Top 5 Gardens in Lafayette

Constructed circa 1800 by Jean Mouton, one of the first settlers of Southwest Louisiana, the Lafayette Museum Historic Homes and Garden began as a single large room with a kitchen connected by a "dog-trot." In 1825, Jean’s son, Alexandre Mouton, the first Democratic Governor of Louisiana, lived here, adding three rooms after his 1826 marriage. The house changed hands several times, with significant additions made by Dr. W.G. Mills, including a second and third floor and a cupola. Eventually, it was purchased by Les Vingt Quatre in 1954, a group of civic-minded women who transformed the house into what is now the Lafayette Museum. In addition to the historic home are the grounds and garden that are maintained and decorated for most holidays.

The Lafayette Visitor Center is the perfect stop on your way into town to discover what there is to see and do while you’re visiting the Happiest City in America. Stretch your legs and walk the boardwalk overlooking a bayou with local flora and fauna or explore the public art around the grounds for some fresh air. Inside the Visitor Center, be sure to view the rotating art by local artists as well as visit with our travel counselors are waiting to help with any questions or tips you may need for your trip to Lafayette, LA.

Rip Van Winkle Gardens, located on Jefferson Island, offers a glimpse into Southern elegance and history. The centerpiece of the gardens is a stunning Victorian-style mansion built by actor Joseph Jefferson in 1870, who famously portrayed Rip Van Winkle on stage over 4,500 times, giving the island its name. The mansion, surrounded by 350-year-old oak trees, is an architectural treasure that reflects the grandeur of the Victorian age. Inside, it boasts heirlooms, rare Louisiana artifacts, and fine American and French Empire furniture. Visitors can explore 15 acres of beautifully maintained semi-tropical gardens draped in moss, creating a serene and picturesque setting.

Edward McIlhenny, the son of TABASCO® founder Edmund McIlhenny and Mary Eliza Avery, created Jungle Gardens. Growing up on his family’s 2,200-acre estate, Edward fell in love with the natural setting of Avery Island. Around 1895 at 23, he founded a private bird sanctuary on the property and hand-raised several nearly extinct snowy egrets. Along with pepper plants needed for TABASCO® sauce, Edward planted and cultivated more than 100 varieties of camellias, 64 varieties of bamboo, and countless exotic botanicals from all over the world. He also took measures to bring back the white-tail deer population. In 1935, Ned opened his backyard sanctuary to the public. Today, visitors are invited to admire the 170-acre semitropical garden.

A sure sign that spring has arrived is the abundance of azaleas in a spectrum of reds, pinks, whites, purples, and salmons. The Lafayette Azalea Trail begins at our Visitor Center and meanders through the city passing many Lafayette landmarks. Approximately 20 miles of Lafayette city streets are lined with azaleas that adorn beautiful homes and historical sites. Some of the bushes of gigantic proportions are over 50-years-old.