Crowley: Architecture, Museums and Local Stories

Crowley offers many ways to plan a trip centered on architectural history and local culture. Historic buildings, museums, art and performances appeal to a range of interests. Other highlights include the annual International Rice Festival and a walking tour that shares local legends and ghost stories. Families can shape their stay around the themes they want to explore together: architecture, exhibitions, performing arts or stories from the city.

Architecture Through the Ages

Several buildings bring Crowley's history to life through tangible examples. The Grand Opera House of the South was built by David E. Lyons in 1901. The Duson Building also dates from 1901: the Duson brothers commissioned J. A. Petty to build the two-story brick commercial building. The Crowley Motor Co. & Ford Building was added in 1920; it is a three-story brick building.

Most of the homes in the Crowley Historic District date from the very early 20th century. Among the buildings in the district is St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church, a 1912 brick building in the basilica style. Its side tower, dome, arched windows and pilasters define its architecture. Visitors who enjoy comparing architectural styles will find specific details here, as well as at the First National Bank building: it has seven stories and is considered Crowley's only skyscraper. Miller Stadium was declared a historic site by the State of Louisiana in August 2003. The Crowley African American Cultural Historical District is listed in Louisiana's register of cultural districts for Crowley in Acadia Parish.

Museums, Art and Performances

The Crowley Motor Co. & Ford Building houses four museums: the Rice Interpretive Center, History of Crowley, the J.D. Miller Music Recording Studio and the Ford Automotive Museum. Admission to these museums is free. A visit to the building can therefore focus on a range of topics—from rice and local history to music and automobiles. The Blue Rose Rice Museum is described as a National Historical Landmark in Crowley.

Theater and visual arts are also part of the cultural offerings. The Historic Rice Theatre hosts musical and theatrical performances and was built in the 1940s. The Crowley Art Gallery displays works by local artists; the gallery also offers groups classes or painting events. Families looking to accommodate different interests can choose among performances, art and the various museum topics.

Stories of Crowley and Rice in the Spotlight

The “Haunted! History Alive Walking Tour” leads through the historic streets of downtown Crowley and shares local legends and ghost stories. It offers a different way to explore the city's history than focusing on buildings and exhibitions: here, the stories and the route through downtown take center stage. This can be especially appealing if children enjoy listening to stories and are interested in local legends.

Rice also features in a range of local offerings. The International Rice Festival takes place annually on the third full weekend in October. If the festival fits your travel plans, you can take this recurring event into account when choosing your travel dates. At Reggie's Microbrewery, visitors can sample beers made with Crowley Rice. This adds a local taste experience for adult travelers to the cultural offerings.

Choose Crowley as a Vacation Destination

If you're looking for a vacation rental in Crowley, this range of themes can be a good starting point for matching the destination to your travel interests.

If you'd like to include another destination in your search, you can also explore Rayne.

For the broader travel overview: Acadia.