Founded in the 1890s by Curley Duson (and named after his wife), Eunice is considered the prairie Cajun capital of Louisiana. It lies at a crossroads between Baton Rouge and Beaumont in the south. Eunice is renowned for its musical heritage, with a weekend jam session and live radio show broadcast from here since 1987.
Things to do in Eunice
In the heart of Eunice is the Prairie Acadian Cultural Center, which serves as an exhibition space for the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. Learn about the legacy of the Louisiana Acadians as you browse the cultural artefacts on display or coincide your visit with one of the ranger-led events. At the on-site store, you’ll find everything from Cajun cookbooks to zydeco music for sale.
Nearby is the Cajun Music Hall of Fame and Museum, which offers a fascinating insight into the region’s musical heritage. Its exhibits explore the roots of Cajun music and highlight some of the people who played an important role in shaping the genre. Learn about the legacy of Iry Lejeune and Joe Falcon, as well as the first woman to record Cajun music, Cleoma Falcon.
One of Eunice’s most important architectural landmarks is the Liberty Theatre, a 1924 renovated vaudeville house that regularly hosts Cajun and zydeco performances. On Saturday evenings, it provides the stage for the “Rendez-vous des Cajuns,” which is broadcast live on radio and TV. Before or after the show, you can grab a bite to eat at Cafe Mosaic or dine on American fare at Ruby’s.
Getting around Eunice
Eunice is around 45 minutes’ drive from Lafayette and just under an hour from Lafayette Regional Airport, which has flights to destinations across the United States. Buses connect to Eunice, although renting a car will give you greater freedom to explore the city.