America's Scenic Byways

Zydeco Cajun Prairie Scenic Byway

233 miles - Allow two full days to travel the three driving loops within the overall byway.

The Zydeco-Cajun Prairie Scenic Byway traverses Acadia, St. Landry, and Evangeline parishes, running through numerous small and medium-sized towns, historic districts, picturesque lakes and recreation areas, rich agricultural lands, and mile after mile of open prairieland and wooded areas.

Unique regional and ethnic characteristics converge in this area, forming a rich cultural gumbo like nowhere else in the world. The attractions of the area include live Cajun and Zydeco music, world-famous Cajun cooking, bed and breakfast accommodations, memorabilia of Jim Bowie of Alamo fame, Southern mansions, Civil War battle sites and reenactments, top-notch fishing, boating, and camping, a variety of museums, antique malls and shops, and the famous Fred Tate’s Lounge in Mamou.

The traveler should visit the following communities:

  • Crowley: Rice Capital of the World
  • Eunice: Prairie Cajun Capital
  • Washington: The Williamsburg of Louisiana
  • Opelousas: A Post on the Old Spanish Trail
  • Church Point: Cajun Musicians Capital of the World
  • Rayne: Frog Capital of the World