Haunted Places in Acadiana That Will Give You Chills

ACADIANA, La. - If there's one thing Louisiana has plenty of, it's good ghost stories. Between our historic homes, old cemeteries, mysterious bridges, and buildings that have been around for generations, it's not hard to find a place with a creepy story attached to it.

And here in Acadiana, we have our fair share of supposedly haunted places.

You don't have to drive all the way to New Orleans to find a little paranormal activity. From Lafayette and Broussard to New Iberia, Crowley, and beyond, South Louisiana is filled with local legends that have been passed down for years.

Some of these places are tied to tragic events from the past, while others have stories involving unexplained noises, strange sightings, and things that supposedly move when nobody is around.

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Most Haunted Places In Acadiana

Are these places actually haunted? That's up for debate. But if you enjoy a good ghost story, these 10 supposedly haunted places in Acadiana are worth knowing about.

1. Harris Hall at UL Lafayette

Harris Hall, which was traditionally a women's residence hall on UL's campus, has long been associated with a local ghost story involving a former female student. According to the legend, the spirit of a young woman named Lily who died there is said to linger inside the building.

While I was a student at UL, I had a work study job where we worked on remodeling dorms. One Summer we worked in Harris Hall redoing all of the flooring in the lobby and hallways on the first floor. I can tell you first hand, once it gets into the late evening, things can definitely start feeling a little uneasy.

2. T'Frere's House

T'Frere's House is another Acadiana location with a spooky reputation.

T'Frere's is associated with the story of Amelie, a young woman who supposedly died after falling into a well. According to local lore, her spirit never truly left the property.

Stories about unexplained activity and sightings have helped give the location its reputation among people interested in the paranormal.

3. Mary Jane's Bridge in Broussard

If you've spent much time around Acadiana, there's a good chance you've heard somebody mention Mary Jane's Bridge.

Located in the Broussard area, the bridge is connected to one of Acadiana's most well known ghost stories. According to the legend, a young woman named Mary Jane was murdered and thrown from the bridge.

The legend says her spirit still haunts the area, and tales of strange encounters have been told over and over around Acadiana for decades.

Like many local ghost stories, the details can vary depending on who's telling it. Still, Mary Jane's Bridge remains one of those names that tends to come up whenever people start swapping spooky stories around Acadiana.

4. Chretien Point Plantation in Sunset

Chretien Point Plantation in Sunset is associated with legends involving a former mistress and an outlaw who supposedly met his end on the property's staircase.

According to the story, both spirits continue to roam the grounds.

The plantation's long history makes it an especially intriguing setting for tales of the unexplained. And if you're a fan of Louisiana history mixed with a little supernatural mystery, this is one Acadiana location you'll want to know about.

5. Bienvenue House in St. Martinville

The Bienvenue House has been associated with the deaths of former innkeeper Isabelle Robertson and her daughter, Belle. The tragic tale has contributed to the property's reputation as a supposedly haunted location.

Stories connected to historic homes often leave people wondering how much of the past might still be lingering in the places where it unfolded.

Whether you're a believer or a skeptic, it's easy to see why a location with this kind of history would inspire a few chilling tales.

6. St. Charles Borromeo Retreat House

The St. Charles Borromeo Retreat House in the Grand Coteau area is another location associated with reports of paranormal activity.

One local legend involves the spirit of a former Jesuit priest who supposedly continues to wander the grounds.

Grand Coteau has a long religious and educational history, making it an interesting place for anyone who enjoys exploring the stories behind Acadiana's older buildings.

Is there really a ghost roaming around the property? That's a question for the believers to debate.

7. Rice Theatre in Crowley

Crowley has its own share of spooky stories, and the historic Rice Theatre is one location that has attracted attention from people interested in the paranormal.

One of the stories associated with the theatre involves a freight elevator that supposedly operates on its own from time to time.

Between the backstage corridors, quiet balconies, and sounds that can echo through an otherwise empty building, it's not difficult to imagine how a strange experience could turn into a local legend.

The Rice Theatre is also part of Crowley's historic downtown, making it an interesting stop for people who appreciate the area's cultural history.

10. Eunice Public Library

Libraries are usually associated with quiet reading rooms and stacks of books, but the Eunice Public Library has been connected to a few unusual stories.

According to local lore, doors have reportedly locked themselves, lights have switched on unexpectedly, and books by Louisiana author Mary Alice Fontenot have mysteriously disappeared or turned up in unexpected places.

A haunted library sounds like the setup for a pretty entertaining Halloween movie.

Have you ever experienced something strange at one of these supposedly haunted places in Acadiana? Or is there another local spot that deserves to be on this list? Share your story and let us know which Acadiana ghost legend gives you the creeps!

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Gallery Credit: Michael Dot Scott