Discover Gretna: History, Museums and Culture

Get to know Gretna through different aspects of its history and culture, from historic buildings and museums to recurring events. The city also offers a market and a bike path. If you’re looking for a hotel in Gretna, your trip’s planned focus can be a useful starting point for narrowing down your options. The following topics can help you plan your stay around your interests.

Historic Architecture and Museums

The Gretna Historic District includes hundreds of distinctive buildings. These include Creole cottages, shotgun houses, train stations and churches in various architectural styles dating from 1845 to 1935. The range of building types and styles makes architectural history a focus in its own right. Separately, another historic designation is worth noting: Gretna’s Old Town was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.

The Gretna Historical Society Museum Complex at 209 Lafayette Street includes three 19th-century Creole cottages, a blacksmith shop and the Louisiana Fire Museum. The Gretna Historical Society Museum features exhibits about the city’s mayors, police, religions and education system. Alongside architecture, these exhibits highlight different aspects of city life. The German-American Cultural Center & Museum presents the history of German immigration to Louisiana through a timeline and museum exhibits.

St. Joseph Catholic Church and Gardens was established in 1857, built in the Spanish Baroque style and includes a peaceful garden. Mel Ott Park features a bronze statue of Mel Ott in his characteristic batting stance. The church and garden offer a different focus from the statue: one is a historic building and garden, the other a specific figurative depiction.

City History and Recreation

The Heritage House Welcome Center is located in a historic building dating to 1840. It serves as a gateway to the city and provides visitors with information about Gretna’s history. The Walking Tour of Historic Gretna starts at the Welcome Center, which also serves as the entrance to the historic district. If you’d like to include a tour with a clearly named starting point in your travel plans, this is a good place to begin. The Gretna Bike Path is suitable for walking, jogging and cycling and was completed in 2004. The two offerings have different focuses: the Walking Tour is connected to the historic district, while the Bike Path offers three ways to get active.

Market and Events

Every fall, the Gretna Heritage Festival takes place. This major music and cultural event stretches across nearly 20 blocks in Gretna. The Riverfront Amphitheater hosts the festival, the Fall Concert Series and other events. The festival’s program and area may change, so check the dates and program before your trip. Its annual fall schedule differs from the market’s weekly rhythm and can provide a distinct focus for planning your trip.

The Gretna Farmer’s Market is held weekly on Saturdays, rain or shine, at the Gretna Market Place between 3rd and 4th Street on Huey P. Long Avenue. Since market hours may change, it’s a good idea to check the schedule before your visit. Product categories permitted under the market rules may include, among others, fruit, vegetables, honey, baked goods, seafood, dairy products and cheese. A market visit, cultural event and historic attractions thus offer different ways to shape your stay in Gretna.

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For the main travel overview: Jefferson.