jean-lafitte | LA | Find park

Spanish moss and lush vegetation provide glimpses of Louisiana's wild wetlands at Jean Lafitte's Barataria Preserve.

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

Chalmette Battlefield's American rampart and cannons still guard the site of the Battle of New Orleans in 1815.

Setting sun lights up cemetery headstones

Established during the Civil War, Chalmette National Cemetery's 14,000+ headstones pay tribute to those buried there.

Visitor center exhibit titled "Crossroads of Cultures"

Hundreds of years of history and thousands of people from all over the world have created New Orleans' distinctive cultural mix.

Model of an early Acadian home sits in a glass case

Bringing skills and traditions from Nova Scotia, the Acadian exiles in Louisiana found a new home and a new name---Cajuns.

Exhibit case full of musical instruments

Acadian (Cajun) music began in cabins and dancehalls and has become famous worldwide.

guitar sits on a dimly lit porch styled stage

The Music Porch at the Prairie Acadian Cultural Center in Eunice, LA

Physical Address:

419 Decatur St

New Orleans, LA 70130

Mailing Address:

419 Decatur St

New Orleans, LA 70130

contact-details

Phone Number: 5045893882 Voice

Email Address: jela_interpretation@nps.gov
Description:

Fees

Entrance Fees

Entrance Passes

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.

park designation:National Historical Park and Preserve

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.

For detailed directions, please visit this link.

Directions

Operating 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.

Exceptions:

Mardi Gras (March 4, 2025 - March 4, 2025)

Christmas Day (December 25, 2024 - December 25, 2024)

New Year's Day (January 1, 2025 - January 1, 2025)

Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. (January 20, 2025 - January 20, 2025)

Washington's Birthday (February 17, 2025 - February 17, 2025)

Memorial Day (May 26, 2025 - May 26, 2025)

Juneteenth National Independence Day (June 19, 2025 - June 19, 2025)

Independence Day (July 4, 2025 - July 4, 2025)

Labor Day (September 1, 2025 - September 1, 2025)

Columbus Day (October 13, 2025 - October 13, 2025)

Veterans Day (November 11, 2025 - November 11, 2025)

Thanksgiving Day (November 27, 2025 - November 27, 2025)

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