The Road to Jennings, Louisiana

Like many of Louisiana’s southwest cities, Jennings sprouted as a railroad depot in the late 1800’s, later buoyed by oil exploration and agriculture. Today, the town off Interstate 10 between Lafayette and Lake Charles attracts visitors for its crawfish tours, museums, local restaurants serving up Louisiana dishes and the popular Gator Chateau where folks can view gators up close and personal.

Pet a Gator

How many of us have seen an alligator in the wild or a zoo but know so little about the ancient reptiles? At Gator Chateau at exit 64 off I-10 at Jennings, gator experts explain one of Louisiana’s most fascinating creatures, let visitors watch a feeding and even let you hold a baby alligator and pose for photos. Gator Chateau is located next to the Jeff Davis Parish Visitor Center so it’s a great launching off spot for exploring the town and parish and the I-10 Park provides a great place for kids to burn off energy.

Dining

Jennings is surrounded by crawfish ponds and it’s only a short drive to Lake Arthur and the Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge and acres of marshes and wetlands. This time of year, it’s easy to find boiled crawfish, not to mention a variety of crawfish dishes, hot boudin, cracklins and tasty gumbo. Feeling spirited? Drive over to Lacassine and tour Bayou Rum Distillery, then taste the many rums derived from Louisiana sugar cane.

Museums

Local, national and international art, from folk to 20th century paintings, was collected by Ruth and Fred Zigler of Jennings. Today, visitors may view these pieces housed inside Jennings City Hall as the Zigler Art Museum, plus enjoy classes and special events throughout the year. For something unique, that children will adore, the W.H. Tupper General Merchandise Museum is filled with early 20th century items from the former Tupper General Store. The museum also includes the Louisiana Telephone Pioneer Museum featuring old equipment, tools and telephones.