Jean Lafitte National Park Visitor Center
Visitors who want to explore the areas around New Orleans should stop here first. The office supervises and provides information on the Jean Lafitte National Park Barataria Preserve, a beautiful wetland area across the river from New Orleans, and the Chalmette Battlefield, where the Battle of New Orleans was fought in the War of 1812. Each year in January, near the anniversary of the battle, a reenactment is staged at the Chalmette site. This visitor center has free visual and audio exhibits on the customs of various communities throughout the state. Knowledgeable on-site rangers offer history talks at 10 am, Tuesday through Saturday. You'll need a car to visit the preserve or the battlefield.
