Reviews of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve (Park)

Abby Brumleve

Such a cool hike! Saw alligators along the walkway and other wildlife as well. The wooden path built through the woods was really great. I always recommend this to people I know are visiting the area.

Ray Andula

Good tour. We saw several alligators very close to the boat and got some great pictures. At the end of the tour, we even got to hold a small one and get a picture with it. Our captain provided lots of good information along the way.

Shelby Anderson

Great quite outdoor fun! It was exactly what we needed, a get away and lots of adventure!

Stephanie Bailey

It was wonderful. Very interesting. Had a great time

Kim Marie

Captain Aaron was great! Super friendly staff. Parking was right by the launchpad.

Jenee Williams

There are a lot of insects. It was beautiful except for the biting insects. I thought it was really good exercise to walk the trails. I enjoyed seeing some of the history of Louisiana. I was able to see lizards, big spiders, an alligator, a rabbit, and a snake.

Ric Welch

Beautiful park, close enough for regular visits. Seems to have plenty of parking. I assume the trails and boardwalks are nice, but can’t give first hand info because they don’t allow dogs on the trails. Very disappointed, especially since it never occurred to me this would be an issue.

Tina Herring

This nature walk was awsum!this guy came out on our way back

McKensie Griffin

This is an amazing park and preserve I love the different atmosphere, and wildlife compared with Colorados atmosphere. Swamps, alligators, amphibians, reptiles, plants everything that materializes before you... ALMOST everything... Let me just finish the rest of this review off by painting you an emphasized detailed image, of the biggest prehistoric banana spiders and or spider in general that I have ever seen in my life! They are everywhere you turn, now I thought working out at this rough, tough tail kicking gym (my basement) every day is exhausting, (no but seriously that Bowflex is something else)... NOPE! NO SIR NO MAMA, my best friend and I got the full Marine boot camp package of workouts that even came with our very own special bystanders. A 2-year-old and 7 months old, still to this day they look at us funny... Everything from dip, duck, dodge, dive, run, don't run, run in place, stand still, don't stand still (they will drop on you), the stroller is stuck! Don't put the baby first! Ready set go! Rather than don't look down it 's don't look up no exaggeration here. The deeper you kung fu yourself on the path, the more massive in SIZE and QUANTITIES they become, the constant goosebumps, heebie-jeebies, and crawling of your body. God forbid so much as a mosquito hits your face or a fly (aka horse fly aka Massive persistent things that dive bomb you!) your to busy cautiously respecting one cluster of dino spiders (side to side up and every which way) the dive bomb comes...... G-A-M-E O-V-E-R for a 3 minute freak out session thinking it was one of these 8 legged behemoths looking NOPES! Which by the way are none aggressive unless you're all up in their business and monstrosity man-eating webs, trying to cling and hold onto the skin you jumped out of in the first place FOR NO REASON! All in all its a fantastic adventure much to see, hear and look out for and highly recommend it. BUG SPRAY, BUG SPRAY, BUG SPRAY. ENJOY :)

Crystle AUSTIN

Beautiful scenery! Come nice and comfy, you'll break a slight sweat. The tour guide was awesome, we all learned so much.

Robin Schallot

Absolutely beautiful. Worth your time if you have it. The trails are well done and wind through some great scenery!

Anita L. Hooker

Our tour guide Captain Ernie was great! Friendly, and informative. Definitely worth it

Larry B

Great walking trails through swamp along scenic canals. Great way to experience the nature of Louisiana without veering too far from the city.

damon Green

Nice place to enjoy time with the family.

Michael Bower

A great swamp tour. Enjoyed the educational part and saw quite a few alligators. Beautiful cajun country!

Amanda Molina

We loved the walk and view of gators. FYI-use bug stray.

Sharon Jones

Great funny knowledgeable boat operator

Larry Bryant

Peaceful nice but watch out for the water snakes and alligators

Mohammad Ali Ranginwala

Excellent place to walk, enjoy the swamp. Was able to see one alligator, but I'm sure it varies

Sean

Good swamp tour. If you don't want to get wet don't sit in the front on a fan boat

Ali Adair

Gorgeous place! Well worth the visit, especially if you want to take some neat photos. The main trail is about 2 miles out and then 2 miles back and is mostly on boardwalks. We stopped often for photos. This visit was a highlight of our NOLA trip!

crystal matlock

This was a fantastic experience and Captain Lou was greatly entertaining!

