Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve and Chalmette National Cemetery

Things To Do Near Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve and Chalmette National Cemetery

Visitors are invited to hike, observe native wildlife in its natural habitat, learn about New Orleans history, and attend historical re-enactments. This park preserves the site of numerous events, including the Battle of New Orleans during the War of 1812. The park also highlights the everyday lives of the Acadian people, who were exiled from Nova Scotia in Canada and went on to develop a mix of cultures that included cowboys, Creoles, and Cajuns. 

Hiking Trails

• Bayou Coquille Trail

  With a combination of boardwalk and packed gravel surfaces, this trail tracks the bayou, along which it's possible to see giant live oaks, a 600-year-old bald cypress tree known as the "Monarch of the Swamp," and an American Indian shell mound. Trailside signs and a cellphone tour provide additional information about the nature and history of the area.

  Location

  Bayou Coquille Trail Parking Area, Barataria Preserve, 6588 Barataria Blvd., Marrero, Louisiana 70072

  Length

  1 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

• Marsh Overlook Trail

  This extension of the Bayou Coquille Trail takes visitors along a boardwalk that includes bridges and stairs. It provides excellent opportunities for viewing wildlife such as turtles, alligators, and a variety of birds. From a bridge that spans the Upper Kenta Canal, hikers gain a beautiful view of downtown New Orleans.

  Location

  Bayou Coquille Trail Parking Area, Barataria Preserve, 6588 Barataria Blvd., Marrero, Louisiana 70072

  Length

  0.8 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

• Plantation Trail

  Hikers have the option of walking Loop A, Loop B, or both loops. People who want to view armadillos and deer in their native habitats will love this trail. Other highlights include giant live oaks and the remnants of various irrigation ditches from the plantation and farming era.

  Location

  Pecan Grove Parking Area, Barataria Preserve, 6588 Barataria Blvd., Marrero, Louisiana 70072

  Length

  Loop A: 1.8 miles, Loop B: 1.4 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

• Old Barataria Trail

  Tour a wide variety of habitats that feature superb specimens of dwarf palmetto plants on this trail. The dirt path is crossed by several old irrigation ditches that may contain some water during wetter months.

  Location

  Pecan Grove Parking Area, Barataria Preserve, 6588 Barataria Blvd., Marrero, Louisiana 70072

  Length

  1.4 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

Sightseeing

• French Quarter Visitor Center

  When the French established the settlement of New Orleans in 1718, a formal city plan was immediately created. That plan was built around the area that's now known as the French Quarter. Settlers soon were arriving from all over the world, bringing their rich cultures and traditions. The French Quarter Visitor Center explores this history and the traditions of the people who settled in New Orleans.

  Location

  419 Decatur Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130

• Chalmette Battlefield and Cemetery

  Considered the last battle of the War of 1812, this great battle may have been unnecessary as a treaty to end the war had already been signed late in 1814. However, the Battle of New Orleans was a decisive win for the Americans over the British, sealing a tradition of independence from that nation. A visitor center features exhibits, films, and a store, and the adjacent Chalmette National Cemetery is a tree-lined expanse in which the remains of some 15,000 American soldiers lie. One of the park's most recognizable features, the Chalmette Monument, is found at the cemetery.

  Location

  Battlefield: 8606 West St. Bernard Highway; Chalmette Monument: 1 Battlefield Road, Chalmette, Louisiana 70043

Museums

• Prairie Acadian Cultural Center

  The lives of the prairie Cajuns are celebrated and explored at this unique museum that features many artifacts and exhibits. Several events take place throughout the year, enabling visitors to sample Cajun cuisine and language. Musical performances are presented at the Liberty Theater, which many refer to as the "Cajun Grand Ole Opry." 

  Location

  250 W. Park Ave., Eunice, Louisiana 70535

• Acadian Cultural Center

  The fascinating history of the Acadian people is explored in depth at this museum through ranger-led programs, exhibits, films, and special events. This is one of the best ways to get familiar with the region's traditions with storytelling, music, dance, and food.

  Location

  501 Fisher Road, Lafayette, Louisiana 70508

• Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center

  Louisiana's bayous and waterways were an inextricable part of the Acadian peoples' lives. In fact, living on and near the water shaped nearly every part of their existence. Visit this museum to learn about how the water influenced the homes, furnishings, clothing, recreation, and nearly every other facet of the Cajuns' lives.

  Location

  314 St. Mary Street, Thibodaux, Louisiana 70301

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Gossip – A Clothing Boutique

  Located near the Prairie Acadian Cultural Center, this fun and fashionable shop carries a wonderful selection of women's apparel, including accessories, swimwear, loungewear, and more.

  Location

  109 W. Walnut Ave., Eunice, Louisiana 70535

• Picket Fence Antiques

  Visitors seeking a one-of-a-kind souvenir will find it at this eclectic and thoughtfully laid-out antique store. From Depression glass to vintage car parts, this shop has a bit of everything.

  Location

  1127 Canal Boulevard, Thibodaux, Louisiana 70301

• Griffin's Louisiana Grille

  Feast on fried seafood platters, delectable chicken and sausage gumbo, and the best po'boys around at this casual eatery.

  Location

  523 A St. Mary Hwy., Thibodaux, Louisiana 70301

• God's Creole Cook-Wagon

  Offering up plentiful and traditional Louisiana-style barbecue, this is the place where the locals eat.

  Location

  163 S. Cane Street, Eunice, Louisiana 70535

How To Get To Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve and Chalmette National Cemetery

Start your visit at the French Quarter Visitor Center, which is located in the heart of the French Quarter on Decatur Street between Conti Street and St. Louis Street. To tour the Chalmette Battlefield and National Cemetery, begin driving in New Orleans on LA-46 E, and follow it to Battlefield Road.

Address

Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, 419 Decatur Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130 Chalmette Battlefield and National Cemetery, 1 Battlefield Road, Chalmette, Louisiana 70043

Fee: Entry fee $0

Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve and Chalmette National Cemetery offer a fascinating look at Louisiana's history and its natural surroundings, which largely shaped the lives of the people. Opportunities to camp are nearby, making this a great place to enjoy an RV getaway.