Crowley: History, Culture and Hotels

Crowley offers different perspectives on local history and culture: historic buildings and a residential district with homes dating from the early 20th century sit alongside museums, performances, arts offerings and events. Rice is also a recurring theme—in the name of the International Rice Festival, at the Rice Interpretive Center and in beers made with Crowley Rice. You can shape your stay around your own interests, whether architecture, performances or the history of rice cultivation takes center stage.

Historic Buildings and Architecture

The Grand Opera House of the South was built by David E. Lyons in 1901. Another distinctive landmark is St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church in the Crowley Historic District: the brick building dates from 1912 and is designed in the style of a basilica. Architectural details include a side tower, a dome, arched windows and pilasters. Most of the homes in the Historic District date from the very early 20th century. The church and the residences therefore offer different insights into the architectural history of the neighborhood.

Commercial buildings are also part of Crowley’s architectural heritage. In 1901, the Duson brothers commissioned J. A. Petty to build the Duson Building, a two-story brick building for commercial use. The Crowley Motor Co. & Ford Building followed in 1920: it was constructed as a three-story brick building. The First National Bank building is seven stories tall and is considered Crowley’s only skyscraper. Miller Stadium was designated a historic site by the State of Louisiana in August 2003.

Museums, Theater and Art

Four museums are housed in the Crowley Motor Co. & Ford Building: 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. Each offers a different focus—from rice and local history to music and automobiles—and they are all located in the historic building. The Blue Rose Rice Museum is described in Crowley as a National Historical Landmark.

The Historic Rice Theatre was built in the 1940s and hosts musical and theatrical performances as well as community events. The Crowley Art Gallery exhibits works by local artists. Groups can also take classes or attend painting events there for a set fee. The cultural offerings thus range from exhibitions and community art-making to stage events; be sure to check specific dates when planning your trip.

Rice, Events and a Guided Tour

The International Rice Festival takes place every year on the third full weekend in October. If you would like to plan your trip around the festival, check the dates for the relevant year. Rice is also represented in the museums: the Rice Interpretive Center is part of the museum offerings in the Crowley Motor Co. & Ford Building, and rice is in the name of the Blue Rose Rice Museum. At Reggie’s Microbrewery, you can sample beers made with Crowley Rice.

The “Haunted! History Alive Walking Tour” offers a different perspective on the city. It leads through the historic streets of downtown Crowley and shares local legends and ghost stories. Check the current tour dates before your trip. While the tour brings together historic streets and stories, the buildings and museums explore architectural, historical and cultural themes. These differences can help you choose the focus of your stay.

Discover more destinations: Rayne.

View the overview of destinations in the wider area: Acadia.