Apr 16, 2024, 12:40 PM IST

8 Best Things to Do in Opelousas

Emily Horn

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1. Louisiana Orphan Train Museum 

This museum provides a glimpse into the lives of orphans who were relocated from New York to Opelousas as part of a resettlement program. The museum is housed in a restored depot and features photographs and personal items from the orphans.

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2. St. Landry Catholic Church 

A historical landmark, this church combines Gothic and Romanesque Revival elements and offers guided tours that delve into its storied past.

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3. Le Vieux Village de Poste des Opelousas 

Visit this historical park to see various artifacts and exhibits, including the Jim Bowie Display and the Zydeco Music Exhibit, which celebrates the local music genre native to this area.

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4. Opelousas Museum & Interpretive Center  

This museum offers a comprehensive look at the local history and cultural evolution of the area, from its earliest days to the present, featuring unique collections like the Geraldine Smith Welch Doll Collection.

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5. Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino 

For those interested in gaming and horse racing, this venue provides an exciting environment with both a casino and a racetrack.

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6. Creole Heritage & Folklife Center 

Learn about the rich Creole culture through artifacts, photographs, and stories preserved in a Victorian home maintained as it was in the early 20th century.

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7. Zydeco Music Exhibit 

Installed at the Le Vieux Village, this exhibit highlights the history and stars of Zydeco music, a rhythm and blues style that is integral to the cultural landscape of Southwest Louisiana.

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8. Historic Walking Tours 

Take a guided walk through the historic districts of Opelousas, where you can see a range of architectural styles and learn about the city's role as the "Hidden Capital of Louisiana" during the Civil War.

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