Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve

Discover Louisiana’s wild side! Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve tells the story of Louisiana’s landscapes and cultures across several sites in south Louisiana.

From battlefields to cultural centers to swamplands, the park highlights the people and places that shaped the region.

The Barataria Preserve

The Barataria Preserve in Marrero offers an authentic Louisiana swamp experience. As part of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, this site spans more than 20,000 acres of wetlands, forests, and bayous right here in Jefferson Parish. Elevated boardwalks and scenic trails make it easy for visitors to explore the natural beauty, spot wildlife, and learn about the importance of Louisiana’s wetlands.

Plan Your Visit

Location: 6588 Barataria Blvd, Marrero, LA
Hours: Wednesday- Sunday 9:30am-4:30pm

The Barataria Preserve Visitors Center is open year-round, aside from federal holidays and Mardi Gras. Trails and parking lots are open seven days a week from 9am-4:30pm, when gates will be locked. For more details, click here.

Explore the Preserve

Barataria Preserve allows you to get close to nature and learn about the local ecosystem. Walk among towering bald cypress trees, thick stands of palmetto, and moss-draped oaks. Along the way, you may see:

  • Alligators sunning along the bayou
  • Egrets, herons, and ibises wading in the marsh
  • Turtles basking on logs
  • Butterflies, lizards, and other small critters

The preserve’s visitor center features exhibits, maps, and a short film that introduces you to the ecology of the wetlands before you head out on the trails.

Barataria Preserve Virtual Tour

Ranger Programs and Wetland Walks

Ranger-led walks and talks bring the wetlands to life. One of the most popular is the Wetlands Walk, offered every Wednesday-Sunday at 10am. Join a park ranger for a guided stroll through the swamp and learn about everything from alligator behavior to the role of wetlands in protecting coastal communities.

All ranger programs are free and family-friendly, but schedules vary. Stop by the visitor center or check here for the latest updates.

Walking Trails

Bayou Coquille Trail

Length: 0.5 miles one way
Terrain: boardwalk and gravel
Accessibility: wheelchair and stroller accessible
Access: Bayou Coquille Trail Parking Area
Trail highlights: large live oaks, Bayou Coquille, 600-year-old “Monarch of the Swamp” tree

Marsh Overlook Trail

Length: 0.4 miles one way
Terrain: boardwalk with stairs and bridges over water
Access: Bayou Coquille Trail
Trail highlights: alligators, birds, turtles, and downtown New Orleans views

Visitor Center Trail

Length: 0.25 miles one way
Terrain: boardwalk
Accessibility: wheelchair and stroller accessible
Access: behind the visitor center
Trail highlights: seating area, freshwater floating marsh

Palmetto Trail

Length: 0.9 miles one way
Terrain: boardwalk
Accessibility: wheelchair and stroller accessible
Access: Visitor Center Trail and Bayou Coquille Trail parking lot
Trail highlights: forest birds, palmetto plants

Ring Levee Trail

Length: 0.6 miles one way
Terrain: gravel and boardwalk
Access: Christmas Road
Trail highlights: baldcypress trees, alligator viewing

Hiking Trails

These hiking trails are primarily dirt and gravel, which means they can become muddy, slippery, or even impassable after rainfall. Conditions can change quickly, so be sure to check park updates before heading out to ensure the trails are safe and accessible.

Wood Duck Trail

Length: 0.4 miles one way
Access: Christmas Road
Trail highlights: hardwood forest, ponds during wet weather, forest birds

Plantation Trail

Length: 1.8 miles round-trip (Loop A), 1.4 miles round-trip (Loop B) - loop distances include Christmas Road
Access: Pecan Grove parking area
Trail highlights: large live oaks, remnants of irrigation ditches from plantation and farming days, deer, and armadillos

Old Barataria Trail

Length: 1.4 miles round-trip
Access: Pecan Grove parking area's picnic area or via Christmas Road
Trail highlights: varied habitats, short hiking trails, old irrigation ditches, palmetto plants

Twin Canals

Length: 0.6 miles one way
Access: Twin Canals parking area
Trail highlights: Hardwood forest, small footbridges, canal views, and fishing from bank (with a valid Louisiana state fishing license)

View Trail Map

A walking bridge at Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve

Visitor Safety

To stay safe and protect the vital local ecosystems, please follow the following tips when visiting the Barataria Preserve:

  • Stay on trails and boardwalks for your safety and to protect wildlife.
  • Keep your distance from wildlife. Never feed, harass, throw things at, or attempt to catch any wild animals. Do not get too close to take a picture of wildlife.
  • If you feel threatened, get loud, stand tall, clap your hands, and walk away slowly.
  • Please note that pets are not permitted on trails or boardwalks. Leave pets at home and not in your car. Service animals are welcome, but due to the presence of wildlife, they may not be comfortable.
  • Bring water, sunscreen, and bug spray. The Louisiana sun and mosquitoes can be intense. Closed-toed shoes are highly recommended.
  • Restrooms, picnic areas, and a bookstore are located at the visitor center.

Explore the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve

The Barataria Preserve is the largest part of the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve, encompassing 26,000 acres of wetlands. However, the park system as a whole spans over 25,000 acres of swamps, marshes, bayous, and forests. Other park highlights outside of Jefferson Parish include:

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