Get Friendly with Wildlife at These 5 Parks Near Lafayette

The Lafayette area has plenty for outdoor adventurers to see and do, whether you’re looking for a great photo opportunity, a place to get some exercise and fresh air, or if you just like to take in the pretty sights of Louisiana. These five parks near Lafayette each have great reasons to check them out.

1. Moncus Park

This popular park in the center of town is full of clean concrete paths and broad, grassy spaces. An old horse farm transformed into a beautiful public space, Moncus is home to many fun events throughout the year, including a regular farmers market on Saturdays. This park has plenty to offer, from panoramic lakeside views to tight forest trails. Climb one of the huge, low-limbed oak trees, sprawl out on the grass with a book, go bike riding, or hunt for photo-worthy flowers and viewpoints. Moncus is the top park in Lafayette, offering a little of everything.

2. Graham Brown Memorial Park

If you need a space to let the dogs run around, Graham Brown Memorial Park includes a large dog play area, along with plenty more in its 50-acre space. Kids can enjoy the playground or check out classes at the rec center, or families can have a picnic at the pavilion. The site also offers tennis courts for a fun and competitive workout. The park is known for being well-maintained, with plenty of trash cans, good bathroom maintenance, and overall convenient property design. Many Lafayette locals use Graham Brown Memorial Park for outdoor parties, such as for Christmas or birthdays.

3. Acadiana Park Nature Station

If you prefer wild nature over landscaped parks, Acadiana offers guided nature hikes and environmental education programs in its gorgeous, 150-acre property. This park is definitely more on the thickly wooded, nature preserve side compared to others nearby. You have a good chance of spotting wildlife, rare local flowers, and more under the shade of broad, tall trees. The park also has a neat gift shop full of curious doodads that kids will love.

4. Beaullieu Dog Park

This park in southern Lafayette has a nice, grassy area for dogs to roam, much larger and nicer than the little fenced-off areas that many parks offer. It’s a neat spot for a shaded picnic thanks to the pavilions, and the area also includes a children’s playground and baseball field. Take a walk or jog through the paved tracks or follow thicker trails around the ponds and shrubbery.

5. Veterans Park

This small but charming spot is centered around a duck pond and veteran memorial monuments. Have a barbecue at the grills and lounge about pond-side while the kids traverse the playground and feed the fish. If you don’t like parks that get too crowded, Veterans is a good fit, as this is one of the lesser-known and quieter options.

You’d be surprised how many beautiful parks await you on a sunny day in Lafayette, as these are just a list of a few top-rated choices. Give some of these parks a try and be sure to bring some friends or loved ones.

Image via Pixabay | CC 0 | Cropped from original

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