George Olivier

Well maintained trails w/ wooden walkways and plentiful wildlife

Savage Broyles

The price was very reasonable and the tour and tour guide was excellent. I will definitely come again when I'm back in the New Orleans.

Dawn McHenry

Beautiful and educational for kids! Loved the trails!

Trevor Griffin

Great tour of the Louisiana channel's, marshland and bayou's. Captain Brent was a great guide very knowledgeable and humorous as well.

John Simpson

Great place to go kayaking.

Yor Notroh

Great tour and guide. Saw a lot of gators and learned a lot.

Colleen H

Beautiful, magical park. Easy walking trail through forests, board walk out to bayou with great signage. We even saw a couple Gators. There are 5 or 6 different trails. Helpful rangers at the Visitors Center, with clean restrooms and plenty of parking.

Stephanie Merrimon

An awe-mazing time..loved it..

Brian Meyers

WILD ALLIGATORS EVERYWHERE. WAS THE COOLEST THING EVER

Abner Shoemaker

A beautiful place to visit. Easy boardwalks for all who would like to see the Delta environment. An informative little museum explaining the creation and Mississippi Delta.

Aaron Bagheri

Awesome place! Easily accessible from New Orleans. I was visiting and have never been to the Louisiana swamps, so it was interesting. The trails are all wooden walkways over the water, and there are alligators aplenty! Parking lots all close early, but it's possible to park on the side of the road when they do.

Ashley Sanders

The guide was nice and our group saw the animals we wanted to see. We also held an alligator which was a nice surprise.

SkyFox 2009

The swamp tour was awesome. Jason, our captain, was great. He was a very knowledge and fun captain.

Jacques Imo

We go here as residents of New Orleans a couple times a year and always bring visitors who come to town. Great, natural swamp and wetlands settings that have very user friendly boardwalk paths throughout. Alligators, and other wildlife, are spotted on most trips.

Carlene Williams

Our experience here was awesome

Gamze li

You have to visit here. Great experience!

Crissy Bushman

Love the simple and beautiful trails. Spring is a great time to go to see the critters. We saw plenty of gators and snacks this time. One gator was even pretty active. Do not take uber or Lyft out here because you will probably get stranded on your attempt to return to where you came from.

Bethany Celona

Awesome place to walk around and see alligators.

Chris Rozema

Our Captain, Jason, was the best of all things Louisiana. Personable, knowledgeable and competent but a strong Louisiana accent makes it seem like we were the only ones on the boat. Well worth your time & money to see a little of the bayou, the alligators and wild life -- even a bald eagle!

Fab Tastic

Nice swamp if there's actually nice swamp

Zac Collins

Jamie was awesome and seen alot of wild life. including turtles, alligators, fish, birds, snakes and last but not least a awesome potbelly big that loves attention. she is awesome.

Katie G

Such a memorable trip in the bayou. Tour guide was knowledgeable and very funny. Great part of our trip!

Tasheia Watkins

Great tour of the bayou, swamp and marsh lands of Louisiana. The tour guide was very knowledgeable, comical and friendly. There is lots to see on the tour including alligators.

Shannon Poche

Awesome place to walk around for a couple hours seeing nature

Adam Cartner

Incredible swamp walk. You're on a path right on the swamp and walk through several bayou biomes. Alligators easily viewable from the path.

Brenda Shultz

Recommend visiting, but I'm a cooler day. Saw gators, snakes, spiders, beautiful flowers. If you like an adventure recommend..trails are nice and easy to follow. Take drinks along and stop in the visitors center.

fuzzy buzzy

If you are wanting to truly experience a new Orleans swamp this place is for you!

Jacob Chatelain

Great place to see a swamp. Very quiet, with good variety of plants and animal life. Unfortunately some areas are closed temporarily due to aggressive alligators.

dblodgett61

Place was actually closed when we went, but the board walk was open and a great nature hike through the swamp / marsh lands. Saw a gator within 5 feet of us, snakes, and lizards, was worth the trip and a great time.

