New Canal Lighthouse Museum
A replica lighthouse on Lake Pontchartrain, offering a museum and education center focused on local history and coastal preservation.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed visit
New Canal Lighthouse Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed visit
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A replica lighthouse on Lake Pontchartrain, offering a museum and education center focused on local history and coastal preservation.
"Amazing place. Took the self guided tour with their app. Very informative."
Self-Guided App Tour
Enhance your visit with the informative self-guided tour app. :iphone:
Check for Free Sundays
Enjoy free admission on the first Sunday of each month! :ticket:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Interactive Sand and Water Exhibit
Gift Shop
A fascinating sandbox demonstrating water flow and erosion, showing how rain impacts low-lying areas.
Lake Pontchartrain History
Museum & Education Center
Discover the rich history of Lake Pontchartrain and its significance to New Orleans.
Coastal Preservation Efforts
Education Center
Learn about the vital work of the Pontchartrain Conservancy in preserving the coast and its environment.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Accessibility and Parking Insights
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Self-Guided App Tour
Enhance your visit with the informative self-guided tour app. :iphone:
Check for Free Sundays
Enjoy free admission on the first Sunday of each month! :ticket:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
There are steps to access exhibits, so comfortable footwear is recommended. :athletic_shoe:
Explore Nearby Lighthouses
Don't miss other lighthouses like Port Pontchartrain and Tchefuncte River. :world_map:
Tips
from all over the internet
Self-Guided App Tour
Enhance your visit with the informative self-guided tour app. :iphone:
Check for Free Sundays
Enjoy free admission on the first Sunday of each month! :ticket:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
There are steps to access exhibits, so comfortable footwear is recommended. :athletic_shoe:
Explore Nearby Lighthouses
Don't miss other lighthouses like Port Pontchartrain and Tchefuncte River. :world_map:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the New Canal Lighthouse Museum for its informative exhibits and the engaging interactive sand demonstration. Many appreciate the efforts to rebuild and preserve this historic landmark, highlighting the knowledgeable and passionate staff. Some note the lack of dedicated parking and the presence of stairs to access exhibits.
"Amazing place. Took the self guided tour with their app. Very informative. Informative and friendly employees. There are steps up to the exhibit. No dedicated parking lot. The part that stands out in my mind is in the gift shop they have a sand box set up to show how water will flow that shifts as you change the sand. And if you hold your hand out, it will demonstrate how the rain would fall and go to low lying areas."
Andrea F
"The original lighthouse was built in 1838 on a foundation of sheet piling filled in with shells. The tower was octagonal, built of cypress, about 28 feet (8.5 m) high. The tower deteriorated badly and was replaced in 1855 with a square wood dwelling on screw piles with an iron lantern and a 5th order Fresnel lens."
Roads Traveled Photography
"Extremely happy that they were able to rebuild this lighthouse, after it collapsed due to damage by hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005. It took 7 years to secure the funding and rebuild it, and they have done an amazing job! This is a great place to visit, and the entire surrounding area is beautiful, too. Don't forget to visit the other lighthouses nearby, Port Pontchartrain (on the U. of New Orleans campus) and Tchefuncte River (across the lake in Madisonville)."
Michael Unruh
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located along Lake Pontchartrain in New Orleans. While there's no dedicated parking lot, street parking is usually available nearby. Public transportation options can also be explored depending on your starting point in the city.
There is no dedicated parking lot for the New Canal Lighthouse Museum. Visitors typically find street parking in the surrounding area.
Information on specific public transport routes to the New Canal Lighthouse Museum can vary. It's recommended to check local New Orleans transit schedules for the most up-to-date information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is $10 for adults, and children under 6 are free. Military discounts are also available.
Yes, the New Canal Lighthouse Museum offers free admission on the first Sunday of each month.
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official website or social media channels for the most current information before your visit.
While you can explore the museum area within the lighthouse, climbing to the very top is generally not part of the standard tour.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the historic lighthouse, visit the museum and education center, learn about Lake Pontchartrain's history and the Pontchartrain Conservancy's coastal preservation efforts, and interact with exhibits like the sand and water demonstration.
There are steps to access the exhibits, so visitors with mobility concerns should be aware of this.
The museum offers a self-guided tour, which can be enhanced by using their informative app.
The gift shop features a unique sandbox that demonstrates how water flows and shifts, illustrating how rain affects low-lying areas.
This is a replica of the original lighthouse established in 1839. It was rebuilt after being damaged by hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, symbolizing resilience and coastal preservation.
📸 📸 Photography
The lighthouse itself offers picturesque views, especially with Lake Pontchartrain as a backdrop. Experiment with different angles and compositions to capture its unique charm.
Photography is generally permitted inside the museum, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions or ask staff if you're unsure.
The lighthouse is ideal for landscape photography, architectural shots, and capturing the serene beauty of Lake Pontchartrain.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting on a weekday to enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere with fewer crowds. While there are steps to access exhibits, the engaging displays and the unique setting on Lake Pontchartrain make it an enjoyable and memorable visit for children of all ages.
Budget Travelers
The real gem for saving money is the First Free Sunday event, where you can explore the lighthouse and its exhibits without any cost. Beyond the admission fee, the museum provides a wealth of information and engaging exhibits, including the interactive sand demonstration, which is a unique and memorable experience. It's a fantastic way to learn about New Orleans history and coastal preservation without breaking the bank.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Reconstruction of the New Canal Lighthouse
Tragically, the lighthouse suffered severe damage and ultimately collapsed due to the devastating impacts of hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005. The loss was a significant blow to the local heritage. However, through dedicated efforts, funding was secured over seven years to rebuild the lighthouse. The replica stands today as a testament to the community's commitment to preserving its history and coastal environment.
Visiting the New Canal Lighthouse Museum offers a chance to connect with this history. The museum and education center provide insights into the lighthouse's past, the importance of Lake Pontchartrain, and the ongoing work of the Pontchartrain Conservancy. The reconstruction itself is a story of resilience and a symbol of hope for coastal restoration.
Understanding Coastal Preservation at the Pontchartrain Conservancy
Through interactive displays and informative materials, the conservancy aims to raise awareness and inspire action. You can discover the various projects undertaken by the organization, from habitat restoration to water quality monitoring. The lighthouse's location on the lakefront provides a tangible connection to these environmental efforts, making the learning experience more impactful.
Engaging with the Pontchartrain Conservancy's work at the lighthouse is a way to understand the broader context of coastal Louisiana. It's an opportunity to appreciate the delicate balance of the ecosystem and the ongoing commitment required to preserve it for future generations.
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