Historic Site and Historical Park · NPS · LA
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
Photo: NPS Photo, Barataria Preserve of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
Alerts and conditions
Information Chalmette Battlefield buildings closed, gates are open
Chalmette Battlefield buildings, including the visitor center and restrooms, are closed for maintenance. Gates remain open during normal hours. Check back here or visit our social media channels for reopening updates.
Information Visitor services for the Town of Jean Lafitte unavailable November 11 & 12
Rangers will not be present at Wetland Trace on November 11 and 12 as we prepare for Veteran's Day programming at Chalmette Battlefield. Wetland Trace trails will still be open and accessible. We will resume our regular operations on Wednesdays and Thursdays on November 18, with roving from 10 a - 2 p and a guided Wetlands Walk at 1 pm at Wetland Trace at 4917 City Park St, Jean Lafitte, LA 70067.
Caution Barataria Visitor Center and Trails are Closed
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.
Caution Acadian Cultural Center Temporarily Closed
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.
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.
From the National Park Service
History
The designation history for this site (every law, proclamation and order, and the administration behind each) is being researched and checked by the Library’s historians.
What to see and do
Activities
- Arts and Culture
- Craft Demonstrations
- Cultural Demonstrations
- Live Music
- Fishing
- Freshwater Fishing
- Guided Tours
- Self-Guided Tours - Walking
- Hands-On
- Citizen Science
- Arts and Crafts
- Hunting and Gathering
- Hunting
- Living History
- Historic Weapons Demonstration
- First Person Interpretation
- Junior Ranger Program
- Wildlife Watching
- Birdwatching
- Park Film
- Museum Exhibits
- Shopping
- Bookstore and Park Store
- Gift Shop and Souvenirs
Plan your visit
Hours
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.
Getting there
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.
Visitor centers
- French Quarter Visitor Center
- Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center
- Chalmette Battlefield and Chalmette National Cemetery
- Barataria Preserve
- Prairie Acadian Cultural Center
- Acadian Cultural Center
Weather
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.
Phone: 504-589-3882
Whose lands these are
These lands are the ancestral and present-day homelands of Native nations. A section on whose lands these are is being prepared with tribal review. In the meantime, Native Land Digital offers a starting point.
Photos
Pair it with
- New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park NPS · 11 miles
- Bayou Sauvage Urban National Wildlife Refuge FWS · 24 miles
- Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge FWS · 34 miles
- Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge FWS · 44 miles
- Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge FWS · 55 miles
- Delta National Wildlife Refuge FWS · 69 miles