Named after the French pirate Jean Lafitte, this historical park and nature preserve is a treasure trove of natural beauty, cultural riches, and history. Much mystery surrounds the specifics of Jean Lafitte, but his mythos and infamy are unquestioned throughout New Orleans. When the park was created in 1978, it was named for the well-known 1800s smuggler.
Six Unique Sites
Six sites across Louisiana are dedicated to Jean Lafitte: the Barataria Preserve, the French Quarter Visitor Center, Chalmette Battlefield and Cemetery, and the three Acadian Cultural Centers. Park sites are miles apart, so plan an itinerary ahead of time to make the most of your visit. Admission to all park sites is free, and most offer free programs.
Start Here
The best way to start an educational adventure here is with a trip to the French Quarter Visitor Center. Highlighting the region’s diverse culture and rich history, this visitor center invites guests to explore engaging exhibits and watch a historical film. Field trips offer a guided history tour through the visitor center.
Barataria Preserve
The Barataria Preserve offers students an exploration amid the beauty of Louisiana’s natural landscape. However, after Hurricane Ida’s destruction in 2021, the preserve and visitor center are temporarily closed while construction repairs the site. Educators looking to give students a hands-on nature education are redirected to explore Louisiana’s natural beauty at the Louisiana Wetland Education Center.
Chalmette Battlefield and Chalmette National Cemetery
Take a stroll through history at the site of the Battle of New Orleans. The Chalmette Battlefield and Chalmette National Cemetery feature a historic 1800s-era house, a 100-foot-tall marble obelisk honoring those who fought in battle, and more than 14,000 graves of soldiers spanning multiple wars. Ranger-led tours give students a comprehensive look at some of the region’s most historic wars.
Acadian Cultural Center
The Acadian Cultural Center in Lafayette offers a look into the lives of the Acadians—who became modern-day Louisiana Cajuns—through exhibits dedicated to their history, customs, language, and more. Curriculum-based programs covering literacy, language arts, and social studies are available for kindergarten through 3rd grade students.
Prairie Acadian Cultural Center
The Prairie Acadian Cultural Center in Eunice teaches visitors about the exile of Acadians from Canada and follows their journey to the Louisiana prairies. Through live music, ranger-led programs, and immersive exhibits, the center highlights the unique culture born here. Educational programming is designed for grades PreK-5 and provides curriculum-based learning in literacy, language arts, and social studies.
Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center
Learn about bayou life in Thibodaux at the Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center. Boat tours take students straight through history on these historic waterways as they learn about local history. A social studies-based activity is also available for grades 3-5.
