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New Orleans, Orleans Parish / Parks and outdoors

Audubon Park

A sprawling 350-acre municipal oasis in New Orleans's Uptown neighborhood, featuring historic live oaks, serene lagoons, and a legacy of landscape design by the renowned Olmsted.

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Audubon Park
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Where is Audubon Park located?

Audubon Park is a municipal park located in the Uptown neighborhood of New Orleans, Louisiana. It is bordered by the Mississippi River and St. Charles Avenue, sitting directly across from Tulane University and Loyola University.

Is it free to visit?

Yes, admission to Audubon Park is free.

What are the hours?

The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset.

What is the park known for?

Audubon Park is known as a scenic community oasis featuring historic live oaks, lagoons, and walking paths. It is an Olmsted-designed park where visitors can enjoy birding, jogging, biking, and picnicking.

What is the history of Audubon Park?

Created in 1871 on land that was previously a sugar plantation owned by the Etienne de Boré family, the park was renamed in 1886 to honor artist and naturalist John James Audubon. It also hosted the World Cotton Centennial in 1884.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Audubon Park is a premier municipal destination located in the Uptown neighborhood of New Orleans. Spanning approximately 350 acres, this lush landscape is bordered by the Mississippi River and St. Charles Avenue, placing it directly across from Tulane University and Loyola University. The park serves as a community oasis, characterized by its walking paths, lagoons, and towering historic live oaks. The land has a deep history, having once served as a sugar plantation owned by the Etienne de Boré family. The City of New Orleans purchased the property for parkland in 1871, and it later hosted the World Cotton Centennial in 1884. In 1886, the site was renamed Audubon Park to honor the naturalist and artist John James Audubon, who had become a resident of New Orleans in 1820. Architecturally, the park is recognized by the U.S. National Park Service as an Olmsted-designed park. While the current configuration follows much of the original Olmsted plan, some of the specific watercourse and planting recommendations were never fully implemented. Today, the grounds are managed by the Audubon Nature Institute on behalf of the Audubon Commission. Visitors can engage in a variety of activities, including birding, jogging, and picnicking. For those seeking a culinary experience, the Audubon Clubhouse is located within the park, offering elevated American cuisine and fresh Louisiana seafood paired with scenic views of the surrounding greenery.

Visitor tips

  • Plan your visit between sunrise and sunset, as the park is only open during these daily hours.
  • Take advantage of the free admission to explore the grounds at your own pace.
  • Visit the Audubon Clubhouse if you want to combine your walk with a meal of Louisiana seafood.

Nearby context

Situated in the heart of the Uptown area, the park is a central landmark flanked by the Mississippi River and the iconic St. Charles Avenue, making it a convenient stop for those visiting the nearby Tulane and Loyola University campuses.

Sources

Evidence and links