What is there to do at Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve? Check out the home page for information about each of the park's six sites or visit the schedule of events for programs by date.

How much does it cost to visit Jean Lafitte? Admission and most programs and events are free.

May I bring my dog to the park? No dogs or other pets are allowed in park visitor centers. No pets are allowed on the trails at the Barataria Preserve or at Chalmette National Cemetery. Pets on leashes are welcome in all parking lots, at Chalmette Battlefield, and on the visitor center deck at the Barataria Preserve. Pets may not be left unattended, even in vehicles. Service animals are allowed everywhere.

If I want to volunteer at Jean Lafitte, what should I do? See the volunteer page for volunteer jobs and projects and who to contact.

How do I get a job with the National Park Service? Visit the federal government's job listing website. All federal jobs, including those with the National Park Service, are listed there.

How can I arrange a field trip for my school/church/scout group/garden club/etc.? Choose one of the park's six sites from the home page and call the site for information. Information about educational field trips is also available at For Teachers.

May I carry a gun while I'm at any of the park sites? No. All firearms are prohibited unless you are participating in the park's hunting program at the Barataria Preserve. Weapons should be unloaded and cased if in a car.

Is there camping in the park? No.

Can I get a Golden Age passport at Jean Lafitte? No. Vist the National Park Service fees and passes website for information on how to obtain a Golden Age passport.

I'd like to hold a special event at the park. Do I need permission? Maybe. Call 504-589-3882 ext. 111 to find out if your event requires a special use permit.

I'd like to make a movie in the park. Do I need permission? Probably. Call 504-589-3882 ext. 111 to find out if your film requires a special use permit.

I'm a commercial photographer and I'd like to take pictures in the park. Do I need permission? Maybe. Call 504-589-3882 ext. 111 to find out if your photography project requires a special use permit.

I'd like to conduct a research project in the park. Do I need permission? Yes. You can view park research projects and guidelines and submit an application at the National Park Service research website. For more information, e-mail the park to find out if your project requires a permit.

Why is this park named for Jean Lafitte? Although Jean Lafitte was a privateer who illegally traded in slaves and generally defied the law, his assistance during the British invasion that ended in the Battle of New Orleans in 1815 was invaluable to the Americans. In 1966 a state park was created at the present site of the Barataria Preserve and named after Lafitte because of his smuggling operations in the area. The name was kept when the state park was combined with the French Quarter Visitor Center and Chalmette Battlefield to form Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve.

What if I have a question that's not answered here? E-mail the park and we'll write back.

Check out Barataria Preserve frequently asked questions to find out about alligators, fishing, hunting, canoeing, and more.