New Canal Lighthouse
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
The New Canal Lighthouse offers a unique blend of local history, interactive science, and environmental education, all set against the scenic backdrop of Lake Pontchartrain. It stands out for its successful rebuild after hurricane damage, its focus on coastal preservation, and engaging hands-on exhibits like the interactive water flow sandbox.
Key Highlights
- ✓Interactive sand box exhibit in the gift shop allows hands-on learning about water flow, shifting sand, and rain patterns, appealing to various ages.
- ✓Self-guided tour available via a dedicated app provides detailed and informative content, offering a flexible learning pace.
- ✓Staff are described as very informative, friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about the region and their work.
- ✓Beautiful surrounding area with great views of Lake Pontchartrain, enhancing the visit's overall experience.
- ✓Highlights the resilience and history of the area, having been rebuilt after extensive hurricane damage (Katrina and Rita in 2005).
Standout Features
- ⭐Interactive sandbox exhibit demonstrating water flow and rain patterns (located in the gift shop).
- ⭐Self-guided tour app for a flexible and informative visit.
- ⭐Knowledgeable and passionate guides who enhance the learning experience.
- ⭐Beautiful panoramic views of Lake Pontchartrain.
- ⭐Focus on coastal preservation and environmental education.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →Be prepared for steps up to the exhibit, plan accordingly if using a stroller or if anyone in your group has mobility issues.
- →Plan for parking ahead of time, as there is no dedicated parking lot and you'll rely on street parking.
- →Manage expectations regarding the lighthouse access; only the first floor is open as a museum.
- →Consider downloading the self-guided tour app before your visit to maximize the informational aspect.
- →If interested in lighthouses, consider visiting other nearby lighthouses like Port Pontchartrain (U. of New Orleans campus) and Tchefuncte River (Madisonville) as suggested by a reviewer for a fuller experience.
Things to Consider
- ⚠Only the first floor of the lighthouse is accessible as a museum, which may limit exploration expectations.
- ⚠There are steps up to the exhibit, which could be a barrier for strollers, wheelchairs, or visitors with mobility challenges.
- ⚠No dedicated parking lot, meaning parents will need to find street parking or alternative arrangements.
Price & Value
Pricing is not mentioned in the provided reviews, so it's not possible to assess the value. Parents should check the official website for current admission fees.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •There are steps up to the exhibit, which may present challenges for wheelchairs, strollers, or individuals with mobility impairments.
- •Only the first floor of the lighthouse is accessible to visitors as a museum.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •No information about food or drink policies is available in the reviews.
🚗Parking Info
- •No dedicated parking lot is available; visitors will need to find street parking in the surrounding area.
👥Crowd Levels
- •Reviews do not provide specific information about crowd levels. The mention of a 'self-guided tour' suggests flexibility, but no peak times or quiet periods are noted.
🛡️Safety Features
- •No specific safety features are mentioned in the reviews.
⏰When to Avoid
- • If you require full wheelchair or stroller accessibility to all exhibit areas, as there are steps and only the first floor is accessible.
- • If your children are looking for a high-energy, purely 'play-based' science center, as this venue is more museum-like with interactive elements.
Pricing/Package/Events
Events & Schedule
Special Events(Last 2 months - Next 6 months)
Jaws movie night at the New Canal Lighthouse
Friday, October 24, 2025, 6 PM - 10 PM (movie starts at dusk, ~7:15 PM)
FREE (concessions for sale)
Pontchartrain Conservancy, in partnership with NORD, presents the classic, Jaws! This year is the 50th anniversary of the movie. Gates open at 6p, and the movie starts at dusk (~7:15p). Concessions will be for sale.
🍎Food Policy
- • Concessions for sale at special events (e.g., Jaws movie night).
📅Booking Policy
- • Event rentals available upon inquiry via 'Rental Inquiry' button.
What People Say
What's Great
- Fun and entertaining activities (mentioned in 3 reviews)
- Spacious play areas (mentioned in 3 reviews)
Areas for Improvement
- Parking can be challenging (mentioned in 2 reviews)
Recent Reviews
Roads Traveled Photography
3 months agoThe 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.
Andrea F
2 years agoAmazing 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.
Randy Bullock
6 months agoThe first floor of the lighthouses the museum. And that is the only floor that you can go on
Michael Unruh
6 years agoExtremely 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).
Habiba
6 years agoWonderful spot to learn about the history of the area and a great way to give back by contributing to keeping the lighthouse alive. They are working hard to preserve the coast and its environment. The guides are very knowledgeable and passionate about the region and about their work. You will learn a lot and be wowed by the views of Lake Ponchartrain.