Location: Opelousas
Top Things to do in Opelousas
- 1. St. Landry Catholic Church
- 2. Historic Washington Art Gallery
- 3. Le Vieux Village de Poste des Opelousas
- 4. Louisiana Orphan Train Museum
- 5. Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino
- 6. St. Landry Parish Visitor Center
- 7. Opelousas Museum & Interpretive Center
- 8. Opelousas Historic Walking Tour
- 9. The Spotted Cat Antiques
- 10. Evangeline Downs Event Center
What to do and see in Opelousas, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Opelousas (French:les Opelousas) is a small city in and the parish seat of St. Landry Parish, Louisiana, United States. It lies at the junction of Interstate 49 and U.S. Route 190. The population was 22,860 at the 2000 census. Although the 2006 population estimate was 23,222, a 2004 annexation should have put the city's population above 25,000. In the 2010 census, but the population shrank to 16,634. Opelousas is the principal city for the Opelousas-Eunice Micropolitan Statistical Area, which had an estimated population of 92,178 in 2008. Opelousas is also the third-largest city in the Lafayette-Acadiana Combined Statistical Area, which has a population of 537,947.
Restaurants in Opelousas
1. St. Landry Catholic Church
Overall Ratings
5 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By HappyPenny - Texas, the Lone Star State
An absolutely beautiful church. The interior is massive, with gorgeous stained-glass windows and a very impressive altar. Mass is held every weekday at 12:10pm.
Definitely worth seeing, compared to most other historical churches I’ve visited in this part of the world. Be sure to check out the cemetery next door.
2. Historic Washington Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By Anne M
Located in a great old antique church building. Lots of art ranging from large oil and acrylic painting to small watercolor and digital art. Also some artisan jewelry and pottery. Welded yard art. Painted windows. All done by local artists. All price ranges and just great things to see.
3. Le Vieux Village de Poste des Opelousas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By Travelcrow - Woodstock, Vermont
Wonderful collection of old buildings brought to this location from Opelousas and surrounding towns. You visit each building at your own pace and they are wonderfully accessible. The country store is exceptional. Step back in time to the 1800s and earlier. The Louisiana Orphan Train Museum is also located on these same grounds. Very relaxing to wander through the buildings and around the grounds. Peaceful. A nice outdoor memorial to a local High School Coach is included. In the office building there is a room dedicated to zydeco music and the great musicians from that area. Very friendly staff.
4. Louisiana Orphan Train Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By Pat M - Asheville, North Carolina
After reading the book Orphan Train by Christina Kline, a stop at the orphan train museum in Opelousas LA was a must-do while traveling through the area. It was not a disappointment. Two direct descendants of orphans from the train were volunteering at the museum at the time we visited, and they made the history of the orphans come alive. The museum has done an excellent job of locating descendants and of displaying photos and memorabilia. In fact, one of the orphans who lived in the area and was a supporter of the museum died recently. I highly recommend this museum for those who have heard of the orphan trains and for those who will be surprised to learn of them.
5. Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 62 reviews
Reviewed By Kjprejean - Lawtell, Louisiana
Have been eating at the Cajun buffet for years, in the last year their food is terrible. I understand the ownership was changing and gave them the benefit of the doubt. Well, that didn't happen, quit going there and now go to Lafayette, la to eat. The only place I know that cooks a prime rib roast to medium, destroys this fine piece of meat.
6. St. Landry Parish Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
5 based on 3 reviews
The center, opened in May 2011, not only provides travelers with information on the area, including historic and cultural traditions, but it is one of the first visitor information centers in the state and the southern region that has a focus on sustainability and green construction. The building was designed to show how sustainable practices, both old and new, can work together for the betterment of the region. Sustainable features of the center include a water cistern, wind turbine and photovoltaic panels. Building materials were salvaged during construction to reuse for the creation of an art exhibit and functional pieces to be shown and utilized within the center. This project was completed by area artists, craftsmen and students. Travelers are also introduced to the various ecosystems found within the area. The landscape design plays an integral part in this project utilizing indigenous plantings and trees from St. Landry Parish, reflecting several of Louisiana's ecosystems. Our Our travel counselors are ready to provide group or individual tours of the facility. We look forward to seeing you in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana!
Reviewed By kayak0036 - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
First off, clean bathrooms.
Second, awesome design of the entire center is inspiring. Educational displays, a wall of brochures and maps, the requisite vending machines, all overseen by a friendly local/staffer who was more than happy to share stories and info/advice (both personal a professional).
Don't miss this stop, if only to see the blooming irises (hope you catch them in full bloom) surrounding the grounds.
7. Opelousas Museum & Interpretive Center
Overall Ratings
4 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By HappyPenny - Texas, the Lone Star State
This is a nice little museum if you need to kill an hour in Opelousas. The lady in the office was very kind and welcoming, there is a clean bathroom in the back, and the museum is air-conditioned. On a hot day in Louisiana, these might be enough reasons to stop in.
As long as you understand that this is a very small, hometown museum, you’ll probably find it interesting. Admission is free, but they accept donations. There is plenty of parking in front.
8. Opelousas Historic Walking Tour
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Ocean_Rover_Blue_Wat - Lafayette, Louisiana
There are 84 places to see in Opelousas per this tour. It is an excellent guide, not only to the buildings of Opelousas, but to the history of Opelousas. I was able to do it in a day and did photo shoots on each location. I learned so much about the the culture and past of Opelousas and St. Landry Parish. Overwhelmed by so many locations? Just do the ones you have interest in and or time for. I enjoyed it immensely. I wish there was one for Lafayette!
9. The Spotted Cat Antiques
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 3 reviews
Spotted Cat Antiques is a unique one of a kind market. We are a 30,000 sq ft. Wonderland.Then theres Cat Alley Architectural Salvage filled with old wood,doors,windows,cypress barn doors,rusty knobs,hinges,etc.If your coming down you must come see what the CAT drug in!
Reviewed By janet a - Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Don't allow purses. Tell you to use tiny lockers with dollar store locks. Selective about who can take a purse in. From the sound of their conversation, friends are not held to rule. Lockers were too small not to ruin my purse by wedging it in. Saw at least five women walking around with purses so took mine in. Was accosted rudely in store by woman who said I could put my purse in tiny locker or leave. I left. When I called later to complain I was told they had problems with shoplifting and police told them not to allow purse and that the good always have to suffer for the bad. I drove from Baton Rouge to go to several places like this in the area and no one else has this policy. These people are just too lazy to pay for security or walk around to keep an eye on things. They all stay at the front to talk to their friends. Their website references women "thinking" they have to have a purse. I "think" I need a purse to carry rescue inhalers for my husband and myself. I also carry heart medication for myself and candy and other things in case my husband's blood sugar drops too low because his diabetes is not always stable. Do you think I should have to just carry these along with my wallet so that these people won't have to pay for security? I will also be complaining to the local police department and the chamber of commerce. This is not the way to bring I visitors.
10. Evangeline Downs Event Center
The Event Center at Evangeline Downs is the perfect destination for your next big event! This all-new multi-purpose facility can accommodate groups of up to 600 for seated dining events such as receptions, conventions, and seminars; and up to 1200 for gatherings such as indoor music festivals, concerts, family reunions and comedy shows. Has one of the finest banquet services in Acadiana.
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