Destination Louisiane: Vermilionville sends visitors back to the origins of Cajun culture

LAFAYETTE, La. ( KLFY ) — Nestled in the heart of Cajun Country sits a time warp. Vermilionville, in Lafayette, is a living history museum and folklife park.

Bayou Vermilion District Director of Marketing and Communication Ellen Fucich calls it, “23 acres on the shores of the Vermilion River or bayou, depending on who you ask.”

This walk back in time opened in 1990, but is representative of a far different time.

“We cover the years of 1769 to 1890, and we have them dressed in the era,” Fucich said.

Many visitors to Vermilionville find it quite the experience, connecting them to their past.

“It’s all about connection,” Fucich said. “A lot of people aren’t aware of their own personal history as it relates to the history of the culture. And we highlight the Acadian Culture, Creole Culture and the Indigenous Peoples.”

Part of that history involves stories, music, life skills and also the cooking aspects of life during those times. Vermilionville offers a look into all of those, from spinning yarn demonstrations to cooking classes like this one where visitors learn how to make beignets.

“They learn something,” Fucich said. “Not only do they learn something, they have fun.”

Vermilionville sees about 4,500 visitors a month, about 50,000 in a year. They hope you are next to walk up the stairs and through these doors here at Vermilionville in Lafayette.

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