Just about everywhere in Louisiana is known for something. In Gonzales, you’ll find the “Jambalaya Capital of the World.” Breaux Bridge is known as the “Crawfish Capital of the World.” The folks in Mamou pride themselves on being the “Cajun Music Capital of the World.” However, down in the heart of Cajun Country sits a little town that’s earned the title of being the “Frog Capital of the World,” and every Louisianian should carve out some time to hop on over to this adorable town. Let’s check it out.

Just outside of Lafayette near Crowley lies Rayne, the Frog Capital of the World.
Leonce Lionet/Google
Originally named Pouppeville, Rayne changed its name in the 1800s to honor one of the engineers who helped lay the railroad tracks through town.
But why frogs?
Bill Staney/Google
In the late 1800s, Rayne began to establish itself as a leader in frog leg exporting, thanks to the efforts of Mr. Donat Pucheu, who shipped them out of his business, the Rayne Drop Inn. More businesses began to pop up, and by the early 1900s, the city had already established an official Frog Festival, which is still held to this day!
Rayne is also known as the City of Murals.
Chris Adams/Google
You’ll see several of them as you pass through the town. They’re the cooperative effort between the city and the Rayne Beautification Board, who commissioned internationally renowned muralist Robert Dafford to paint many of the brick walls and buildings around town.
While you’re here, you’ll want to sample the local food.
Gabe’s Cajun Food/Google
Luckily, Rayne has plenty of options to choose from.
You can’t go wrong with a visit to Gabe’s Cajun Food.
Melissa Prince/Google
Serving authentic Cajun cuisine in the heart of Cajun Country, Gabe’s has been a culinary landmark for Rayne for over 25 years.

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The menu is full of hearty classics, fried seafood, and some of the best fried chicken you’ll ever taste.
Gabe’s Cajun Food/Google
They also have daily plate lunches, so be sure to ask what’s cookin’ today! You might be treated to one of their delicious specials like pork stew, pork roast, of hamburger steak.
After your meal, you’ll want to swing by Candyland Cottage.
Pascal Roeder/Google
Get ready for a sweet treat.
This charming little candy store is chock-full of so much candy that even Willy Wonka would be jealous.
Erecka Bowers/Google
They also carry nostalgic, hard-to-find candy from your childhood!
You’ll also find an assortment of freshly made fudge and chocolates.
Paul Howell/Google
Stock up on some for the drive home.
Before you leave Rayne, be sure to check out their other unique claim to fame—a cemetery.
Google Maps
But not just any cemetery. St. Joseph Catholic Church holds the rate distinction of being the only cemetery in the Judeo-Christian world that faces north-south rather than the traditional east-west. Just another reason to love Rayne!

Have you ever visited Rayne? Let us know in the comments below!

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Rayne, LA 70578, USA