Photo: NPS Photo
In Jean Lafitte's day, silver and gold filled a pirate's treasure chest, but today's treasures are people, places, and memories.
Weather now86°F Patchy rain nearby
Discover New Orleans’ rich cultural mix. Learn Cajun traditions from people who live them.
Watch an alligator bask on a bayou’s bank. Walk in the footsteps of the men who fought at 1815’s Battle of New Orleans.
Follow the link to discover the treasure of Jean Lafitte.
Because of upcoming demolition and construction of the trails and Visitor Center, all trails at the Barataria Preserve and the Visitor Center are closed, with the exception of Twin Canals Trail. This is a day-use area only with no restrooms. Visitor services are relocated to the Wetlands Education Center and trails at 4917 City Park Drive, Jean Lafitte, 70067. Rangers will be on site Wednesdays and Thursdays 10 am to 2 pm for programming and ranger talks at the Town of Lafitte's Civic Center.
The Acadian Cultural Center in Lafayette is temporarily closed due to HVAC issues. Join us at the Prairie Acadian Cultural Center in Eunice for programs and events 5 days a week, Tuesday through Saturday.
9 experiences from the National Park Service. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
Curious about the French Quarter or New Orleans history? Ask a Ranger!
Learn more about Ask a Ranger: French Quarter on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Hey dog! Do you want to explore parts of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve with your leash-holding companions? Interested in getting your very own B.A.R.K. Ranger dog tag? We made it…
Learn more about Become a Jean Lafitte B.A.R.K. Ranger on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
This tour of the Chalmette National Cemetery shares a few of the thousands of stories of the men and women buried at the national cemetery, giving a voice to those who can no longer speak.
Learn more about Chalmette National Cemetery Audio Tour on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Take a stroll while you learn about architectural history.
Learn more about Discover French Quarter Architecture on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Come discover yet another reason why the Louisiana delta is such a unique place, by visiting our urban collection of native plants!
Learn more about Discover Native Plants in Our Courtyard on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Take a stroll through forest, swamp, and marsh on the Barataria Preserve audio tour.
Learn more about Explore Natural History at Barataria on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Soak in history by taking a break.
Learn more about Relax in Our Courtyard on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Looking for the perfect souvenir? Visit the Park Store! There's one at each of the park's six sites.
Learn more about Visit the Park Store on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)Showing 8 of 9
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Facility
Permanent and special exhibits, an award-winning film, ranger talks, and programs share the history, customs, language, and contemporary culture of the Acadians who…
501 Fisher Road, Lafayette, LA (337) 232-0789 Directions
Facility
With more than 26,000 acres of wild Louisiana wetlands, the Barataria Preserve's hardwood forest, swamp, bayous, and marsh offer trails, picnic areas, fishing, hunting…
6588 Barataria Blvd., Marrero, LA (504) 689-3690 Directions
Facility
Site of the Battle of New Orleans in 1815, Chalmette Battlefield contains a reconstructed American rampart, an 1830s house, 100-foot-high Chalmette Monument, and outdoor…
1 Battlefield Rd, Chalmette, LA (504) 281-0510 Directions
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Visitor center exhibits and a film share the history and traditions of the lower Mississippi River delta and of New Orleans, home to one of America's most distinctive…
New Orleans, LA (504) 589-3882 Directions
Facility
The Acadian exiles from Canada's Nova Scotia who settled Louisiana's prairies developed a distinctive cultural mix of Cajun, Creole, and cowboy. The Prairie Acadian…
New Orleans, LA (337) 457-8499 Directions
Facility
The Acadians who made their home along Louisiana’s bayous created a unique Cajun culture shaped by life on the water. The center shares their stories through a short…
New Orleans, LA (985) 448-1375 Directions
Open 24 hours, daily · Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
Each of Jean Lafitte's six sites is open year-round. See the specific site(s) you want to visit for operating hours and days information.
No entrance fees listed.
93° 76°
80° 75°
86° 75°
Updated 4 hr ago
Coastal Flood Advisory issued October 1 at 5:51PM CDT until October 2 at 9:00AM CDT by NWS New Orleans LA
* WHAT...Minor coastal flooding expected with water levels up to 1
to 2 feet above normally dry ground during tonight's high tide
cycle.
* WHERE...In Louisiana, Lower St. Bernard, Southeast St.
Tammany, Eastern Orleans, Lower Plaquemines, Coastal
Jefferson, Lower Lafourche and Lower Terrebonne Parishes. In
Mississippi, Southern Hancock, Southern Harrison and Southern
Jackson Counties.
* WHEN...From 9 PM this evening to 9 AM CDT Friday.
* IMPACTS...Flooding of lots, parks, and roads with only
isolated road closures expected.
Coastal Flood Advisory issued October 2 at 5:47AM CDT until October 2 at 9:00AM CDT by NWS New Orleans LA
* WHAT...Minor coastal flooding expected with water levels up to 1
to 2 feet above normally dry ground during high tide cycle.
