Louisiana Destinations ... Travel Across the Bayou State


Welcome to Eunice, Louisiana, in Cajun Country
Welcome to Eunice, Louisiana

Eunice Louisiana

Located in Cajun Country in south central Louisiana, Eunice is the home of about 10,000 residents, and is known as "Louisiana's Prairie Cajun Capital". Eunice is a lively city that actively celebrates its history and French culture.

Lying amid rice fields and crawfish ponds glistening in the sun and decorated with the colorful wildflowers of the prairie, the city of Eunice offers visitors the opportunity to learn the story of the area’s extensive Cajun culture.

Excellent Cajun cooking abounds in Eunice, whether your tastes tend to Seafood Gumbo, Crawfish Etouffee, Crawfish Bisque, Crawfish Pie, Fried Crawfish, Boudin or maybe even Fried Alligator!

Also located there is the campus of Louisiana State University at Eunice (LSUE).

In September 1894, developer CC Duson auctioned off 150 lots, establishing the town of Eunice, named after his wife Eunice Pharr Duson.

Location of Eunice

Eunice is located in St. Landry Parish along U.S. Highway 190, with Opelousas to the east, and Kinder to the west. The City of Mamou lies to the north along Louisiana Highway 13, and to the south is Crowley.

 

Attractions and things to do in Eunice, Louisiana

While the town is well known for producing some renown musicians, Eunice is most popular for its spectacular Mardi Gras celebration, called the Courir de Mardi Gras. This event showcases some of the most unique cultural customs and the best sampling of live music and Cajun cuisine.

Eunice is in the heart of the top crawfish-producing area in the United States. Blessed with this natural resource, the World Championship Crawfish Étouffée Cook-Off was started in 1986 to showcase the local crawfish industry and chefs. Held on the last Sunday in March (except when it conflicts with Easter) at the Northwest Pavilion, the Étouffée Cook-Off attracts locals and visitors who appreciate good cookin’! Teams compete to see who can cook the best crawfish étouffée (smothered crawfish).

The week in Eunice starts on Saturday mornings, with hot boudin sausage, coffee and the open Cajun jam session at Savoy’s Music Center. This 40-year-old tradition, where old hands play alongside up-and-comers, was started by a local accordion-maker and is still going strong.

On Saturday evenings, the historic Liberty Theater broadcasts a live Cajun radio show. It makes sense that Eunice would also house the Cajun Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Here, greats like “Doc” Guidry and “Happy Fats” LeBlanc are commemorated, and the story of Cajun music is told.

Here are details of some of the most popular Eunice area attractions:

  • The popular Savoy Music Center is located at 4413 Highway 190-E in Eunice. Phone 337.457.9563 for hours and information. Music fans should certainly add this destination to their itinerary, and visit the studio of the famed accordion craftsman, Marc Savoy. Known for his skill, quit wit, and unique philosophy, its no wonder visitors and journalists come from far and wide to this little music shop in Eunice. His hand-crafted accordions are available for purchase.
  • The Jean Lafitte Prairie Acadian Cultural Center is operated by the National Park Service (NPS). The Acadian exiles from Canada's Nova Scotia who settled Louisiana's prairies developed a distinctive cultural mix of Cajun, Creole, and cowboy. The Prairie Acadian Cultural Center tells this story through ranger programs, exhibits, and films. The center features cooking and crafts demonstrations, local musicians, and dancing for all. Center admission is free, and it is located at 250 Park Avenue in Eunice.
  • The popular Eunice Depot Museum is housed in the old train depot from which C.C. Duson sold the first land. Phone 337.457.6540 for hours and information. The museum is located at 220 S C C Duson Street.


Scenes Around Eunice

Exhibit area at the Prairie Acadian Cultural Center
Exhibit area at the Prairie Acadian Cultural Center in Eunice, Louisiana
"Gateway to the Great Southwest Prairie" mural in Eunice
"Gateway to the Great Southwest Prairie" mural in Eunice, Louisiana
Liberty Center
The Liberty Center in Eunice, Louisiana
Cajun Music Hall of Fame
The Cajun Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Eunice, Louisiana
Interior of the Eunice Depot Museum
Interior of the Eunice Depot Museum in Southwest Louisiana

 

Interactive map of Eunice, Louisiana, courtesy of Google Maps


More Eunice Area Information

St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission

Eunice at LouisianaTravel.com
The Official Travel Website of the State of Louisiana

City of Eunice on Facebook

Louisiana State University at Eunice

St. Landry Parish Government

St. Landry Parish Economic Development

Eunice Chamber of Commerce

Eunice Mardi Gras

Eunice Weather at Weather Underground

Eunice Travel Guide at TripAdvisor



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