WHAT'S HAPPENING:
Ranger talk - 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Join a ranger in the visitor center courtyard to discover New Orleans' history and culture. No talk on federal holidays when visitor center is closed. Free.
Film screening: "Can't Stop the Water" - 1:00-2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 12. The community of Isle de Jean Charles, Louisiana, is washing away with the state's disappearing coastline. "Can't Stop the Water" is a 33-minute award-winning documentary that follows the Biloxi-Chitimacha-Choctaw Indians who live in Isle de Jean Charles. Should they fight to stay? Should they move to higher ground? Screening followed by a ranger-led discussion. Free.
Ready, Set, Eclipse! - 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Saturday, August 19. Get ready to view the Monday, August 21, solar eclipse with a little help from Jean Lafitte. In south Louisiana, about 75% of the sun will be covered by the moon's shadow, but it's still not safe to watch directly. At the visitor centers for Jean Lafitte's Barataria Preserve, Chalmette Battlefield, and French Quarter sites, there'll be materials to make your own pinhole projector plus fascinating facts about eclipses on display. Free. Follow the link to learn more about the solar eclipse.
Shortly after the French founded New Orleans in 1718, engineers drew up a formal city plan for Nouvelle Orleans---the area that we now call the French Quarter. The city quickly expanded beyond those original boundaries to become an important American port. People arrived from all over the world, joining the early inhabitants of the area to create a distinct culture rich in food, music, and tradition.
Jean Lafitte's French Quarter Visitor Center shares the history and traditions of the city and the lower Mississippi River delta through visitor center exhibits and a film. Kids can earn a badge with the Junior Ranger program. The center's museum store has CDs, videos, collectibles, and books from history to cookbooks to children's stories. Admission is free. Follow these links for the park's calendar of events, exhibits, and programs; for directions and transportation options; and for accessibility information. Note that there is no parking available at the French Quarter Visitor Center but that there are several pay-to-park lots available within easy walking distance.
419 Decatur Street, New Orleans
504-589-2636 ext. 1
Open Tuesday-Saturday 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Closed on federal holidays and Mardi Gras (Tuesday, February 28, in 2017). Links to useful information like maps, public transportation, pets, permits for special uses, etc., are available on the basic information page.
Special programs by reservation:
For more about New Orleans, see
