As the third largest urban area in the state and a growing economic hub, the city of Lafayette, LA offers numerous local landmarks to visitors exploring the region. Whether you are searching for some beautiful architecture, interesting museums, or nature reserves, here are three of the most famous tourist attractions you should not miss while in Lafayette.
Take the Car and Check Out These 3 Tourist Attractions Near Lafayette, LA
1. Old Lafayette City Hall
A small historic building located at 217 West Main Street, the Old Lafayette City Hall is a famous historic attraction in the city center and one of the most easily recognizable examples of Queen Anne architecture in the region. Designed by local architect George Knapp and constructed in the late 19th century, this building housed the Bank of Lafayette for about a decade and served as the city hall until 1939.
The Old Lafayette City Hall was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 and is located in the heart of the city center, making it easily reachable on foot from most other landmarks in the downtown area. Although the building is not open to the public, this place is a common stop in most guided tours around the city.
2. Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist
Founded in the early 1800s and serving as the cathedral of Lafayette Parish since 1918, the Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist is another easily recognizable local landmark located in the western part of the downtown area. Featuring elements of the Romanesque Revival style, this building consists of a red and white brick structure with stained glass panels brought from southern Germany.
The Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 along with the adjacent St. John’s Cemetery, which is the oldest in the city of Lafayette. The interior of the cathedral hosts an impressive Casavant Frères organ and large oil paintings depicting the life of Christ and the Apostles.
3. Vermilionville Historic Village
Located just three miles southeast of the Lafayette downtown area, Vermilionville Historic Village is a living history museum featuring restored houses and historic structures owned by the Creole and Cajun people of the area. An important tourist attraction, this historic village can be reached in about 10 minutes by car via route US-90. Opening hours are Tuesday through Sunday between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm.
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