Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
Designation: National Historical Park and Preserve
Location: Louisiana
📘 Park Overview
In Jean Lafitte's day, silver and gold filled a pirate's treasure chest, but today's treasures are people, places, and memories. 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.
🌤 Weather Information
All temperatures in degrees Fahrenheit. Note that relative humidity, especially in summer months, can reach 90%, so temperatures can feel 10-20 degrees hotter than actual temperature. Spring (March, April, May) average high 77, low 61 Summer (June, July, August) average high 89, low 75 Fall (September, October, November) average high 78, low 64 Winter (December, January, February) average high 64, low 48
🚗 Directions
Jean Lafitte's headquarters and the park's French Quarter Visitor Center is located at 419 Decatur St. 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 URL.
Images
Spanish moss and lush vegetation provide glimpses of Louisiana's wild wetlands at Jean Lafitte's Barataria Preserve.
Credit: NPS Photo
Chalmette Battlefield's American rampart and cannons still guard the site of the Battle of New Orleans in 1815.
Credit: NPS Photo
Established during the Civil War, Chalmette National Cemetery's 14,000+ headstones pay tribute to those buried there.
Credit: NPS Photo
Hundreds of years of history and thousands of people from all over the world have created New Orleans' distinctive cultural mix.
Credit: NPS Photo
Bringing skills and traditions from Nova Scotia, the Acadian exiles in Louisiana found a new home and a new name---Cajuns.
Credit: NPS Photo
Acadian (Cajun) music began in cabins and dancehalls and has become famous worldwide.
Credit: NPS Photo
The Music Porch at the Prairie Acadian Cultural Center in Eunice, LA
Credit: NPS
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
No entrance fees listed.
Entrance Passes
No entrance passes listed.
3-Day Weather Forecast
Wednesday, Apr 29
Partly Cloudy
High: 96.3°F | Low: 72.1°F
Humidity: 70%
Wind: 14.1 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 9.4
Sunrise: 06:19 AM
Sunset: 07:37 PM
Moon: Waxing Gibbous (93%)
Visibility: 5 mi
Dew Point: 74.6°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Thursday, Apr 30
Patchy rain nearby
High: 84.3°F | Low: 72.2°F
Humidity: 69%
Wind: 8.1 mph
Rain Chance: 89%
UV Index: 4.2
Sunrise: 06:18 AM
Sunset: 07:37 PM
Moon: Waxing Gibbous (97%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 70.6°F
Cloud Cover: 89%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Friday, May 1
Patchy rain nearby
High: 86.1°F | Low: 70.4°F
Humidity: 72%
Wind: 19.2 mph
Rain Chance: 88%
UV Index: 6.2
Sunrise: 06:17 AM
Sunset: 07:38 PM
Moon: Full Moon (99%)
Visibility: 5 mi
Dew Point: 72°F
Cloud Cover: 88%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Park Alerts
Park Events
Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center - Cercle Francophone
A "French Roundtable" where area French speakers gather and share culture, history, and traditions. All are invited.
Location: Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center 314 St Mary St, Thibodaux, LA 70301
Date: Sep 1, 2024 12:00am to Sep 1, 2024 12:00am
Paid Event
Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center - Music on the Bayou
Every Tuesday (no music on federal holidays), discover the wide range of south Louisiana's music: zydeco, gospel, blues, jazz, Cajun, and more.
Enjoy the great music at these FREE Concerts!
To find out who's playing, call the center at 985-448-1375.
Location: Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center 314 St. Mary St. Thibodaux, LA 70301
Date: Sep 1, 2024 12:00am to Sep 1, 2024 12:00am
Paid Event
Chalmette Battlefield - Battle of New Orleans Talk
Location: Chalmette Battlefield 1 Battlefield Road Chalmette, LA 70043
Date: Oct 1, 2024 12:00am to Dec 31, 2027 12:00am
Paid Event
Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center - Historic Thibodaux Walking Tour
Join a ranger for a stroll through downtown Thibodaux and hear stories of its past.
Location: Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center 314 St. Mary St. Thibodaux, LA 70301
Date: Jun 3, 2025 12:00am to Jun 3, 2025 12:00am
Paid Event
French Quarter - History Talk
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.
Location: The French Quarter Visitor Center is located at: 419 Decatur St., New Orleans, LA 17030
Date: Oct 1, 2025 12:00am to Oct 1, 2025 12:00am
Paid Event
French Quarter - History Talk
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.
Location: The French Quarter Visitor Center is located at: 419 Decatur St., New Orleans, LA 17030
Date: Oct 4, 2025 12:00am to Oct 4, 2025 12:00am
Paid Event
French Quarter - Jazz Piano Hour - Ranger Jade Perdue
and the
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preservepresent a
Jazz Piano Hourfeaturing
Ranger Jade Perdue Fridays at 1:00 pmAt the National Park Service French Quarter Visitor Center
419 Decatur St, New OrleansAs a virtuoso in classical, jazz, gospel, and R&B music, Jade Perdue’s performances have graced prestigious stages, including the New Orleans Jazz Heritage Festival, the French Quarter Festival, and the Creole Tomato Festival. She grew up in New Orleans, a city steeped in musical history, where she cultivated an eclectic musical palette. Her musical journey began in the heart of her community at Watson Memorial Teaching Ministries. Later, she honed her skills within the Edna Karr High School marching band. In high school, she participated in a music program called Musicollaborative, and a training camp led by the founders of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.
This program is free and open to the public.
Location: National Park Service French Quarter visitor center - 419 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130. (Near the statue of Bienville.)
Date: Jan 2, 2026 12:00am to Jan 2, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
French Quarter - Jazz Program - Ravee Treesaksesakoon Duo
and the
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preservepresent a
Jazz Programfeaturing the
Ravee Treesaksesakoon Duo Saturday at 3:00 pmAt the National Park Service French Quarter Visitor Center
419 Decatur St, New OrleansRavee Treesaksesakoon was born in Bangkok in 1992. While in junior high school he was accepted into the school band and began playing French horn in the group’s first rehearsals. At the same time, he picked up his trumpet and started playing. Ravee got so good in playing the trumpet he participated in the Thailand International jazz conference in 2009. After which he decided to pursue a career as a trumpet player at the Mahidol University’s College of Music and graduated with a jazz degree. While he was a student, he took part in a variety of musical events, appearing in big bands and ensembles, including the Frankfurt Youth Symphony Orchestra. In 2011, he was a public personality and lead trumpeter in a huge band in Germany. He is currently involved in a variety of activities, including attending numerous jazz and music camps.
This program is free and open to the public.
Location: National Park Service French Quarter visitor center - 419 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130. (Near the statue of Bienville.)
Date: Jan 2, 2026 12:00am to Jan 2, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Prairie Acadian Cultural Center - 2026 Bingo Boards & Bucket Lists
Join the rangers in creating 2026 goals for cultural, historical, and recreational experiences in Louisiana for this new year!
Whether you prefer a Bucket List or Bingo Sheet, you can have fun, get creative, and set yourself up for good times in 2026.
Bring friends and family or just yourself. All ages are welcome at this free program.
Location: 250 Park Ave. Eunice, LA 70535
Date: Jan 3, 2026 12:00am to Jan 3, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Prairie Acadian Cultural Center - Cooking Demonstration
Good food is a pillar of south Louisiana culture and heritage.
Each week different foods and cooks will demonstrate history and tradition with every bite.
Come learn about spice, meats, the trinity and more. Taste test it all alongside rangers at the Prairie Acadian Cultural Center.
Want to share a traditional recipe of your own or share some of your cooking skill with the center?
Reach out and talk to a ranger about how you can volunteer with the National Park Service!
Location: Prairie Acadian Cultural Center 250 W. Park Avenue, Eunice, LA 70535
Date: Jan 3, 2026 12:00am to Jan 3, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Visitor Center & Contacts
📍 Physical Address:
419 Decatur St
New Orleans, LA 70130
🏤 Mailing Address:
419 Decatur St
New Orleans, LA 70130
📞 Voice Phone: 5045893882
✉️ Email: jela_interpretation@nps.gov