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Contact Information:
Jean Lafitte National Park Acadian Cultural Center
501 Fisher Rd.
Lafayette, LA 70508
www.nps.gov/Jela

Karl Hakala
(337) 232-0789, fax: (337) 232-5740
JELA_Acadian_Manager@nps.gov

Description:
Discover the story of the Acadian (Cajun) people who settled the prairies, bayous, and marshes of southeast Louisiana at the Acadian Cultural Center in Lafayette. Displays and exhibits explain the origins, migration, settlement, and contemporary culture of the Acadians and other groups who live in the Lafayette area.

Ranger talks and films explore the Acadian story and the mysteries of the Atchafalaya Basin, Louisiana's wildest place. Ranger-guided boat tours on the good ship Cocodrie cruise Bayou Vermillion, first settled by American Indians and later home to farmers, trappers, and traders. Programs and festivals at the center share a variety of local traditions including music, story-telling, dance, and food. The center bookstore sells music, books, and crafts. Park rangers are on duty daily to answer visitor questions and give special talks. Educational programs are available by reservation.

Facility Offerings:

• Hours: Daily 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Dec. 25 and Mardi Gras day.
• Admission is always free.
• Boat Tours - Cruise Bayou Vermilion in a traditional Louisiana boat and learn the history of Lafayette, Louisiana's "Cajun Capital." A National Park Service ranger will share stories of Indians, farmers, trappers, and traders as you watch for wildlife on the banks and relive another era in an old-fashioned bayou "schoolboat." Tours are offered Tuesdays through Saturdays, Sept.2 through Nov. 25. Tickets are available for the boat tour only or for the boat tour, a self-guided tour of Vermilionville Folklife Park of the Bayou Vermilion District, and lunch at Vermilionville's restaurant. Call 337-233-4077 for prices and information.
• Inquire about groups tours and specials functions.