Jennifer Mays

Pretty cool stop while in New Orleans. The tour guide Jason was friendly d was knowledgable on history of the canals and facts of NOLA. We saw 4 alligators while on a 2 hour trip. Was neat to experience. Enjoyable 1 time trip

Justin Ulmer

What an awesome park to visit, amazing boardwalk trails right over the swamp, tons of wildlife. We saw and alligator eating a snake, it was pretty neat.

travis batley

Very informative and a lot of fun a+

H. Lan

The wetland walk is NOT in visitor center, it is by the Bayou Coquille Trail, the trail is 1 mile away from center and does not have address to pinpoint Uber driver to. Please take into your consideration. The wetland walk tour is great and informative.

Nguyen Duy Khang

Amazing place, so much wildlife to see here. The Captain of Jean Lafitte Swamp Tour were so friendly and good with the kids. We had booked 10 am tour without realizing gators aren't active in the cold weather. Definitely we will come back in summer for touring again. Wonderful swamp tour in my life.

Karen Mascola

Interesting to learn about local wildlife. Friendly staff.

Alfred F.

Always beautiful here, nice and clean. Dont forget a water bottle

Dale Perry

Excellent tour and Brent was very knowledgeable about the swamps

Ginger Huge

We enjoyed our visit. Loved the guided tour and recommendations from the visitors center staff!

Gokul V Gopal

Worth Visiting!! We went in hibernating season so we could not see much..Just saw few not so big alligators and turtles but heard during summer you get to see a lot of them. Trip is around 2 hrs long. Captain is cool. Best part was they had a baby alligator in the boat. We got a chance to hold it in hand :D Besides that you get few amazing view of swamp. If you are looking for cheaper rates, just check for coupons. We got tickets for 10$ off per person online. Total of 109$ for 6 people as of December, 18. Highly recommend to visit during summers. In winters, it would not be as fun as it would be in summers but still you could give it a shot!

Joseph Shano

People's that works there are very respectful n nice thanks for helping me

Marianne McKay

Great place! We have seen Aligators every time we go.

Sarah Stansell

Love the nature center trail. We've seen alligators twice now.

Sergio Gonzalez

Great spot for a quick hike while spotting wildlife. Highly recommended!

Sarah E. Wyatt

Great time with nature and the family! Saw a 2 inch alligator and several snakes.

Atreus21

The Coquille and Palmetto trails are popular and for good reason, but the ring levee trail, just a bit further down the road, is a pleasant walk and generally less occupied, if a bit less maintained. Will be squishy if it has rained within the last 24 hours.

Omar Jr.

Lots of things to do around here that are remarkably family friendly and tourists convenient.

Russell Durkin

Such an atmospheric and wonderful place to see the bayou close up. There are several trails on boardwalks to keep you on track. We saw several large and small alligators and lots of snakes. Be sure to stay safe and not touch anything. Stay on the paths and don't be there after dusk when the park closes. The visitor centre helps you get your bearings and for you to plan your next visit.

Josephine Fleming

What a fun, informative school field trip this turned out to be. We were given a talk and divided into groups to do activities. Kids went on a nature walk on the trails and played a "bingo" game to spot various plants and wildlife. We also got to use nets and catch small crawfish, frogs and other creatures and the guides helped identify them and give us information about them. All the creatures were released back into the water, no harm! There were bathrooms which were actually fairly clean. Bring bug spray though, the bugs are pretty heavy there. A beautiful location and nice trails to walk through.

Stephen Zahradnik

A must see by New Orleans. Great trails and historic info. You might even see a gator!

Misses Smith

Very cool trails! Lots of wildlife! We seen snakes, a gator, turtles, squirrels, crabs and much more!! Feels like you are walking in South America. A beautiful gem!

Steven Sargent

Definitely recommend coming here and spending a day exploring the park.

Amanda Nybeck

Darrin on Boat 6 was a great your guide! We were able to see several Gators on our ride.

Allison Beecher

We went during the government shutdown, so unfortunately, we didnt get to go to the welcome center. We were still able to walk some of the trails, but it wasnt terribly scenic.

Sheila Robbins

My husband and I loved it! Our tour guide Jason was very knowledgeable about the wildlife and the area. If you get a chance to do this I highly recommend it!

