Through different forms of education and entertainment, the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park helps share information and resources associated with jazz’s origins and early development in the city widely recognized as its birthplace.
We came across the New Orleans Jazz NHP during our visit to the French Quarter. After spending two days exploring the French Quarter and enjoying its excitement, we focused on learning. This small park offered us a great escape.
New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park Location
The park’s operations are located at Jean Lafitte NHP&P French Quarter Visitor Center located at 419 Decatur St., New Orleans.
New Orleans Jazz National Historic Park Facts
- Date Authorized: Oct. 31, 1994
- Open Tuesday-Saturday from 9:00 am – 4:30 pm.
- There is no entry fee.
- New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park celebrates a living legacy of musical traditions.
- Much of the historical park property includes 4 acres within Louis Armstrong Park.
- A visitor center at 916 North Peters Street and a concert venue several blocks away in the French Quarter.
Is the Jazz NHP Worth Visiting?
YES! Of course, when visiting New Orleans and the French Quarter, there are many things to see and do. However, regardless of where you go, the sounds of Kazz infiltrate the air around New Orleans. This National Park Service location does a great job of sharing the story behind the Jzaz you hear in the distance and the importance of Jazz music to the area.
Things to Do When Visiting the New Orleans Jazz National Historic Park
Enjoy the Music
The mission of the New Orleans Jazz NHP is to preserve and share the music that made New Orleans. Therefore, the park offers concerts throughout the year. Stop by the visitor center at the Jean Lafitte NHP&P French Quarter Visitor Center, or go to the New Orleans Jazz website to learn about upcoming concerts.
Visit the New Orleans Jazz Museum
Located at 400 Esplanade Ave., the New Orleans Jazz Museum is in the French Quarter and within walking distance of the National Historic Park.
The museum is housed in the historic Old U.S. Mint and located at the intersection of the French Quarter and the Frenchmen Street live music corridor. The New Orleans Jazz Museum is in the heart of the city’s vibrant music scene.
This extensive museum is an excellent addition to any Jazz National Historic Park visit.
Our Experience at the New Orleans Jazz NHP
We had an unforgettable experience when we stopped at the New Orleans NHP. When we met a great Park Ranger, our kids were working on their Junior Ranger books. The Park Ranger helped with the books, climbed the stage, and played some Jazz for us. This was undoubtedly one of the more unique National Park experiences.
Our private Jazz concert from a generous Park Ranger.
Our time in the French Quarter was filled with memorable sights and sounds. As self-proclaimed National Park geeks, we always try to add a park to our trips. Some of our trips, such as Yellowstone or the Grand Canyon, are planned around the park. Other times, we stumble across small parks while on vacations. The small NP location was well worth the stop. We highly recommend if you visit New Orleans or the French Quater, you add the New Orleans Jass NHP to your itinerary.
We love to hear from our followers. Please leave a comment below. Have you visited the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park? How was your experience? Do you have tips for people planning to visit the area?
