Rayne, the second largest city in Acadia Parish with 8,700 inhabitants, is known as "The Frog Capital of the World." The annual Frog Festival in September attracts some 50,000 people each year. The town was laid out in 1880 when businesses from the town of Poupeville moved their establishments about a mile to the newly established Rayne railroad station. For more information about Rayne, visit the city's official web site or contact the City of Rayne, P.O. Box 69 Rayne, Louisiana 70578 phone: (337) 334-3121; fax: (337) 334-6607.

The downtown area that is bisected by the railroad recalls the typical appearance of business districts earlier in the century. Rayne has several antique shops and two antique malls that operate every other weekend. However, the city also is looking toward the future with a community spirit that is moving Rayne forward. Located on Interstate 10, Rayne is becoming known as "Cajun Country Camper Convention City," with facilities for 622 campers and an adjacent Civic Center (call Rayne City Hall, 337-334-3121). It is also known as "Louisiana's City of Murals": artists have painted the walls of buildings in downtown Rayne with colorful murals that depict the local history and culture. The thoroughfare leading to Rayne from the Interstate has become the "Boulevard of Banners," adorned with colorful banners designed by local artists reflecting a variety of themes.

Tourist Information

General Information. For anyone traveling along Interstate 10, Rayne is a convenient stop for some good Cajun food. The city's murals enhance the friendly atmosphere. As noted above, Rayne offers a campground complex with facilities for camper rallies or conventions. For information about restaurants and accommodations, contact the Rayne Chamber of Commerce, 1023 the Boulevard, P. O. Box 383, Rayne, LA 70578; phone (337) 334-2332, fax: (337) 334-8341; or contact the Acadia Parish Tourist Commission, 401 Tower Road (Hwy. 1111, north of I-10 from Crowley Exit 80), P.O. Box 1342, Crowley, LA 70527; phone (337) 783-2108, fax: (337) 783-2142  or toll free (877) 783-2109. Also check out  the Acadia Parish Tourist Commission's website.

The Bernard-Bertrand House. Visit the City of Rayne's Cultural Center housed in the home of the first Mayor of Rayne now located on the Boulevard of Banners at 1023 The Boulevard. Exhibits include Awesome Art!, Military History and War Memorabilia, Cajun Music and Zydeco, "Frogs" Festival exhibit, Women of Achievement, Festivals in Louisiana, Visions 2001, ArtiGras, School Art Competitions, Antique Bridal, and a Pro/Am Photo Exhibit. Activities include a Cajun Kids' Camp, Haunted Halloween night and Feng Shui, Wine Tasting and Herbal workshops. Visit the gift shop for souvenirs and fine gifts. For more information, call (337) 334-8347; fax (337) 334-1154; or e-mail: ladykgin@aol.com.

The Rayne Frog Festival. The Rayne Frog Festival, celebrating the town's role in promoting this unique Louisiana delicacy, is held Labor Day weekend. Activities include frog racing and jumping contests, Queen's Contest, a parade, Cajun music and food, carnival rides, and other activities that make the festival one of the most popular in South Louisiana. The festival is led by "M'sieur Jacques," the official frog and ambassador of the Frog Capital. For additional information, contact the Rayne Chamber of Commerce, P. O. Box 383, 1023 The Boulevard, Rayne, LA 70578, (337) 334-2332. The 2001 festival will be held Aug. 31-Sept. 2.

Le Bal de Mardi Gras. Held the beginning of February, this celebration opens with a parade starting at  starting at 4:30 p.m. traveling from Adams Avenue north to the Rayne Civic Center, where a traditional Mardi Gras dance is held following the parade. It's an old-fashioned fais do do. Door prizes, costume contests for cash prizes, and gumbo add to the festivities. Admission. For more information, contact Martha Royer, (337) 334-3489, with the Special Project Committee for the Development of Tourism. Click here for pictures of the Rayne Mardi Gras parade.

Main Street Magic. The magic of holiday lights creates an enchanting setting you will want to bring your family and friends to experience. This month-long happening features a Christmas parade, business-sponsored holiday shopping promotions, holiday concert programs, and cultural center activities. The holidays promise to be magical along the main streets of Rayne! For more information, call (337) 334-8347.

Ray*la*ne Play Day. Held the third weekend in May, Queen and Princess Ray*la*ne reign over the festivities that offer children's educational entertainment and fun contests. Let Calypso, the Island Iguana, welcome you at the Rayne Depot Square. For more information, phone (337) 334-7514.

An Unusual Cemetery. The old St. Joseph's Cemetery in Rayne is listed in "Ripley's Believe It or Not!" as the only known cemetery in the United States facing north and south, in contrast to the traditional east-west orientation. The most likely reason is simply that the grave-digger initially misunderstood instructions and decided the project was too far along to change the direction of the graves.

Germanfest. The annual Roberts Cove Germanfest is another especially noteworthy event held nearby the first weekend in October at St. Leo's Catholic Church, just 3 miles north of Interstate 10 on Highway 98 (take the Rayne exit). The festival offers homemade German food, German bands, German folklore exhibits, German folk dancing, crafts, and lots more. For more information, contact the Roberts Cove Germanfest Association, 7166 Roberts Cove Road, Rayne, LA 70578; (337) 334-8354 or go the the Germanfest web page. In 2001, the festival will be held Oct. 6 and 7.

Economic Development

Rayne is the site of a major sports equipment manufacturing and marketing company. Other industries include cattle ranching, oil and gas service businesses, frog cultivation, shipping, and food packaging. For an economic profile and other business information, contact the Rayne Chamber of Commerce, P. O. Box 383, 1023 The Boulevard, Rayne, LA 70578, (337) 334-2332. For a profile of Acadia Parish, visit the Louisiana Electronic Assistance Program site.  Also, be sure to check out the site maintained by the Acadia Economic Development Corporation

City of Rayne Web Site

Rayne Acadian-Tribune

Return to Central Acadiana Gateway Main Page

Updated August 2001.