Warren

The walkways are in disrepair with very few and far between safety rails. Be careful on the trails as alligators and venomous snakes will be well within arms reach.

Amber Robertson

A every great adventure for any group. We had a group of 4 and our guide was amazing. His name was James and he made it an experience to brag about.

Christian Dixon

Our Cajun guide was pretty funny and very knowledgeable. I saw quite a few alligators and I got to hold a live one.

Heidi Catron

Must explore and staff is awesome!

Al Fdz.

I visited this place looking for gators, all I found instead were big spiders. I believe they are called golden orb weavers. They look like little bananas and I guess that explains their colloquial name: "banana spiders". I've been told they are harmless but I still would not eat one. Attached is a picture of one of those magnificent creatures.

Isabell Aguirre-calderon

Totally worth the experience...will definitely come again...thank you

Devender

Definitely do a swamp tour- check Groupon as most of the tour companies have deals there

Marwan Hachem

Great tour and jason was great captain

IntrepidTeach

This was so much fun! Our guide was full of interesting stories and kept pulling out wildlife artifacts for us to see and touch. Good all ages family fun!

Tyler Cashin

This is a great place to see for anyone interested in a swamp landscape. Super close to New Orleans, you can pop over in the morning and be back by lunch if thats what you want. You can also stay all day. I have spotted alligators on every visit save for the chilliest days. I haven't used any of the private swamp tour boats that operate in this area, but I have been in some of the waterways around the preserve and it really is a beautiful place out by the lakes on the Northeast side too. Bayou Segnette to the west is a good spot to put a boat in too.

Michelle Mullins

Very enjoyable boat ride thru the Bayou...the tour guide was very knowledgeable and funny. You get to hold a baby gator!

Robert Gump

So sad to see the overgrown bayous, but still a nice place to see a Louisiana swamp

Kat m Grace

This was so much fun! It was great seeing the alligators in their protected habitat. Our captain jason was funny and knowledgeable. Plus side I got to hold a baby gator! It was a great birthday present!

Mark Williams

Excellent fun on the air boats with a really knowledgeable local captain, saw plenty of gators too.

Richette Elmhorst

You have to go it was so great ...our guide was terrific and he was super knowledgeable about everything!! It was worth it!!!

Emili Sarver

No matter what time of year you visit, it is such a beautiful area to explore. There is an abundance of wildlife both in and out of the water. The rangers here are amazing. They're always friendly, helpful, and they go out of their way to talk to you.

Monica S

Beautiful pontoon boat ride through serene natural waterways. Saw lots of gators. Informative tour guide.

Christopher Duhon

Home!!! No other place like it. Great people beautiful place. Little piece of serenity just outside of new Orleans.

Barry Hill

This park is beautiful. It was a bit crowded on the Sunday that I was there. Some of the trails were completely empty. I was able to see lots of wildlife including some alligators. Make sure you take sunscreen and bug spray.

Ryan May

The rangers were great and provided fantastic insights into the land and its history. The trails were well maintained and had great views. Even on a cold day I saw multiple alligators and dozens of birds species. Well worth the trip!

Griz Cliz

The best part of this park is the initial board walk out of the welcome center. It's beautiful. The next board walk is long and has this ugly grey shade to it. However, you are more likely to find a gator on the second walk. I recommend doing the first walk, then driving around to where the bayou trail is and doing that one.

Debbie Be

Nice place . Quite and peaceful

Łukasz Harasimowicz

Great trip. Guides are very helpful.

YB Husain

Support your national parks! This is a small park, but very pretty. We toured the swamp. It’s not the most comfortable tour in Louisiana heat; however, the swamp is beautiful and green. And if you love nature, there are many types of wildlife to see, including insects. We didn’t see alligators bc it was so hot (they were hiding in the cooler areas of the swamp). The visitor center needs updating but they’re doing the best they can with minimal funding.

anthony nuccio

Some of the off shoots were closed but always a pleasure to walk

Michael Crawford

Great Bayou feeling, boats allow great view, able to walk and move around to get the best pictures. Guide was funny and knowledgeable about the area and wildlife. Family had a good time.

