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Jean Lafitte

Barataria Preserve

 

 
Alligator peers out of water.
As you stroll the Barataria Preserve trails, look for snakes, turtles, and alligators swimming through waterways or sunning themselves on logs and bayou banks.

NPS

 

 

Important Information:

  • Never approach, harass, or feed alligators. Remember that they are wild animals and can move very quickly. You can find more information about safety and outdoor activities at the preserve at the safety page.
  • Pets are only allowed in parking areas and on the deck at the visitor center; pets in these areas must be on a leash and a human must be on the other end of the leash. Do not leave pets unattended in vehicles; pets in vehicles must have a human in the vehicle with them. Please clean up after your pet. Although service animals assisting people with visual, hearing, or mobility impairments are welcome everywhere, note that the presence of wildlife may mean that service animals may not be comfortable on preserve trails.
  • Parking lot gates are locked at 4:30 p.m. nightly. If your vehicle is in a parking lot after 4:30 p.m., it will be locked in. If this happens, call 855-677-5352; a ranger will assist you when one is available.

 

The Barataria Preserve outside Marrero offers a taste of Louisiana's wild wetlands. The preserve's 26,000 acres include bayous, swamps, marshes, and forests. Walk along boardwalks and dirt trails to spot animals including alligators and over 200 species of birds plus an ever-changing array of wildflowers and plants . See the trail map, enjoy a self-guided tour, or explore with a cell phone tour. Exhibits at the preserve visitor center highlight how the Mississippi River built Louisiana's wetlands, the national importance of the area, and the relation between the land and its people.

There's also information about the preserve at the Barataria Preserve Frequently Asked Questions page.

Special programs:

  • You are welcome to bring your group and explore the preserve on your own (admission is free). For a fun activity for your self-guided group, try Barataria Bingo! (download the pdf at the link). Curriculum-based materials and other activities suitable for self-guided groups are available at the link. Please call the preserve at 504-689-3690 about your group's plans whether or not you plan to request a ranger program; this will allow us to alert you to possible other large groups visiting the preserve on the same day you are planning to come.
  • Girl and Boy Scout programs.
 
head of a pelican
Plan Your Visit

Jean Lafitte's six sites are scattered across south Louisiana. Each is unique in its focus. Learn more about the park's sites.

A wooden boardwalk with an alligator safety sign.
Safety

Be prepared like a park ranger. Read through our list of safety tips before your park visit.

Nutria on bayou bank
Nature

From the roseate spoonbill bird to the cypress trees, learn about the nature of our park.

A wooden junior ranger badge sits next to reflective water.
Junior Ranger

Take the learning to the next level and join our junior ranger krewe! Learn more about the program and how to become a junior ranger.

A boy looks at his hands covered in dark mud and smiles.
Education

Teachers can learn about our education material, field trips, Every Kid Outdoors program, and more at our park.

Brown rabbit on ground looking at camera
Hunting

Get information on the hunting program and permits at the Barataria Preserve.

A law enforcement ranger helps a kid with a fishing pole next to a bayou.
Fishing

Learn your responsibilities before casting a line or flicking a fly into the water.

 

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Duration:
10 minutes, 33 seconds

Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve is pleased to partner with A Studio in the Woods to recognize the power of art to address the planet’s environmental concerns. This video features park ecologist Dr. Julie Whitbeck and A Studio in the Woods artist in residence Sidiki Conde. Mr. Conde is a world-renowned musician from Guinea, West Africa and in this video, he performs with New Orleans musicians Dr. Michael White, Mitchell Player, Gregory Stafford, and Detroit Brooks.

Last updated: August 23, 2025

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

419 Decatur St
New Orleans, LA 70130

Phone:

504 589-3882

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