Field Trips at the Prairie Acadian Cultural Center

Due to ongoing maintenance, field trips to the Prairie Acadian Cultural Center are temporarily discontinued.

At the Prairie Acadian Cultural Center in Eunice, curriculum-based programs are available for students pre-kindergarten through 8th grade. Just for fun, students can also enjoy scavenger hunts in the visitor center and videos on subjects from the Acadian deportation to music to Mardi Gras to the Houma Indians. Call 337-457-8499 for more information and reservations.

• At the Fais-Do-Do (pre-K through kindergarten), students "attend" a fais-do-do, pretending they're the grownups dancing to the music and putting the dolls to bed with a whispered, "Fais do-do." Cajun, Creole, and zydeco music is featured until it's "midnight" and time to go home.
• Bal de Maison (1st - 3rd grades) introduces students to Cajun music with the help of the center's volunteer musicians. Rangers and volunteers share the history of Cajun music, demonstrate instruments, explain what makes Cajun music Cajun, teach students to play simple instruments like spoons and triangles, and offer Cajun dancing lessons.
• Olden Days and Cajun Ways (4th - 6th grades) relates the lives of modern students to the good old days through toys, tools, and common household objects. Ordinary artifacts like soap, coffee grinders, and children's toys tell a story of who made them and who used them.
• Cajun Cooking (7th - 8th grades) uses gumbo as the basis for lessons in history and culture. Students hear the history of the Acadian ancestors in Nova Scotia and can compare food and resources available there with what the deported Acadians found in south Louisiana. Varieties of gumbos reveal the influence of geography, traditional ethnic groups, and new influences.

 

Field Trip Information for Teachers

Plan like a Park Ranger! Be prepared for your field trip and learn about our facility and programs below.

Parking

Buses may pull up to the sidewalk on Park Avenue to let students off. Once all students, chaperones, and teachers are off the bus, the bus can park on Park Avenue.

Food & Drink

A water fountain is available at the Prairie Acadian Cultural Center, but there are no food or drinks to purchase. Although a lunch break will not be included in the program, you are welcome to plan to eat your bag lunches in our courtyard.
No food, drink, or gum is allowed in the museum. Plan to leave them on the bus.

Leave No Trace

Dispose of Waste Properly. Take all trash with you. 

Leave what you find. Leave all natural objects where you find them. 

Respect wildlife. Although we are in the city, we still have wildlife such as squirrels, insects, snakes, birds, and racoons (to name a few). Observe wildlife from a distance and never feed them. 

Be considerate of other visitors. Avoid loud voices and noises. 

Facility Rules

Food, drinks, chewing gum, and candy are not allowed in the museum. Food particles attract pests that could be harmful to the exhibits. Please leave lunches and drinks on the bus. 

Remember this is a Cultural Center! People from all over the world come to learn about Cajun culture. Please show respect by being polite and attentive. 

Stay with your group! Pay close attention, follow directions, and stay together so we may complete your program. 

Be aware of your surroundings and don’t run. Keep yourself and others safe by being respectful and walking in the building. 

Chaperones

Plan early! Jean Lafitte requires a chaperone for every ten students. Extra chaperones are welcome.

What to Bring

If your program takes place inside our facility, consider bringing a light jacket or sweater.

Accessibility

Learn about accessibility at our park here. Have any questions or concerns? Let us know! Send us an email or call the Prairie Acadian Cultural Center at [phone].

How to Register

Due to ongoing maintenance, field trips to the Prairie Acadian Cultural Center are temporarily discontinued.

Get More Info

Have questions about our field trips or facilities? Send us an email or call the Prairie Acadian Cultural Center at [phone].