National Historical Park and Preserve

24 Activities

Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve

Plan Your Visit NPS.gov

An oak tree arches over a cannon-guarded rampart with historic house and American flag in background

Setting sun lights up cemetery headstones

Visitor center exhibit titled "Crossroads of Cultures"

Model of an early Acadian home sits in a glass case

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Park Alerts (3)

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 ...

Wetlands Trace Partial Closure: Please note that portions of the Wetlands Trace trail in Lafitte may be closed during the week of June 15 - 19. Watch our social media channels for updates.

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 Satur...

About Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve

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.

Things To Do

Showing 6 of 9

10-30 Minutes

Become a Jean Lafitte B.A.R.K. Ranger

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 easy for your human to help you get one. Just follow the B.A.R.K. Ranger code!

Visit the Park Store

Looking for the perfect souvenir? Visit the Park Store! There's one at each of the park's six sites.

Relax in Our Courtyard

Soak in history by taking a break.

Discover Native Plants in Our Courtyard

Come discover yet another reason why the Louisiana delta is such a unique place, by visiting our urban collection of native plants!

30-60 Minutes

Chalmette National Cemetery Audio Tour

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.

Ask a Ranger: French Quarter

Curious about the French Quarter or New Orleans history? Ask a Ranger!

Available 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

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.

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.

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