Matt Haberkorn

Amazing park in mashland with some really nice boardwalk trails.

Cedric TONQUEZE

it is a beautiful site where it is possible to walk on the bayou by wooden fittings very well made. it is very beautiful, very calm, with alligators very easily observable and a real immersion of what the conquistadors could live on their first arrival in Louisiana.

Trinity Rogers

This park was so gorgeous and great for families. It’s a beautiful hidden gem on the west bank.

Scott Farar

It was pretty cool seen a couple Gators real close to the walk way and a couple snakes and plenty of flowers

Anna Rinaldo

Ride my motorcycle there from slidell. Nice destination

Samantha Lee

Definitely a must see in New Orleans. Hidden gem for sure

Matthew LaPine

I looked this place. So beautiful!

Connor Brogan

Awesome park that shows off the true beauty of the wetlands around LA through a well-maintained board walk

Jade Blank

Beautiful National Park. Definitely check this place out. Bring water with you and definitely sunscreen and bug spray.

crystal wilson

Beautiful area. Your was great.captain Jason was knowledgeable, friendly,cute.

Chelsea Ashley

It was fun and really educational plus I got to hold a baby alligator, he was so cute!!

Rosemary Collins

Got these tickets on Groupon to help celebrate my friend girls 30th birthday! We were really impressed!

Lauren Robinson

Fun, fun, fun. Love the airboat ride, wildlife, hands on experience. Ramon, our tour guide was very knowledgeable.

Apryl Gavin

Great tour. Saw quite a few alligators. No snakes thank goodness. Held a baby alligator. It was a great time.

Will Seward

Awesome! Fun, peaceful ride in the bayou. Jason was an awesome guide. Funny, knowledgeable. Saw quite a few alligators. Got to hold one. Definitely recommend Jean Lafitte tours!

Gail Blaine

We visited this place during our visit to New Orleans this April. It's about 30-40 minutes' drive from downtown. And then you get a close contact with the beauty of bayou. We took a stroll on one of the trails. The trail is well maintained and there are lots of information displays along the trail to explain the ecosystem in front of you. We saw lots of swamp life during our walk, a snake, frogs, colorful birds and even a gator. This place might not be the main reason you visit New Orleans. But you won't be disappointed if you give it a try, especially if you have a morning or afternoon to spare.

Patrick He Bear

Absolutely amazing to see and hear all of that this area had to offer. We came here from up north and we were blown away by the beautiful landscape and wildlife sightings. I would recommend this place to anybody that wants a look at a real bayou. Thank you to the National Park and Preserve for keeping this place protected.

Smevin Bravis

Massive place, certainly the best introduction to the swamp that I can imagine. You'll come across tons of gators, spiders, and the like, plus the nature you immerse yourself in really feels like one of a kind. I wish we had been able to get onto a swamp tour, but hiking through here easily made up for it.

Ashlee Scherer Kraus

I have spent so much time here throughout my life. It is the perfect get away from the city, quiet and you never know what you will see as far as wildlife. I love doing photoshoots just for fun to show a different side of New Orleans.

Katrina Kelly

Great tour would have liked to have seen more wildlife

Old Sub Sailor

I enjoyed my visit there last summer. Alas, the offices and buildings were closed when we visited, but they had some information sheets outside. I continue to be amazed by the people who went roaming around in these swamps 200+ years ago.

Ann Bogenschutz

Went on Park Ranger guided walk. Ranger was very knowledgeable and shared about local history and environmental issues. Went walking on own also. Gorgeous!

Joe Pizzacalla

Did a swamp tour here and it was well worth it! Incredible guide and amazing flora and fauna! Learned a lot and got to hold a young gator!!!

Michael Apfel

Really great experience. Totally worth spending the time to enjoy the tour. Great tour guides. Seemed really knowledgeable and friendly. Happy to recommend as a must do if you're visiting New Orleans.

Catherine Wilkinson

Please please vote to support our national parks. This preserve is a precious gem in the middle of the city that's built up around it.

Amanda Parrett

Very nice boardwalks! Good easy walk along the bayou. We saw alligators, snakes, frogs, lizards, birds and cool trees!

