News Release

Jean Lafitte Closes Barataria Preserve to Implement Local Health Guidance

Date: March 31, 2020
Contact: Kristy Wallisch, 5043820296

NEW ORLEANS – Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, in response to guidance from local and state authorities and National Park Service Public (NPS) Health Service officers, is announcing additional modifications to operations to support federal, state, and local efforts to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).  

As of Tuesday, March 31, Jean Lafitte has completely closed the park’s Barataria Preserve in Marrero. This closure includes preserve trails and boardwalks. The closure is in order to comply with state and local health guidance regarding social distancing.

The health and safety of visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners at Jean Lafitte is the park’s number one priority. The National Park Service is working servicewide with federal, state, and local authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic. The park will notify the public when operations resume and provide updates on the park website and social media.  


If contemplating a visit to a national park during this pandemic, the NPS asks visitors to adhere to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local public health authorities to protect visitors and employees. As services are limited, the NPS urges visitors to continue to practice Leave No Trace principles, including pack-in and pack-out, to keep outdoor spaces safer and healthier.


Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus. Please check with individual parks at https://www.nps.gov/findapark/index.htm for specific details about park operations.