Jean Lafitte National Historical Park (Barataria Preserve)
Rating
Price
Free
Duration
2-3 hours
Best Ages
Best for ages 4+
About
The Barataria Preserve unit of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park offers 23,000 acres of Louisiana wetlands just 25 minutes south of the French Quarter. It is the best free way to experience genuine Louisiana swamp.
The trail system includes elevated boardwalks through cypress-tupelo swamp, hardwood forest, and freshwater marsh. The Marsh Overlook Trail and Palmetto Trail are about 2 miles total of boardwalk passing through the heart of the swamp ecosystem.
Alligators are commonly observed during warmer months. They sun on mudbanks just below the boardwalk or float partially submerged. Turtles, snakes, barred owls, great blue herons, and red-shouldered hawks are regularly spotted. In spring, baby alligators appear alongside their mothers.
The National Park Service provides free ranger-led walks explaining the ecology, the cultural history (pirate Jean Lafitte operated here), and the critical issue of coastal erosion. Louisiana loses approximately one football field of coastal land per hour.
The preserve is completely free. Bug spray is essential. Closed Mondays. About 25 minutes south of the French Quarter via the Crescent City Connection bridge.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Nursing / Changing
Not Available
Kid Meals
Not Available
Setting
Outdoor
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
October through April for cooler weather and fewer mosquitoes. Morning visits see the most wildlife. Free ranger-led walks on weekends. Closed Mondays.
Wait Times
No waits. This is a national park preserve -- never crowded.
Nearby Food
No food in the preserve. Nearby: Bevi Seafood Co. (po-boys, 15 min). Eat before or after in the city.
Why Kids Love It
Jean Lafitte Barataria Preserve gives kids the swamp experience without the cost of a guided tour. Elevated boardwalk trails wind through genuine Louisiana swamp -- bald cypress trees draped in Spanish moss, dark water, and alligators visible from the trail.
Alligator sightings are common during warmer months. They sun on mudbanks just below the boardwalk or float in the water nearby. The boardwalk lets you stop and observe as long as you want. Turtles, snakes, herons, egrets, and barred owls are regularly spotted.
The National Park Service provides free ranger-led walks that explain the ecology, the cultural history (Jean Lafitte the pirate operated here), and the ongoing coastal erosion crisis. Learning that Louisiana loses a football field of land every hour makes environmentalism tangible.
Pro Tips from Parents
- The Marsh Overlook Trail and Palmetto Trail boardwalks are the must-do trails -- about 2 miles total
- Alligators are commonly seen from the boardwalks -- maintain distance, never feed them
- Free ranger-led walks (weekends usually) provide excellent context
- Bug spray is ESSENTIAL -- mosquitoes are aggressive in the swamp
- Closed Mondays. The visitor center has exhibits worth seeing first
What to Bring
- bug spray (non-negotiable)
- water bottles
- sunscreen
- hat
- binoculars
- camera with zoom lens
- comfortable walking shoes
- snacks
Cost Info
Free Admission
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
Completely free (no entrance fee, no parking fee).
Bring your own water and snacks.
Tips to Save
- Already completely free.
- This is a National Park Service site with no cost.
- Pack water, snacks, and bug spray.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Monday
- Closed
- Sunday
- 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Saturday
- 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Thursday
- 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
