Acadiana Park

Acadiana Park in Lafayette, Louisiana, is a multi-faceted outdoor recreation area catering to nature enthusiasts, families, and casual visitors alike. Spanning over 110 acres, the park is divided into several distinct areas, offering a variety of natural landscapes and recreational facilities. The northern edge of Acadiana Park houses the 150-acre Nature Station, an interpretive environmental center that includes six miles of hiking trails through mature forests, bottomland hardwoods, and cypress swamps. This area is a hotspot for birdwatching, with over 180 bird species recorded, and it serves as an educational hub for ecological programs.

The park itself features a wide range of amenities, including sports facilities such as lighted tennis courts, basketball courts, soccer fields, and a softball diamond. Nature lovers can explore hiking and biking trails or enjoy the elevated boardwalks that wind through the wooded and swampy areas. For those interested in leisure activities, the park offers playgrounds, picnic areas with grills, covered pavilions, and a canoe/kayak launch connected to the Vermilion River.

Acadiana Park also includes a campground with 75 sites equipped with water and electrical hookups, restrooms, and showers, making it an ideal destination for overnight stays. Visitors can enjoy disc golf, mountain biking, or taking walks along Francois Coulee, a small waterway running through the park. The park’s natural history and recreational offerings make it a valued destination for relaxation, education, and adventure.