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 November attracts some 50,000 people each year. The town was laid out in 1880 when businesses from the town of Pouppeville (as spelled by the Post Office, from the name Jules Poupeville, who established a store on the location) 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, or go to the Rayne Chamber of Commerce web site.

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. 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 737 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, or the Acadia Parish Tourist Commission.

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. The museum features exhibits and hosts receptions and other events. For more information, call (337) 334-8347.

The Rayne Frog Festival. The Rayne Frog Festival, celebrating the town's role in promoting this unique Louisiana delicacy, is held in November. 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.

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, go to the Germanfest web page.

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. 

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These pages were established and maintained by David Simpson, who retired from LSUE in 2009.