Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve • Louisiana

Spanish moss hangs from live oak tree

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

Exhibit case full of musical instruments

guitar sits on a dimly lit porch styled stage

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.

Spanish moss and lush vegetation provide glimpses of Louisiana's wild wetlands at Jean Lafitte's Barataria Preserve.
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Chalmette Battlefield's American rampart and cannons still guard the site of the Battle of New Orleans in 1815.
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Established during the Civil War, Chalmette National Cemetery's 14,000+ headstones pay tribute to those buried there.
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Hundreds of years of history and thousands of people from all over the world have created New Orleans' distinctive cultural mix.
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Bringing skills and traditions from Nova Scotia, the Acadian exiles in Louisiana found a new home and a new name---Cajuns.
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Acadian (Cajun) music began in cabins and dancehalls and has become famous worldwide.
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The Music Porch at the Prairie Acadian Cultural Center in Eunice, LA
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Alligator floating in water

Explore Louisiana's wild wetlands---swamp, marsh, bayous, alligators, birds---just 17 miles from New Orleans.

A cannon faces the battlefield in front of the Chalmette Monument and an American flag

Follow the footsteps of the troops who fought 1815's Battle of New Orleans and find out how the American victory changed the world.

Exhibit with photos and title Crossroads of Culture

Discover how three centuries of cultural exchange have created one of America's most distinctive cities.

Boys looking at model of old house

Old traditions, new homes: through exhibits, programs, and boat tours, discover how Canada's Acadians became Louisiana's Cajuns.

A musical performance.

Celebrate the Cajun way of life with music, dancing, cooking demonstrations, and more!

Exhibit about hunting and fishing in Louisiana's bayous

Big fun on the bayou: it's all about music, Cajun French, boat tours, and life in Louisiana's wetlands.

A Copperhead Snake slithering up a tree

Make sure your visit to the park is not only fun, but a safe experience as well.

A large white bird taking flight in flooded grass

Six unique sites spread across South Louisiana. Learn about each to help plan your trip to Jean Lafitte.

Living historians stand in front of a cannon

What's coming up in the park? Check the calendar to learn more about special programs and other upcoming events!

Last updated: December 3, 2025

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

419 Decatur St
New Orleans, LA 70130

Phone:

504-589-3882

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