This Blink-And-You’ll-Miss-It Town in Louisiana Is So Worth Exploring

Exploring Louisiana’s small towns is one of the best ways to experience Louisiana on a local level. Major cities like Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and Louisiana are all fabulous cities, but there’s nothing that can compare to a small-town getaway. If you’re looking for the perfect small town to spend a few days in, visiting Ville Platte, Louisiana, might be just what you need.

Although it's the largest city in Evangeline Parish, Ville Platte is a small town in central Louisiana, home to approximately 6,300 residents. It’s not really located in an area that you’d just ‘happen to drive by’. Since it’s not that close to any major cities, it feels like you’re a million miles away from everything. We love that.

Sitting pretty just outside of Cajun Country in the Bayou Teche Region, visiting Ville Platte is perfect for nature lovers. It’s perfect for scenic drives, too. The Zydeco Cajun Prairie Scenic Byway passes right through Ville Platte and will take you on a historic (and scenic) ride for 283 miles.

Chicot State Park is the crown jewel of this region, and it's probably the biggest reason folks visit Ville Platte. Louisiana’s largest state park is overflowing with outdoor adventures. Many of the park’s amenities are centered around the lake, and it’s a perfect spot for fishing. I love renting a canoe from the park and setting off on the 8-mile paddle trail here.

There are a handful of hotels in Ville Platte, but I’d highly recommend staying in the cabins at Chicot State Park so you can fully immerse yourself in these beautiful natural surroundings. These floating cabins give you a front-row seat to the lake, and they’re super spacious. You can dock your boat right outside your door, and each cabin has its own little pier to fish or lounge from. The cabins come with everything you need; just bring some food to cook, and you're ready to rock.

If you want a more home-style experience, this cottage in downtown Ville Platte might be just what you're looking for. The cottage dates back to 1902 and has been restored to its glory days, making for a delightful stay only a block from Main Street.

The state park isn't the only appeal for nature lovers. The Louisiana State Arboretum is also located here, offering family-friendly educational hiking trails. Even though the arboretum has its own entrance, it is technically part of Chicot State Park. It’s the oldest state-supported arboretum in the country!

Are you planning on visiting Ville Platte, Louisiana, any time soon? Fall is one of our favorite times to visit--the bugs are at bay and the temperatures are great for outdoor adventures. That being said, visiting Ville Platte to experience a Cajun Mardi Gras should be on everyone's bucket list.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip to Ville Platte using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.