This Historic Park Is One Of New Orleans’ Best Kept Secrets

From City Park to Jackson Square, New Orleans has several delightfully scenic green spaces to visit when you need a little scenery in your day. This particular park might not be the biggest, but it certainly offers visitors a delightful little green space in the middle of the concrete jungle that is the Central Business District. Next time you're looking for a unique little spot to have an outdoor lunch or read a book, consider venturing over to this historic park in New Orleans.

Designed in 1788 by Charles Laveau Trudeau, Lafayette Square is the second oldest public park in New Orleans (Jackson Square is the oldest).

Flanked by historic government buildings and modern skyscrapers, this hidden gem of a park is a perfect spot to retreat to if you find yourself in the CBD with a little time to spare.

There are several restaurants surrounding the square, so pop into one of them and grab some lunch and bring it to the square to enjoy a delightful meal outdoors.

The park was named after Marquis de Lafayette, America’s favorite fighting Frenchman who fought in the American Revolutionary War.

You’ll see several statues peppered throughout the park, including statues of Benjamin Franklin, Henry Clay, and John McDonogh.

From March through May, the square plays host to a series of free outdoor concerts, the Wednesday at the Square Concert Series.

Local bands perform on an elevated stage, restaurants come out to sell food and drinks, and local artists set up booths to sell their work in the Artist Village. This 12-week concert series is free to the public and takes place weekly from 5PM-8PM at Lafayette Square.

Lafayette Square is located at 602 Camp St., New Orleans, LA 70130.

Are you excited to visit this historic New Orleans park? Craving more? Check out our previous article highlighting some other parks that are hidden gems in New Orleans. Or to really get your fix of nature, hop on the highway for our road trip to the best state parks in Louisiana. Just don't forget to look at our road trip packing list first!