Gretna, Louisiana is a marvelous hotspot for history aficionados. Settled along the west bank of the Mississippi River, this small town exudes an opulent German heritage as evident in the establishments. For some, Gretna may be the arrest capital of the United States, but for most of its denizens, the town is merely a haven flourishing with charm after surviving the catastrophic Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
If you are looking for fun activities around town, you have a variety of options. From waterfront shops and restaurants to museums and world-renowned architecture, here is a list of the best things to do in Gretna, Louisiana.
1. Café Du Monde
A New Orleans home-grown cafe established in 1985, Café Du Monde has gained popularity in the region for its original French cafe au lait with chicory for that almost chocolatey flavor. Mixed half, half with hot milk, or decaffeinated—all coffee lovers definitely have a place at Café Du Monde.
Café Du Monde
Address: 197 Westbank Expressway Suite 54 70053 Oakwood Mall, Gretna, Louisiana
Opening Hours: Mon to Sat 8:30 am – 9 pm, Sun 11 am – 6 pm
Contact: +504-3658600
Website: Café Du Monde
2. The National WWII Museum
If you are coming to New Orleans, be sure to check out The National WWII Museum and learn how Americans won the Second World War and fought for its freedom. Just a 10-minute drive from Gretna, there is no reason for you not to visit it. You can attend lectures free of charge or watch a stage performance for a minimal fee. If you want to do it on your own, exhibits are pretty much all over the place.
The National WWII Museum
Address: 945 Magazine St., New Orleans, Louisiana
Opening Hours: Daily, 9 am – 5 pm
Contact: +504-8144605
Website: The National WWII Museum
3. Gretna Art Walk & Gretna Farmers Market
The Gretna Art Walk happens every second Saturday from March until May and September until December. It a community organized event featuring the creative works of local talents. Performers, artists, handicraft makers, painters, and more, Gretna proves there is a place for anyone here. During this time, the intermittent event coincides with the Gretna Farmers Market where fresh local produce are showcased: fruits, dairies, honey, eggs, jellies, name it.
Gretna Art Walk
Address: 300 Huey P. Long Ave., Gretna, Louisiana
Website: Gretna Art Walk
4. St. Joseph Church and Gardens
Gretna locals take pride in St. Joseph Church and Gardens for its extremely beautiful architecture. As a very old church, ministers have been successful in preserving its splendor and charm in its pristine state.
St. Joseph Church and Gardens
Address: 610 Lafayette St., Gretna, Louisiana
Contact: +504-3681313
Website: St. Joseph Church and Gardens
5. Area 51 Laser Tag
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Traveling with kids? Celebrating a birthday? Area 51 Laser Tag could not be any more perfect for the group to visit. Play laser tag, arcade games, and PlayStation, eat, and just have fun.
Area 51 Laser Tag
Address: 1539 Lafayette St., Gretna, Louisiana
Opening Hours: Mon to Thu 12 pm – 8 pm, Fri 12 pm – 11 pm, Sat 11 am – 11 pm, Sun 12 pm – 8 pm
Price: from 8.50 USD
Contact: +504-2658828
Website: Area 51 Laser Tag
6. German-American Cultural Center
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The German culture has been a huge part of Gretna’s development through the years. Apart from the exhibits, the museum offers lectures and other educational activities that you can register in. You can learn at the German-American Cultural Center how Germans took part in the shaping of what Gretna is today.
German-American Cultural Center
Address: Willkommen, Gretna, Louisiana
Opening Hours: Wed-Sat, 10 am – 3 pm
Contact: +504-3634202
Website: German-American Cultural Center
7. Gretna Heritage Festival
Gretna Heritage Festival is an annual event happening from September 29 until October 1. The festival take places across 25 blocks of the city with stage performances by both national and local entertainers. This award-winning festival brings a lot of food, arts and crafts, entertainment, and music all to one place. The primary goal of this event is to support businesses and organizations in Gretna.
Gretna Heritage Festival
Address: 327 Huey P. Long Ave., Gretna, Louisiana
Price: from 20 USD
Contact: +504-3617748
Website: Gretna Heritage Festival
8. Mel Ott Park
One of the best things to do Gretna that requires no admission fee is Mel Ott Park. There are just so many things you can do here that will save you from spending more bucks. You can go for a refreshing walk around the site or go biking if you feel like it. The Gretna Parks and Recreation Department also holds athletic programs here.
Mel Ott Park
Address: 2201 Belle Chasse Hwy, Gretna, Louisiana
Contact: +504-363-1597
Website: Mel Ott Park
9. Gretna Amphitheater
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
And what better way to end a night than a magnificent view of the New Orleans skyline from the Gretna Amphitheater. The scenic view of the adjacent city is made more wonderful by the projection of the Mississippi River right across from the building.
Gretna Amphitheater
Address: Huey P. Long Ave. cor. First St., Gretna, Louisiana
Contact: +504-3631580
Website: Gretna Amphitheater
Proudly Gretna
As you may have observed, Gretna, Louisiana does not have the beautiful coast of Florida and the vibrant city life of Chicago. But what separates this small town apart from the rest is its unassuming charisma and the citizens’ common understanding of what a community means. When you get there, don’t be afraid to engage with the locals because they value tourists.
History
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