Evangeline Parish, Louisiana is located in the center of the state and is bordered by St. Landry Parish to the east, Acadia Parish to the west, Allen Parish to the north, and Rapides Parish to the south. The parish has a population of 33,984 as of 2018 and its largest city is Ville Platte with a population of 7,303.
According to dictionaryforall.com, the history of Evangeline Parish dates back to 1807 when it was created out of lands previously part of Opelousas District. The parish was named after Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem “Evangeline” which tells the story of two lovers separated by war.
Evangeline Parish features several attractions for visitors including its many historic sites such as Magnolia Plantation which dates back to 1820 and showcases antebellum architecture; Beau Jardin Plantation which was built in 1790; and Longfellow-Evangeline State Park which is home to a replica French-Canadian village from colonial times. Other attractions include Cajun music festivals such as La Fete de la Musique held every summer; outdoor recreation activities like fishing and camping; and shopping opportunities at local stores selling antiques, gifts, and other items related to Evangeline’s culture.
The parish has also been home to several famous people over the years including musician Jimmie Davis who wrote “You Are My Sunshine”; singer-songwriter Dolly Parton who wrote “I Will Always Love You”; actor John Goodman whose film credits include Raising Arizona (1987) and The Big Lebowski (1998); actress Patricia Clarkson whose credits include High Art (1998) and The Green Mile (1999); politician Edwin Edwards who served four terms as governor of Louisiana from 1972-1996; former NFL player Timmy Smith who played for the Washington Redskins from 1987-1988; actor Don Johnson whose roles include Miami Vice (1984-1989); journalist Anne Hull who worked for The Washington Post from 2000-2014; artist Clementine Hunter whose works have been featured in museums across America; author Ernest Gaines whose novel A Lesson Before Dying won a Pulitzer Prize in 1993 among others.
Evangeline Parish offers visitors plenty to see and do no matter what their interests may be or how much time they have available. From exploring its rich cultural heritage through its historic sites or enjoying outdoor recreation activities along one of its many bodies of water or simply taking advantage of what its cities offer – Evangeline provides something for everyone who visits it.
Climate and weather in Evangeline Parish, Louisiana
According to mcat-test-centers.com, Evangeline Parish, Louisiana has a humid subtropical climate, with warm and humid summers and relatively mild winters. The area is classified as having a Köppen climate type of Cfa. The summer months are generally hot and humid, with temperatures reaching into the low 90s during the day. Nights are usually quite warm as well, rarely dropping below 70 degrees Fahrenheit. During the summer months, the area can be subject to thunderstorms which can bring heavy rain and occasional flooding.
The winter months in Evangeline Parish are milder than the summer months, with temperatures generally staying in the mid-50s during the day and dropping to around 40 degrees Fahrenheit at night. Snowfall is rare in this region but some light snowfall may occur during some winter days. Rainfall is more common during this season but usually does not lead to flooding like it does in the summer months.
The spring and autumn seasons in Evangeline Parish are pleasant times of year with average temperatures ranging from 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit during both seasons. Springtime brings warmer temperatures along with occasional thunderstorms which can be strong enough at times to cause flooding if there has been an extended period of rainfall prior to them occurring. Autumn temperatures cool off towards late October-early November but remain mild before dipping down into winter weather around mid-November or December depending on how early that particular year’s winter sets in.
Evangeline Parish enjoys a pleasant climate throughout most of the year with relatively mild winters compared to other parts of Louisiana due to its location near several large bodies of water such as Lake Pontchartrain and Bayou Teche which help moderate temperatures throughout the region.
Transportation in Evangeline Parish, Louisiana
Evangeline Parish, Louisiana offers a variety of transportation options for residents and visitors alike. The most commonly used form of transportation in the area is cars, with many residents owning their own vehicles to get around. Public transportation is also available in the form of buses run by local companies such as Acadian Bus Lines and Greyhound. These buses offer connections to nearby cities such as Lafayette and Baton Rouge as well as other destinations throughout the state.
For those who prefer to travel by air, there are two airports located in Evangeline Parish – the Alexandria International Airport (AEX) and the Eunice Municipal Airport (EUN). The Alexandria International Airport serves regular flights to major cities throughout the United States while the Eunice Municipal Airport offers more limited service, primarily consisting of charter flights.
For those looking for an alternative way to get around, biking is an option in Evangeline Parish due to its flat terrain and mild climate. There are a number of bike paths located throughout the parish that can be used for commuting or leisurely rides. Additionally, there are numerous trails located in nearby state parks that can be explored on foot or by bike.
Finally, those who prefer water-based transportation have access to several lakes within Evangeline Parish, including Lake Dauterive and Lake Peigneur which offer opportunities for fishing, boating, swimming, and other recreational activities. For longer trips across Louisiana’s waterways, several ferry services operate out of Evangeline Parish that allows passengers to travel between various points along the Mississippi River and its tributaries.
Evangeline Parish offers a variety of transportation options for locals and visitors alike including cars, buses, planes, bikes and boats which makes it easy for people to get around both within the parish itself as well as throughout Louisiana’s many cities and attractions.
Cities and towns in Evangeline Parish, Louisiana
Evangeline Parish, Louisiana is a vibrant and diverse community located in the heart of the state. Home to nearly 33,000 residents, the parish encompasses a wide range of cities and towns that offer a variety of attractions for visitors and locals alike. See top 3 cities in Louisiana.
The parish seat is Ville Platte, which is known for its Cajun culture and heritage. Here you can find many restaurants offering traditional Cajun cuisine as well as live music venues showcasing local talent. The city also hosts numerous festivals throughout the year such as the Ville Platte Rice Festival and the Louisiana Cotton Festival. Other attractions in Ville Platte include museums, galleries, historic sites, parks, and more.
Mamou is another popular destination within Evangeline Parish. This small town is known for its rich French-Acadian heritage which can be experienced through its many cultural festivals such as Courir de Mardi Gras and La Fete de Mardi Gras. Mamou also offers several shops selling unique handmade items as well as a range of restaurants serving authentic Cajun dishes.
Oakdale is another city located within Evangeline Parish that offers plenty of attractions for visitors to explore. Here you can visit several parks like Lake End Park or take part in outdoor activities like camping, fishing, canoeing, or hiking at nearby Kisatchie National Forest or Lake Dauterive Wildlife Management Area. Oakdale also has a vibrant arts scene with galleries featuring local artists’ work and regular live music performances hosted by local venues like The Depot Music Hall & Bar.
Chataignier is a small town located in western Evangeline Parish with a population of just over 1,000 people. This quaint community offers several attractions including museums dedicated to local history such as the Chataignier Museum & Cultural Center or outdoor activities like camping at nearby Chataignier Recreation Area or fishing on Bayou Nezpique River at Chataignier Landing Park & Boat Launch facility.
Finally, Basile is another small town located within Evangeline Parish that has become popular among tourists due to its picturesque setting along Bayou Nezpique River with plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation such as fishing, canoeing, kayaking or bird watching at nearby Basile Wildlife Management Area. Additionally, this area has several art galleries showcasing local talent as well as some interesting historical sites like Old St Paul’s Church which was built in 1876 by French-Acadian settlers who first arrived here in 1819 from Nova Scotia Canada.
Evangeline Parish offers something for everyone with its diverse mix of cities and towns each offering their own unique experiences from exploring Cajun culture to outdoor recreation or simply enjoying the natural beauty this area has to offer with plenty of opportunities available for locals and visitors alike.