Brandy Silz

Nice sightseeing in a different part of the world than where I live. It was nice seeing all the different animals and the swampy water has all kinds of fish and animals that live in the water. It was was really cool to get to see the wildlife in nature where they naturally live.

Julian Beasley

Wonderful Entertainment and adventure,boat captain was excellent and knowledgeable in all aspects of the guided tour.

Gabriela Verduzco

Beautiful place! Saw several alligators near the path...like right underneath! Lovely scenery.

Ben Dent

Very awesome place! Definitely check it out if you want some wildlife experience

Shawna Martin

Saw a gator! I was so excited. It was fun! Don’t recommend if you don’t like bugs, haha. Felt like a scavenger hunt searching for any gators and other wildlife.

Peter Chanthanakone

Free and did the trail from the visitors center. Beautiful place. There's other parking lots and I'd probably try that next time....

Jeff Carlson

Stunning pontoon ride. Great customer service!

Al Sheldrake

Had a really good time with this swamp tour. One of the best things we did on our vacation was go to this place. Plenty of wildlife to see.

Mancel Grey

The most interesting place to visit bayou culture

Jack Spicer

Great place. Very clean, slowly expanding. A great place to recollect yourself.

Cherry Ross

It is beautiful are, though if you are afraid of spiders don't go. It was amazing to see the alligators and scenery. The spiders are HUGE like prehistoric huge! Well worth it. Just don't forget the bug spray.

Rebecca Johnson

Amazing place, so much wildlife to see here. The Rangers were so friendly and good with the kids. We saw a bunch of snake species and alligators. Wonderful hikes.

Bengee Hively

Beautiful trails. Wear comfy shoes and you'll be able to see the wonderful nature that Louisiana provides!

Andrew Choe

Excellent swamp tour. Would definitely go back a second time! Captain Jamie was amazing

Jessica Gordon

Our swamp tour was so awesome! And we got to hold an alligator as well as see several in the water, carp, a turtle, and blue herring

Erik Rodrigues

Ultimate Adventure Tours took us out to look at alligators.

Wayne Hamilton

This isn't the place to be at Noon in June, just too hot and humid. Fun boardwalk with plenty of opportunities to see wildlife. Saw a couple gators, a snake and a heron. Didn't do the complete trail, just too hot. I have done it in December and saw lots of gators. Bring water and bug spray.

Timotheus Vermote

We had a beautiful walk and even saw some live alligators!

Roy Michel

Started at the visitor's center where there were several displays and a short movie on how people lived their lives in the swamp. From there you can walk into the swamp, going through a forest of elephant palms. This path leads to another path that will take you deep into the swamp. You might see turtles, spiders, snakes, alligators, and deer. Wear long sleeves and long pants so you don't get bit too badly by mosquitoes. There are also some horseflys that can give you a nasty bite, too!

Ashley Drewes

I love taking walks here. Very relaxing. Nice walking paths with a lot of great views. Perfect for taking pictures of nature and viewing wildlife up close.

Barry Edwards

Awesome walking tour to see alligators and snakes (from a safe distance on a nice elevated walkway)

Yvonne Duffield

Gator's right by the trail. Wildlife everywhere. This was a great walk.

Thomas Garren

Hidden Quiet and lots of mosquitoes

luis arellano

Had a great tour. Awesome lots of gators and turtles.

joann Hebert

I use to live up the bayou from there. I miss that place. It was home.

Teresa Forcine

Our guide was awesome. Full of knowledge. We saw so many alligators and other animals.

Holly Hawbaker

Jason was a great captain. Knowledgable and helpful. Great way to see some of the native wildlife and flora:)

Tracie Lines

We ventured out on the trails around 1030 and it was a blast. we saw many Gators and snakes of many species, birds, lizards, turtles. The trails we're very nice and clean. We live in the swamps of Michigan but this tops all swamps. Thank you for allowing this and at no charge as well. I will recommend this to anyone who is wanting a real swamp experience and a safe one to.

Caitlin Groh

Absolutely beautiful park full of wildlife! In one hour we saw two gators and many armadillos. The lush scenery is stunning.

Sgt Dave

90 minute adventure on the Bayou in search of alligators! Captain Brent was very informative of the Bayou and its habitat. Very economically priced entertainment!