If you’re in or near St. Martinville and looking for some short stops check out the Evangeline Oak and Creepy Oak and Pine Alley. These are both stops mentioned on Roadside America.
Evangeline Oak is the fictional location of the oak tree in the poem of the same name by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Longfellow never visited Louisiana, but wrote this poem which has become intertwined with the Acadian origin story who were forced out of Canada and arrived as residents of Louisiana and are the people that we now know as Louisiana Cajuns.
The Evangeline Oak is located in the downtown area of St. Martinville. It is located next to the St. Martinville Cultural Heritage Center Home to the African-American Museum and Museum of the Acadian Memorial. The museum was not open during our visit. There is a lovely view of Bayou Teche from the little boardwalk overlooking the Bayou.
There is also a bust dedicated to Longfellow. It’s a nice stop for a picnic or to stretch your legs. There is a public restroom available on side.
When you’re done with your visit of Evangeline, a 5 minute drive down the street takes you to what is referred to as the Creepy Oak and Pine Alley on Roadside America.
It’s not really that creepy. It’s a short road lined in Oak Trees. It makes for a nice place to stop and get a picture, especially if you arrive at sunset. This little road leads to houses with residents at the end of the lane. Be mindful that people do live here. The lane itself is surrounded by Sugar Cane fields.
I would not go out of your way to visit these sites, but if you’re in the neighborhood, it’s a nice way to spend an hour or two.
Where: St. Martinville, LA
Roadside America – Evangeline Oak https://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/52260
Roadside America – Creepy Oak and Pine Alley https://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/25426
