Located near Lafayette, Louisiana, Vermilionville is a 23-acre historic and folklife park that brings to life Acadian, Creole, and Native American cultures from the time period 1765 – 1890. The replica settlement was created back in 1990 with the mission of increasing appreciation for the history, culture, and natural resources of the native people. With gathered historic interpretations and conservation efforts along the Bayou Vermilion, guests are educated on what life was like back in the 18th and 19th century and how it applies to the lives we lead today.
This historic village offers guided tours, live music, cooking classes, dance lessons, boat tours, and a gift shop. Costumed artisans occupy the buildings on site in time period clothing. Surprisingly, all of the costumed artisans are actually descendants of Acadians, Native Americans, or African Creoles. All of the buildings on site have been relocated to this area from their original dwelling. The historic buildings onsite include but are not limited to: a schoolhouse, blacksmith, boat house, church, and Native American Common Ground. You can tell the age of the structures by the great amount of wear and tear on the hundreds of years old oak floors.
Our tour guide Ivy was an asset to the Vermillionville experience, adding in many details that we would not have known otherwise. Ivy explained that In the 1880’s, Vermillionville’s name was changed to Lafayette in honor of the Marquis de Lafayette, a nobleman and military officer known for his role in the French and American Revolutions. Now, the city is formally known as Lafayette. Its inhabitants were the result of thousands of French Canadians from Acadia driven away from their homes by the British during the French and Indian War. Over the years, the name Acadian changed into Cajun which is now recognized as the area’s culture, characterized by unique music, food, and history.
During the tour we were also treated to experiencing the Cajun Jam Sessions where local musicians come together once a week to jam together with traditional cajun songs. It was a highlight of the tour to see live music by extremely skilled players.
Before my tour around Vermillionville, I stopped to have a delicious catfish lunch at La Cuisine de Maman on site. The restaurant serves classic Louisiana dishes like Po-Boys, red beans and rice, crawfish and shrimp, and savory gumbo. It gave off a very homey vibe, just like being in Mama’s kitchen at home. On select days of the week, special lunch and buffet discounts are offered for all guests looking to indulge in some southern comfort food.
Vermilionville is open six days a week: Tuesday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Admissions end daily at 3 p.m. It is recommended that you set aside an hour to an hour and a half to explore the village and all the history it holds. Tickets for adults are $10.00, $8.00 for senior citizens, $6.00 for children/students, and free for children under the age of five. We highly suggest this historic and folklife park for anyone looking to learn more about Cajun culture.