Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
4.5
Monday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Nature reserve, consisting of several sections, preserves significant examples of the natural and cultural resources of the Mississippi Delta region.
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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The area
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Neighbourhood: French Quarter
A small and teeming network of laissez-faire living lounged out on the balmy banks of the Mighty Mississippi, the French Quarter has long been a port of call for folks in search of a good time and a great story. Perpetually inebriated Bourbon Street runs across its midriff like a strand of cheap ribbon tied around an otherwise rather pretty and impressively well-kept vintage dress. Throughout the rest of the Quarter, brightly colored Victorian homes and businesses, famously done up with wrought-iron features, provide a distinct and immediately recognizable backdrop for all varieties of fun. At any given moment in this historic riverside setting, some of America’s finest meals are being cooked, most potent cocktails are being mixed, and most engaging music is being performed.
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Restaurants
5 within 5 kms
Attractions
16 within 10 kms
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,002 reviews
Excellent
678
Very good
236
Average
71
Poor
14
Terrible
3
Thekansaspyet
Middletown, CT712 contributions
Mar 2022
While we planned to go on a swamp boat tour later in our vacation, we wanted to walk some trails in the swamp. Several trails have been reopened since Hurricane Ida. We went on the Visitor Center (boardwalk) Trail which is about 1/2 mile rt, and saw two alligators lounging right alongside the boardwalk. They can climb onto the low boardwalk, so if you see one that looks like it is thinking of a "snack", quickly back away and beat a retreat. They can move at 30 miles an hour for short bursts. There were some benches to sit, and listen to the swamp birds and sounds. A nice visitor center and bathrooms. A ranger was swearing in some young children as junior rangers while we were there. My husband also took the Bayou Coquille Trail which is longer.
Written 5 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tom S
Ypsilanti, MI191 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
It's confusing that the same name applies to an urban visitor center in the French Quarter and a swamp experience a 30+ minute drive outside the city. We visited both. The FQ visitor center was a nice respite from the bustle of the streets with a peaceful courtyard and informative exhibits on Louisiana culture and geography (pubic restrooms, too). The swamp area includes boardwalk hiking trails along which we saw a lot of flora and some fauna including an alligator. The scheduled ranger-led walk was very focused on the young children who dominated the group.
Written 27 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Burtler
52 contributions
Dec 2019
Although you will want to get going on the raised boardwalks, a stop at the visitor center is the first place to go. The exhibit and map will orient you and provide a background to the area. The boardwalks are raised high enough that visitors feel immersed in the bayous but protect the area as well. It is a beautiful location and feels very far removed from the rest of the world.
Written 4 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hank W
Orwigsburg, PA1,074 contributions
Dec 2020
I stopped while on a trip to NOLA. I am drawn to military historical sites due to my Army background. Nice little indoor museum detailing the Battle of New Orleans. The silence of the battlefield was moving when one considers the lives lost at the site. If in NOLA, please take a drive outside the city and visit this and the neighboring national cemetery to honor our fallen warriors. My buddy and I were especially moved by the cemetery as we are both veterans.
Written 26 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Veganinthesouth
New Orleans, LA335 contributions
Mar 2020
This review is off the park that is in Marrero. There is a broad walk from visitor center along with some gravel path that is 4 miles round trip. The four miles include 3 different trails. You can see gaters very up close along with tons of other wildlife. There is much more to do in the park which is about 30 mins drive or less from downtown. Dogs/pets are not allowed.
Written 15 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
egland95
Peoria, IL168 contributions
May 2022
Nice ranger walk along a boardwalk in a marsh at Bataria Preserve. Saw snakes and lizards, no alligators on our walk. Ranger told us the best time to see alligators was early on a sunny day. Good for a short stop, but for seeing wildlife the Swamp Tour of Honey Island was far superior - though not free! Did Junior Ranger booklets and got passport stamps. 30 minute drive out of the city and mis-directed by google maps. Directed us to Bataria Preserve, but not the visitor's center which was unsigned along the opposite side of the road. The NPS website also does not provide clear directions. Try this street address for the visitor center 6588 Barataria Boulevard, Marrero. Should show up on the west side of Highway 45 (or right turn coming from New Orleans). We had to stop and asked a local.
Written 3 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bernard W
Dallas, TX1,914 contributions
Feb 2022
At 9:30 am a ranger gives a history talk Tuesday to Saturday. We found the talk insightful, educational, and even entertaining when we attended a Tuesday in February. There are exhibits, informational brochures, and even Junior Ranger workbooks. Well worth a stop.
Written 23 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
niliad
10 contributions
Jan 2020
I have not visited the same place and natural park before in my life and it was really exceptional to me. Beautiful and calm place, worthy of four or five hours of walking and exploring. No entrance fee and 20-30 minutes driving from New Orleans downtown. If you paid attention, you could find a lot of interesting animals in their original homes such as snakes, wild rabbits and of course alligators. Definitely recommended. Also, benefit from phone guidance through the visit.
Written 19 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Venusbelt
Bellingham, WA46 contributions
May 2023 • Family
I visited with two of my 20 something year old kids on a gorgeous bluebird day. The park, trails, & wildlife were stunning. We are from NW Washington, & therefore seeing this ecosystem in all its beauty was a great experience. I’d recommend that visitors to NOLA check out & appreciate this wonderful park.
Written 19 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amy F
3 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Darren was our tour guide and he was amazing. Lots of knowledge, whitty, and just fun. We had a great time, saw some gators and wildlife. This was definitely worth the money and the time! I even got to hood a baby alligator.
Written 4 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is there a place to rent kayaks near by?
Written 18 February 2021
Сколько стоит посещение парка, если приехать самостоятельно?
Written 9 April 2019
I.m not sure of the temperature right now.I assume it's close to New Orleans weather. You will have to check the latest weather forecasts on your phone ,etc. It is summer now and it's in the lower 90's with no rain predicted this week. It's humid as the weather here is tropical.
Written 28 May 2019
I saw mentions of parking outside the gates if you'll be in the park past 5pm - can you also just park outside the gates if you'd like to go before 9am? I'd like to do the Bayou Coquille trail around 8am if possible, but I wasn't sure if that would work out or not.
Written 10 September 2017
If the area isn't designated for parking, I'm not sure what might happen. Why not contact the specific park to find out what they suggest?
Written 25 September 2017
Yes you will but Wildlife activity will have diminished to some part due to it being a bit colder. That being said, I visited the area in early February and it was 80 degrees one day. Highly recommend this place for wildlife sightings. This is coming from a biologist.
Written 16 July 2017
Which are the best trails to do? Please, i need some suggestion!
Written 31 March 2017
There are only two trail, one at each of the stops. Both are very good and you should walk both of them. Keep your eyes out for wildlife, there's plenty of it but you have to have a keen eye. Definitely watch out for snakes, some are venomous.
Written 13 May 2017
Which section of the park (I believe there are six locations) were you in when you did this walk? It sounds interesting
Written 20 February 2017
Barataria: stop in at the visitor's center if you are there for the guided tour (which I recommend), then get back in car and go back to the trailhead. Staff at the visitor's center will tell you where.
Written 21 February 2017
How early do we need to be there to get a free ticket?
Written 27 December 2016
No tickets required. Just head out on the trail.
Written 18 March 2017
If the tour is advertised as 1hr45min - 2hrs, what else happens during the scheduled 10am - 430pm time span?
Written 13 March 2016
It's a self- guided tour anytime between 10am and 4:30pm
Written 14 March 2016
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