The New Canal Lighthouse

New Orleans

The historic New Canal Lighthouse at West End on Lakeshore Drive was severely damaged by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005. The Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation's reconstruction of the lighthouse is complete. The beacon was re-lit in September 2012. The light shines nightly for all to see. Come experience how the history of a light, a lake and a coast has blended together. Visit Louisiana's only working lighthouse containing a museum that is open to the public. The New Canal Lighthouse Museum is located on the first floor of the rebuilt lighthouse raised up 19 feet above the level of Lake Pontchartrain. This protects the building against storm surges from the lake that may come with hurricanes and tropical storms. The museum can be accessed by two sets of stairs or by an elevator "lift" to accommodate those with special needs. The balcony allows the visitor to get a panoramic view of the New Orleans south shore lakefront. Inside, the museum consists of three display areas, one depicting the history of the light and the region, one presenting LPBF's SAVE OUR LAKE successful campaign, and one presenting the challenges addressed with LPBF's SAVE OUR COAST campaign. The lighthouse tour is led by trained docents who take visitors through the halls to tell how the history story turned into an environmental one, and how everyone can help sustain our region. The second floor of the lighthouse contains office space and houses LPBF's education, outreach and development departments. The cupola of the lighthouse is not open to the public but the light within it is maintained and shines nightly. The New Canal Lighthouse provides more than just a museum offering tours. It has an inviting gift shop, offers educational programs, hosts events and offers a facility to rent. It also has a fountain plaza, breezeway, promenade and outdoor deck.