* WHERE...In Louisiana, Lower St. Bernard, Southeast St.
Tammany, Eastern Orleans, Lower Plaquemines, Coastal
Jefferson, Lower Lafourche and Lower Terrebonne Parishes. In
Mississippi, Southern Hancock, Southern Harrison and Southern
Jackson Counties.
* WHEN...Through 9 AM CDT Friday.
* IMPACTS...Flooding of lots, parks, and roads with only
isolated road closures expected.
All of the temperatures listed are in degrees Fahrenheit. Note that relative humidity, especially in summer months, can reach 90%, so temperatures can feel 10-20 degrees hotter than the actual temperature. Spring (March, April, May): average high 77 and low 61. Summer (June, July, August): average high 89 and low 75. Fall (September, October, November): average high 78 and low 64. Winter (December, January, February): average high 64 and low 48.
Join Rangers from the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve and the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park to learn about the rich cultural history that makes New Orleans such a special place.
Each talk is "Ranger's Choice," the topics will vary by day and by ranger.
Talks take place each morning, Tuesday-Saturday, at 10:00 am at the French Quarter Visitor Center - 419 Decatur St., New Orleans, LA.
Please note that this a TALK, not a WALK.
and the
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preservepresent the
New Orleans Ragtime Festival Friday, October 2, 1:00 to 4:00 pm At the National Park Service French Quarter Visitor Center 419 Decatur St, New Orleans1:00-2:00 pm – Tom McDermott - McDermott is an acclaimed New Orleans pianist, composer, and ragtime specialist with more than four decades of performing experience. A former member of the Dukes of Dixieland and co-founder of the Grammy-winning New Orleans Nightcrawlers, he has released 17 CDs spanning ragtime, New Orleans R&B, jazz, and original compositions. His distinctive style blends deep respect for tradition with a spirit of musical exploration.
2:00-3:00 pm - Dance Demonstrations & Mini Class
3:00-4:00 pm - Matt Lemmler Ragtime Trio featuring Steve Masakowski and Martin Masakowski - New Orleans pianist, composer, and educator Matt Lemmler brings his distinctive musical voice to the festival with his Ragtime Trio. Expect a fresh, dynamic interpretation of the ragtime tradition from one of New Orleans’ celebrated contemporary musicians.
This program is free and open to the public.
Postcards are a unique way to share important experiences. Since the mid 1800s, people have used postcards to send pictures and art with a short message. Viewing the art on postcards is a great way to learn about the past. Visit our display of vintage postcards from different National Parks and local landmarks.
Share your memories with the rangers and find your next trip idea!
Take some time at the Prairie Acadian Cultural Center to bring your own colorful view to images of southern Louisiana in the summer. All ages welcom and supplies provided.
Join a ranger for a stroll through downtown Thibodaux and hear stories of its past.
and the
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preservepresent a
Drum Circle with Tim Brown, II Saturday at 10:30 am At the National Park Service French Quarter visitor center 419 Decatur St, New OrleansJoin us for an interactive drum & dance circle as we honor those who came before us. Play drums and learn about our cultural history and the legacy of Congo Square in New Orleans.
This drum circle is open to all ages. No experience required.
This program is free and open to the public.
Join Rangers from the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve and the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park to learn about the rich cultural history that makes New Orleans such a special place.
Each talk is "Ranger's Choice," the topics will vary by day and by ranger.
Talks take place each morning, Tuesday-Saturday, at 10:00 am at the French Quarter Visitor Center - 419 Decatur St., New Orleans, LA.
Please note that this a TALK, not a WALK.
and the
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preservepresent the
New Orleans Ragtime Festival Saturday, October 3, 1:00 to 4:00 pm At the National Park Service French Quarter Visitor Center 419 Decatur St, New Orleans1:00-2:00 pm – Adam Rogers - Rogers is a pianist originally from Racine, Wisconsin, who began traveling to New Orleans regularly at age nine. Influenced by the city’s rich musical traditions, his primary inspiration comes from the syncopated stylings of ragtime composers Scott Joplin, James Scott, and Joseph Lamb. He specializes in music from ragtime’s “golden age,” 1899–1917, with occasional forays into Harlem stride and the “jass” of the post-World War I era.
2:00-3:00 pm - Dance Demonstrations & Mini Class
3:00-4:00 pm - Steve Pistorius & The Southern Syncopators - A beloved New Orleans pianist and ragtime historian, Steve Pistorius has brought deep knowledge of the music and its New Orleans roots to every performance over the last fifty years. Joined by The Southern Syncopators, he brings the spirit of early ragtime and traditional jazz vividly to life.
This program is free and open to the public.
Jean Lafitte's headquarters and the park's French Quarter Visitor Center are located at 419 Decatur Street in New Orleans. There are five other park sites scattered throughout south Louisiana.
For information on all of the park sites and visitor centers, see the Directions Details link.
Mailing address: 419 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Ask about trails, fees, weather, events, or planning your visit.
AI answers can be wrong. Check official NPS info before you go.
