Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve
Time Needed: full-day
Experience Type: cultural heritage, historic landmark
Spanning across six sites, Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve showcases the state’s wild wetlands, deep-rooted Cajun traditions, and pivotal history. From the bayous to the Battle of New Orleans, the park captures Louisiana’s spirit and ever-changing landscape.
MUST-DO CHECKLIST
- Walk the Trails at Barataria Preserve – Explore boardwalks and dirt paths through bayous, swamps, and marshes where you can spot alligators, turtles, and wading birds.
- Explore the Chalmette Battlefield – Visit the site of the 1815 Battle of New Orleans, see the 100-foot-tall Chalmette Monument, and walk the peaceful Chalmette National Cemetery.
- Take a Swamp Boat Tour – Glide through the bayou on a guided swamp boat or airboat tour to see cypress trees, Spanish moss, and Louisiana’s iconic wildlife up close.
- Experience Cajun Culture – Visit Acadian Cultural Centers in Lafayette, Thibodaux, and Eunice for exhibits, cooking demos, live music, and stories of Cajun heritage.
- Stop by the French Quarter Visitor Center – Learn about New Orleans’ history and music through interactive exhibits and ranger programs in the heart of the French Quarter.
Itinerary Idea: Glide through Jean Lafitte National Historical Park on a shaded 90-minute pontoon boat tour led by a bayou-born guide. Enjoy towering cypress trees, gators, and egrets on this relaxed, close-to-downtown adventure.
Photo Credit: Louisiana Office of Tourism