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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
92° 71°
88° 71°
87° 71°
Updated 3 hr ago
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.
and the
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preservepresent a
Drum Program with Tim Brown, II Tuesday at 1:00 pm At the National Park Service French Quarter visitor center 419 Decatur St, New OrleansLearn about the history of Congo Square and drumming in New Orleans with percussionist Tim Brown, II.
Tim Brown, II is a New Orleans-based drummer and percussionist whose artistry is rooted in jazz, funk, gospel, blues, R&B, and the rich percussion traditions of New Orleans. A Mississippi native, born in Flowood and raised in Ridgeland, Brown relocated to New Orleans in 2021 to pursue music and become immersed in one of the world’s most influential musical communities.
Brown graduated Cum Laude from Xavier University of Louisiana in 2025 with a Bachelor of Music Performance and a minor in Mass Communications. His performance credits include the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, International Arts Festival New Orleans, Tremé Fall Festival Second Line Parade, French Quarter Festival, and French Market Creole Tomato Festival.
An active member of the Congo Square Preservation Society, Brown has also served as an intern with the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park. He performs throughout Greater New Orleans with ensembles, churches, and professional artists. His performance collaborations include Herlin Riley, Jason Marsalis, Delfeayo Marsalis, Luther Gray, Jamilah Peters-Muhammad, Craig Klein, Kid Chocolate, Sunpie, Leroy Etienne, Katie Rodgers, Michael Harris, Brent Rose, and Zahria Sims, among many others.
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 a live performance of
Arrowhead Jazz Band with James Jordan Tuesday at 3:00 pmAt the National Park Service French Quarter Visitor Center
419 Decatur St, New OrleansThe Arrowhead Jazz Band brings together National Park Service Rangers and local musicians to perform traditional New Orleans jazz, blues, gospel, and original compositions.
The Arrowhead Jazz Band is anchored by New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park Rangers Jade Perdue (vocals/keyboards), Kerry Lewis, Sr. (bass), Matt Hampsey (guitar), and Intern Saskia Walker (vocals).
James Jordan is a New Orleans vocalist whose wide-ranging sound blends R&B, funk, and swing into a rich, soulful experience. Known for his vocal versatility and intimate performance style, he brings a fresh voice to the city’s music scene.
They will be joined by local musicians Tim Brown, II (vibraphone), Mark Brooks (bass), and Simon Lott (drums).
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!
A "French Roundtable" where area French speakers gather and share culture, history, and traditions. All are invited.
Join a ranger for a stroll through downtown Thibodaux and hear stories of its past.
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.
Explore wild Louisiana on a guided walk along a one mile boardwalk trail through swamp and bayou ecosystems. Discover the animals, plants, and people that call southeast Louisiana's wetlands home.
Recommended items to bring include a water bottle, sunscreen, insect repellant, and good walking shoes.
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.
