Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve

Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve is made up of six units: Barataria Preserve (near Marrero), Chalmette Battlefield (in Chalmette, about 15 miles southeast of New Orleans), French Quarter Visitor Center (in New Orleans), Acadian Cultural Center (in Lafayette), Prairie Acadian Cultural Center (in Eunice) and the Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center (in Thibodaux). These various units offer a treasure trove of southern Louisiana's cultural and historical wealth. The various units also offer a glimpse into southern Louisiana's natural heritage with live oaks, alligators, snakes, hundreds of species of birds, Spanish moss, river otters and armadillos.

Barataria Preserve offers a 23,000-acre Louisiana wetland and a visitor center with exhibits, dioramas and hands-on displays. Chalmette Battlefield is the site of the 1815 Battle of New Orleans. Every January the battle is reenacted with period dress, cannon firings and more. the visitor center offers exhibits detailing the story of the Battle of New Orleans. Next to the battlefield is Chalmette National Cemetery. The French Quarter Visitor Center offers exhibits detailing the history of New Orleans. The Acadian Cultural Center in Lafayette offers exhibits detailing the history of the Cajun people who settled southeastern Louisiana. The Prairie Acadian Cultural Center in Eunice offers exhibits, music, dancing, craft demonstrations and the Saturday night "Cajun Grand Ole Opry." The Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center in Eunice offers history walks, bayou boat tours, jam sessions with local musicians and exhibits detailing the story of Louisiana's bayou country.

The Acadian Cultural Center is open Tuesay through Friday 9 am to 4:30 pm and Saturday 8:30 am to noon, closed on all Federal holidays. The Prairie Acadian Cultural Center is open Wednesday through Friday 9:30 am to 4:30 pm and Saturday 9:30 am to 6 pm, closed all Federal holidays. The Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center is open Monday and Tuesday 9 am to 7 pm, Wednesday through Friday 9 am to 5 pm and on Farmer's Market Saturdays 8 am to 11 am, closed on Federal holidays and Mardi Gras. The Barataria Preserve Visitor Center is open Wednesday through Sunday 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, closed on Federal holidays. Preserve parking lot gates open daily (including Federal holidays) 9 am to 5 pm for access to trails. The entire Preserve is closed for Mardi Gras. The French Quarter Visitor Center is open Tuesday through Saturday 9 am to 4:30 pm, closed on Federal holidays and Mardi Gras. Chalmette Battlefield and Cemetery gates open Tuesday through Saturday, Memorial Day and Veterans Day 9 am to 4 pm. Gates are also open Sunday-Monday from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm and on Federal holidays other than Memorial Day and Veterans Day. The site is completely closed on Mardi Gras. There are no fees for admission to any of the sites but each site does accept donations.