 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.
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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.
- Liberty Theater and the Liberty Center for Performing Arts is a renovated 1924 vaudeville house, home to a weekly Cajun music radio and TV show every Saturday night. Located at 200 Park Avenue in Eunice. Phone 337.457.7389 for more information.
- 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.
- The Cajun Prairie Habitat Preservation Society was founded in 1989 by a group of prairie enthusiasts. The main purpose of the society is to restore the prairie habitat located in Eunice.
- The Cajun French Music Hall of Fame and Museum is located at 240 South C.C. Duson Street. It is dedicated to promote and preserve Cajun music and culture. Phone 337.457.6534 for hours and information.
Scenes Around Eunice
Exhibit area at the
Prairie Acadian Cultural Center |
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"Gateway to the Great Southwest Prairie" mural in Eunice |
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Liberty Center |
Cajun Music Hall of Fame |
Interior of the Eunice Depot Museum |
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