Jean Lafitte National Historic Park & Preserve

Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and Preserve, named after the pirate Jean Lafitte, encompasses a total area of approximately 22,000 acres of land that is situated in South Louisiana with nearby metropolis areas including New Orleans and Lafayette. 

This national historic park and preserve, which consists of six physically separate sites and a park headquarters, protects important examples of the rich cultural and natural resources of Louisiana's Mississippi River Delta region. Additionally, the park also highlights the influence of the environment and history on the development of the unique Cajun regional culture. 

Also, the historic park commemorates and preserve the Chalmette Battlefield and National Cemetery that was the location of the 1815 Battle of New Orleans and the final resting place for soldiers from the Civil War, Spanish-American War, World Wars I and II, and Vietnam War. 

Besides the broad cultural and historic attractions to this park, there are several other recreational activities on offer at this site. For example, visitors can get to enjoy, boating, fishing, hiking, hunting, bicycling, walking tours, cultural programs and living history demonstrations. 

Some of the amenities in the park to facilitate these activities include a bicycle trail, picnic area, museum/exhibit, restrooms, visitor centers, and self-guided trails. Dogs are allowed into Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and Preserve but dog owners should be aware that there are several rules regarding dogs that should be strictly adhered to. 

These rules are designed to not only protect the park's resources including wildlife, the habitat and park structures, but also your pooch and other visitors as well. As such, dogs should be kept away from restricted areas of the park like the visitor center. Dogs should also always be kept on a leash, and when not on a leash they should be kept in a safe, secure enclosure. Furthermore, dog owners are expected to clean up after their dog.