Now Is The Time For Nature Park Visit

With the weather in the cool-down mode, now is the perfect time to visit the Acadiana Park Nature Station and Dr. Tommy Comeaux Nature Trails.  How do I know?  Well, Shannon's nephew came to spend the weekend with us, and when that happens, he gets to plan the weekend all by himself (he's 9).  One of the events he planned:  HIKING!!

We had never been to the Acadiana Park Nature Station and Trails, so we decided to see what was in our 'own back yard', so-to-speak.

The entrance to the park is located near the intersection of E. Alexander Street and Teurlings Drive on the Northside of Lafayette (1205 E. Alexander Street).

View Larger Map

Shannon was surprised by 3 things: The educational aspect of the trails and the Nature Station, the sheer beauty of the park, and she was surprised to learn that the park even existed! She said "I've been in Acadiana for almost 20 years now, and I had never heard of this place".

Constructed in 1978, the station and trails are operated and maintained by the Lafayette Consolidated Government.  At 110 acres, the park provides around 3 miles of hiking trails, RV and primitive camping (it's been a popular camping site for over 5,000 years!!), a Nature Station with LIVE ANIMALS and bird's nests and plant recognition guides and SO MUCH COOL STUFF, all within a minute's drive of 'civilization'.

If you attended fourth grade in Lafayette Parish, chances are you have already visited the Nature Station and Trails. The Curator and Naturalists at the Nature Station are eager to answer  any questions you may have about the Park or about YOUR BACK YARD (337-291-8448)!!

we receive large numbers of personal, written, and phone inquiries each week concerning a diverse array of natural history related topics including bird, snake, insect, and plant identification, backyard habitat modification, hummingbird/butterfly gardening, and other small- scale management practices. These, we attempt to answer as forthrightly as possible, and are hoping that our website will assist in this area.

I'm going to say that the Acadiana Park Nature Station and Trails is truly a "'hidden gem" in Acadiana, and I hope that you and your family can make plans to visit soon (before it gets too cold!).