Plan Like a Park Ranger for the Battle of New Orleans Commemoration

NPS

To help everyone have a great experience at the commemoration of the Battle of New Orleans, our park rangers share their top insider tips to #PlanLikeAParkRanger.

1. Make a plan

Plan your day with an event schedule. Schedules that show activities, speakers, programs, and cannon and musket firings are available here.

2. Dress for the weather

Depending on the weather, be ready to bring cold-weather gear, a raincoat or umbrella, or a hat and sunscreen.
Wear comfortable walking shoes. It's about half a mile one-way from the bus stop to the far end of the battlefield event areas. Closed-toe shoes may be a good idea since some of the route is along a gravel road.

 

3. Plan for parking

Get to the battlefield in plenty of time for the programs you want to enjoy. Information about transportation and shuttles are available on the Battle of New Orleans page. Note that there is no public parking at Chalmette Battlefield and National Cemetery for this event. Allow about 30 minutes of travel time between the parking area and arrival at the battlefield event areas to give yourself plenty of time to arrive at the battlefield and walk to event areas.

4. Remember your shuttle stop location

Remember your shuttle stop location. You will always catch your shuttle bus back to parking in the same place that the shuttle bus dropped you off.

5. Critter Care

Leave your pets at home. Service animals are welcome, but note that frequent musket and cannon firings may make service animals uncomfortable.

6. Ask a Ranger

Have a question? Ask a ranger. We’re always here to help. We can answer questions, share park stories (we’re always happy to point you to the nearest restroom), and we can let you know what activities are available.

7. Accessibility

Remember that the battlefield is wheelchair accessible. All activities are accessible by paved walkways or gravel road. All vehicles, including vehicles with accessible parking tags, must park at the public parking area. Wheelchair-accessible shuttle buses to the battlefield will be available. Note that golf carts will be on duty at the battlefield to offer rides to visitors with limited mobility.

More information about accessibility in our park can be found on our Accessibility page.

8. Food & Drink

You can bring a refillable water bottle and refill it at the water fountain near the restrooms (near the visitor center and Chalmette Monument). You are welcome to bring a picnic lunch any day.

9. Find your way to Lost & Found

Lost and found (including lost people), first aid, and information are available at the visitor center (next to Chalmette Monument).