s third-oldest city and the Zydeco Capital of the World, Opelousas offers flavorful cuisine, vibrant festivals, and deep-rooted traditions. Whether you're dancing to live music, savoring spicy gumbo, or exploring historic landmarks, Opelousas is a feast for the senses.
Opelousas, LA Highlights:
- For Adventurous Travelers: Dance the night away at a Zydeco music hall – Catch live Creole and Zydeco bands at local clubs and festivals.
- For History Buffs: Tour the Opelousas Museum & Interpretive Center – Discover stories of the city’s African American, Creole, and French heritage.
- For Shoppers: Visit Le Vieux Village Heritage Park – Browse artisan crafts and souvenirs in a reconstructed 19th-century village.
- For Couples: Sample Louisiana spirits at the Louisiana Distillers – Sip locally made rum, vodka, and whiskey in a relaxed rural setting.
- For Families: Learn and play at the Creole Heritage Folklife Center – Explore culture through storytelling, exhibits, and interactive workshops.
Best Time to Visit Opelousas, LA
The best time to visit Opelousas is in the spring and fall (March–May and September–November), when festivals are in full swing and the weather is ideal for exploring outdoor markets, historic sites, and parks.
How to Get to Opelousas, LA
- If you are traveling by car: Opelousas is located off I-49, about 25 minutes north of Lafayette and 2.5 hours from New Orleans.
- By Plane: Lafayette Regional Airport (LFT) is the closest airport, offering rental cars and quick access to Opelousas.
- By Bus: Greyhound and regional carriers offer limited service with stops in nearby towns; driving is most convenient.
Where to Stay in Opelousas, LA
- Recommended for Families: Evangeline Downs Hotel – Comfortable accommodations connected to the racetrack and casino with dining and entertainment options.
- For Couples: Maison D’Memoire Bed & Breakfast – Romantic country cottages with lake views, clawfoot tubs, and Southern charm (nearby in Rayne).
- For Budget Travelers: Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Opelousas – Affordable and convenient location with breakfast and easy access to local attractions.
Best Things to Do in Opelousas, LA
⮕ St. Landry Catholic Church
Admire stained glass and explore historic architecture on a peaceful weekend trip.
The St. Landry Catholic Church is the Lafayette Catholic Diocese’s second oldest church parish. While the earliest documented church ritual was a baptism that took place on May 16th of 1756, the parish church wasn’t officially founded until 1770 by French Capuchin friars. The current building was completed in 1909, featuring a Gothic structure and Romanesque motifs. Visitors can view stained-glass windows made by German artisans in France. Guided tours of the church are also available by appointment and during specific weekends in October, costumed re-enactors can be seen portraying historic Opelousas figures during the Historic Reenactments and Cemetery Tours.
St. Landry Catholic Church, 1020 N Main St, Opelousas, LA 70570, Phone: 337-942-6552
⮕ Louisiana Orphan Train Museum
Discover moving stories and see unusual exhibits on an educational family visit
The Louisiana Orphan Train Museum is a unique attraction in the city of Opelousas, Louisiana and considered to be one of the “must” things to do in town for travelers. Located in the Le Vieux Village Heritage Park, the one-of-a-kind museum collects and preserves items related to the history of the “orphan train riders” and the “orphan train.”
The two terms refer to the Orphan Train Movement, the welfare program that took place from 1853 to 1930. During the time period, more than 200,000 orphans were transported to foster homes primarily in rural areas throughout the Midwest.
Louisiana Orphan Train Museum, 223 S Academy St, Opelousas, LA 70570, Phone: 337-948-9922
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
⮕ Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino
Watch live races and enjoy exciting games on a fun night out.
The Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino is situated in the middle of south central Louisiana’s Cajun country in Opelousas and is one of the most popular places to “play” in Acadiana with its full racing calendar and more than 1,300 slot machines.
Thoroughbred horse racing takes place at the Evangeline Downs Racetrack from April through September, followed by quarter horse racing from October through December. Along with a variety of gaming, the casino also offers nightlife and music at Mojo’s Sports Bar or Zydeco’s, and an array of delicious food at places like The Spotted Horse Tavern and The Cajun Buffet.
Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino, 2235 Creswell Ln, Opelousas, LA 70570, Phone: 866-472-2466
⮕ St. Landry Parish Visitor Center
Pick up maps and explore local sights on an easy, quick stop.
The St. Landry Parish Visitor Center, which opened in 2011 off of Interstate 49, is one of Louisiana’s first visitor centers to be designed as an attraction for tourists in itself.
The award-winning center is an example of sustainable practices being incorporated into both the function and design of a building. The history of St.Landry Parish is a rich one as one of the state’s oldest and largest parishes and has been preserved well for visitors. The St. Landry Parish Visitor Center aims to start the conversation about who the people of St. Landry are and where they came from.
St. Landry Parish Visitor Center, 978 Kennerson Rd, Opelousas, LA 70570, Phone: 337-948-8004
⮕ Soileau's Dinner Club
Savor Cajun classics and enjoy an affordable meal in a laid-back setting.
Soileau's Dinner Club in Opelousas, Louisiana is a family-owned and operated restaurant with a history dating back to 1937 when Clarence Soileau first opened the dining establishment. Consistency seems to have been the key to Soileau's Dinner Club’s success for its more than eighty years of operation, and generations have carried on the family commitment of using quality, fresh ingredients in the Cajun tradition.
Open seven days a week, the restaurant serves consistently quality full-service dining, specializing in signature dishes, select fresh Gulf seafood, char-broiled Angus beef, and Cajun and Creole specialties, such as Catfish Opelousas, red snapper, and seafood gumbo.
Soileau's Dinner Club, 1618 N Main St, Opelousas, LA 70570, Phone: 337-942-2985
Where to Eat in Opelousas, LA
- Recommended for Families: Billy’s Boudin & Cracklins – Famous stop for authentic boudin, cracklins, and Cajun snacks to-go.
- For Classic Cajun: Mama’s Fried Chicken – Beloved by locals for spicy, crispy chicken and Creole sides.
- For a Casual Meal: Café Josephine – Creative Cajun-American fusion dishes in a cozy, laid-back setting.
If you are interested in local events:
- For Music Fans: Original Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Festival (Labor Day weekend) – The longest-running Zydeco festival with dancing, music, and food.
- For Foodies: Yambilee Festival (October) – Celebrate the region’s sweet potatoes with live entertainment, rides, and culinary delights.
- For Holiday Fun: Lighting of the Village (December) – Enjoy lights, caroling, and family activities at Le Vieux Village.
Day Trip Itineraries Within 30 Minutes of Opelousas, Louisiana:
- For Food Lovers: Lafayette (25 min) – A hub of Cajun and Creole cuisine, with music clubs, museums, and festivals.
- For Nature Enthusiasts: Chicot State Park (30 min) – Hike or paddle through scenic forests and bayous in Louisiana’s largest state park.
- For History Buffs: Washington, LA (15–20 min) – Explore antique shops and historic buildings in one of the state’s oldest towns.
- For Culture Seekers: Eunice, LA (30 min) – Visit the Cajun Music Hall of Fame or enjoy Saturday night jams at Liberty Theater.
- For Families: Zoo of Acadiana (Broussard) (30 min) – Kid-friendly zoo with animals, playgrounds, and interactive exhibits.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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What is the historical significance of Opelousas, Louisiana?
- The third oldest city in the state of Louisiana, Opelousas is the heart of the St. Landry Parish.
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What makes Opelousas a great place to explore?
- The pretty town is a great place to explore on foot, strolling along the nineteenth-century brick sidewalks and possibly hearing Zydeco music playing during a festival or through the doors of local clubs.
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What type of architecture can be found in Opelousas?
- Visitors will find early twentieth-century, Victorian, and antebellum buildings, such as the "Hidden Capital of Louisiana."
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What kind of food is Opelousas known for?
- There is plenty of delicious Cajun cuisine to be had in Opelousas, making it a great destination for food lovers.
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