Regarding operating status, be sure to check the latest alerts and conditions page.
What's Happening:
- Battle of New Orleans Talk - daily at about 2:45 p.m. only if the Creole Queen excursion boat is docked at the battlefield. The visitor center is open and talks are given on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. On all other federal holidays and on Mardi Gras, the visitor center is closed and no talks are given. There are no entrance fees to the park.
- Living history is a crucial part of programs and events at Chalmette Battlefield. To find out about participating in the living history program, please email the park.
Entrance Gate Hours:
- Chalmette Battlefield’s Visitor Center is open every day 9:30 am-4:30 pm, including Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day. It is closed other federal holidays and Mardi Gras. Vehicular gates are open 9:00 am-4:30 pm. The site is open to pedestrians year-round sunrise to sunset.
- Chalmette National Cemetery is open every day, including federal holidays. Vehicular gates are open from 9:30 am-4:30 pm, including federal holidays. It is open to pedestrians year-round from sunrise to sunset.
- Links to useful information like maps, public transportation, pets, permits for special uses, etc., are available on the basic information page. The paddlewheeler Creole Queen travels from New Orleans' French Quarter to the battlefield; visit the Creole Queen website for sailing times and ticket information.
Just downriver from New Orleans in Chalmette is the site of the January 8, 1815, Battle of New Orleans: Chalmette Battlefield. Many people believe that this last great battle of the War of 1812 between the United States and Britain was unnecessary, since the treaty ending the war was signed in late 1814. However, the war was not over. The resounding American victory at the Battle of New Orleans soon became a symbol of a new idea: American democracy triumphing over the old European ideas of aristocracy and entitlement. General Andrew Jackson's hastily assembled army won the day against a battle-hardened and larger British force. Americans took pride in the victory, and for decades celebrated January 8 as a national holiday, just like the Fourth of July.
Learn about the War of 1812 from our visitor center's films and exhibits. Kids can earn a badge with the Junior Ranger program. The visitor center's park store has books, period music, reproductions of items from the period, and children's books. Admission is free. Follow these links for the park's calendar of events, exhibits, and programs; for directions and transportation options (be sure to see important information about using ride share services); and for accessibility information.
There are many ways to experience Chalmette Battlefield. The full accessible way to visit the park is by vehicle. If you visit the park via the Creole Queen, please be aware that because of variable levels of the Mississippi River and river levee itself we are working on longer-term solutions for accessibility. The park programs are accessible, either via a virtual tour with closed captioning shown on the Creole Queen, or in-person on park grounds. The park also has audio description devices available for our visitor center exhibits, and a braille version of our park's Unigrid brochure. If you have special needs for your visit please contact us via email so we can accommodate accordingly.
Special programs and activities:
