Last updated: February 12, 2026
Thing to Do
Become a Jean Lafitte B.A.R.K. Ranger
NPS
Hey dogs! Are you sniffing out your next adventure?
Most National Park Service locations offer a Junior Ranger program designed for kids to explore and learn through self-guided activities. Our pets are part of the family, and they visit our park sometimes too! The B.A.R.K. Ranger program is all about our fur babies learning how to responsibly visit the park. Does your pup have what it takes to lead the pack in park etiquette?
Follow these simple steps and your dog can earn their official B.A.R.K. Ranger badge! Here’s how:
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Pick up a B.A.R.K. Ranger activity card at a participating visitor center.
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Complete your activity card while practicing the B.A.R.K. code.
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Show a park ranger your completed activity card, raise your paw for the swearing in, and earn your badge!
Because every good dog deserves a pawsitive adventure!
Details
Duration
10-30 Minutes
Activity
Junior Ranger Program
Age(s)
Any visitor is welcome to participate.
Pets Allowed
Yes with Restrictions
Pets are allowed (while on a six-foot leash) on the Chalmette Battlefield grounds, on the grounds of the three Acadian Cultural Centers (Thibodaux, Lafayette, and Eunice locations), and on the Barataria Preserve Visitor Center Deck. Pets are allowed in parking lots while on a six-foot leash.
Service animals are allowed in park facilities like visitor centers, courtyards, and comfort stations. They can go to Chalmette National Cemetery, too.
Service animals are allowed in park facilities like visitor centers, courtyards, and comfort stations. They can go to Chalmette National Cemetery, too.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Participating Park Sites
You can collect your B.A.R.K. Ranger tag from Chalmette Battlefield Visitor Center in Chalmette, Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center in Thibodaux, and Prairie Acadian Cultural Center in Eunice. Pets are not allowed inside the buildings. A park ranger will meet you outside with the badge and activity card.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
While you can earn your B.A.R.K. Ranger badge year-round at our park, please be aware that Louisiana experiences extreme heat in the summer. It may lead to hot pavement for paws and dehydration for dogs.
Time of Day
Day
This program time depends on which of our participating park sites you visit and their hours of operation. Visit our website for more information on visitor center hours of operation.
Accessibility Information
To learn about accessibility at each of our park sites, visit our accessibility page.
Service Animals are welcome to join this program.
Service Animals are welcome to join this program.