Lafayette, LA is at the heart of Cajun culture and the city expresses flavors, sights, and sounds to delight residents and visitors alike. Along with a wide mix of food and entertainment to suit every budget, you’ll find fun, free things to do in Lafayette Parish.
Make the Drive: 4 Free Things to Do Near Lafayette, LA
1. Acadiana Park Nature Station
Located at 1005 E Alexander Street, Acadiana Park offers many scenic hiking trails as well as a children’s playground set in a natural environment. At the Acadiana Park Nature Station, situated at 1205 E Alexander Street, you can learn about local wildlife such as caterpillars, snakes, and plants.
2. St. John’s Cathedral
The 200-year-old Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist at 515 Cathedral Street is a landmark worth marveling at – even just from the outside. Its castle-like structure stands out in bold red and white brick with striking German Romanesque architectural details including octagon-shaped turrets, rounded arches, and lofty towers.
The property is home to a flourishing, twirling 500-year-old large oak tree that’s quite a remarkable sight. If you venture inside the cathedral, you’ll see beautiful stained-glass windows detailed with biblical figures and a grand altar with a pipe organ, sculpted ceilings, and tall ornate pillars around the pews.
3. Springtime Azalea Trail
March is typically the month when azaleas are in full bloom all over the city of Lafayette. The Azalea Trail is about a 20-mile drive around city streets that lets you take in the beauty of all the springtime azalea bushes in whites, reds, pinks, and purples while riding in your car. Your Cadillac XT4 is the perfect reliable and refined vehicle for cruising these boulevards. Pick up a trail map at the Visitors’ Center at 1400 NW Evangeline Thruway.
Other Flowers Year Round
If you’ve missed the spring Azalea Trail, check the Visitors’ Center for upcoming trail drives. Stunning pink Japanese Magnolia trees bloom here in late January to mid-February while gorgeous pink, red, and white Camellias grace Lafayette’s roadsides from December through February. In late May through July, you’ll likely find pink Myrtle trees on the Azalea Trail.
4. George Rodrigue Gallery
You can view the works of famed Louisiana artist, George Rodrigue, for free in his Lafayette art gallery location at 1434 S College Road. The gallery is typically closed on Sundays and open until 4 pm the rest of the week, but check for current hours before you go. You’ll find many intriguing paintings and prints, including his popular Blue Dog series.
While enjoying free activities in Lafayette Parish, stop by Service Cadillac. We can answer your questions and help you arrange a test drive for a brand-new or certified pre-owned Cadillac or provide parts or maintenance for your vehicle. Service is in our name because it’s what we do best for Cadillac drivers in Louisiana!
Photo courtesy of Pixabay
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