Kenner, LA

• About the city
• Geography
• Climate and weather
• Landmarks
• Transport
• Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
• Museums
• Sport and Sporting Legends
• Universities and Educational Institutions
• Medical Institutions and Healthcare

Kenner is a suburban city in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, and the largest suburb of New Orleans. It is home to the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY).

About the city

Official Status and Administrative Affiliation

• Full Official Name: City of Kenner .
• Administrative Role: Kenner is the most populous city in Jefferson Parish, making it a significant suburban hub and the largest incorporated suburb of New Orleans . It is not a parish seat (that is Gretna).
• Location: Kenner is located in the U.S. state of Louisiana, within Jefferson Parish. It is part of the Greater New Orleans metropolitan area, a region globally renowned for its unique Creole and Cajun culture, vibrant music scene (the birthplace of jazz), and distinctive French Colonial heritage .

Historical Names and Nicknames

• Founding Name: The area was originally part of three plantations—Oakland, Belle Grove, and Pasture—purchased by the Kenner family .
• Official Motto: The city's motto is "America's City; Everything's Right Here" .
• Nickname: Kenner is sometimes referred to as the "Gateway to the West Bank" or simply as the home of the airport for travelers. A historic district is known as Rivertown .

Date of Foundation and Age

• Founded: Kenner was founded by Minor Kenner on March 2, 1855 .
• Incorporated: The city was first incorporated in 1867 and later re-incorporated on December 13, 1913 .
• Age: As of 2026, the city is 171 years old since its founding.
• Founder: The city is named after its founder, Minor Kenner, who established it on family-owned plantation land .

Geographical Position and Coordinates

• Geographic Coordinates: 30°00′35″N 90°15′18″W .
• Natural Boundaries: Kenner is uniquely positioned between two major water bodies: the Mississippi River to the south and Lake Pontchartrain to the north . Its western boundary is St. Charles Parish, and it is east of unincorporated Metairie .
• Elevation: The city has an average elevation of -7 feet (-2.1 meters) below sea level, making it a part of the reclaimed swamp land that requires levee protection . This extremely low elevation contributes to its unique character and vulnerability.
• Geographic Type: Kenner is a classic suburban city situated on a coastal floodplain, built on drained and filled swampland .

City Type and Economic Specialization

• Transportation Hub: Kenner's primary economic driver is the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) , a major international airport serving the entire region .
• Convention and Entertainment Center: The city hosts the Pontchartrain Center, the second-largest convention center in the metro area. It also features the Treasure Chest Casino, a riverboat casino, which is a significant local employer and attraction .
• Suburban Residential Center: A large portion of Kenner's economy is based on residential development and retail, serving as a bedroom community for New Orleans .

Population and Demographics

• Population: As of the 2020 census, the population of Kenner was 66,448 .
• Population Class: Kenner is a large suburb and the sixth-most populous city in the state of Louisiana .
• Demographic Features: Kenner is notably diverse and has become a major hub for Hispanic and Latin American immigrants, with a significant population from Honduras (sometimes referred to as "Little Honduras") . The 2020 census showed the population was 30% Hispanic or Latino, 40% non-Hispanic White, and 21% Black or African American .

"City's Business Card" (Briefly)

Kenner is best known as the home of New Orleans' airport (MSY) , making it the first and last stop for millions of visitors. Beyond the terminal, it offers a slice of local life with its historic Rivertown district, the gaming action at Treasure Chest Casino, and its prime location on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain, providing a quieter, family-oriented base for exploring the greater New Orleans area .

Geography

Water Bodies (Rivers, Lakes)

• Mississippi River: The southern border of Kenner is formed by the mighty Mississippi River. The historic district of Rivertown is situated directly on its banks, offering views of the river from LaSalle's Landing .
• Lake Pontchartrain: Kenner's northern boundary is Lake Pontchartrain, a large estuarine body of water. The city has developed Laketown, a park with a boat launch, piers, and a fishing pier, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy the lake . The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, the world's longest bridge over water, is located nearby, connecting the north and south shores .

Climate and weather

Climate Type and General Characteristics

Kenner has a humid subtropical climate (Cfa) , characteristic of the Gulf Coast. It is characterized by very hot, humid summers and mild, short winters. The city receives abundant rainfall throughout the year .

Average Temperatures by Month

The climate is warm year-round. The tables below provide detailed averages .

• Hottest Month: August, with an average high of 90°F (32°C) .
• Coolest Month: January, with an average low of 48°F (9°C) .

Precipitation and Humidity

• Average Annual Rainfall: Kenner receives a substantial 1387 mm (55 inches) of rain per year .
• Wettest Month: August, with an average of 164 mm (6.5 inches) of precipitation .
• Driest Month: October, with an average of 54 mm (2.1 inches) of precipitation .
• Humidity: Humidity is high year-round, often exceeding 70%, especially in the summer months, which can make the heat feel more intense .

Seasonality and Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Kenner is during the milder and drier months of the fall and spring.

• Fall (October-November): These months offer the most comfortable weather, with lower humidity, sunny skies, and the lowest chance of rain, making it ideal for outdoor activities .
• Spring (March-May): Spring is also pleasant with warm temperatures and moderate rainfall, though it can be more humid than fall .
• Summer (June-September): This is the off-season for heat-sensitive visitors. Days are very hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms . However, it is a time for festivals and indoor attractions.
• Winter (December-February): Winters are mild and generally pleasant, with cool nights and occasional cold fronts. It is the second rainiest period .

Specific Weather Phenomena

• Thunderstorms: During the summer, it is not uncommon for brief, heavy thunderstorms to occur almost daily due to the intense heat and humidity .
• Hurricanes: As a coastal Louisiana city, Kenner is vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms from June through November, which can bring destructive winds and storm surge .

Landmarks

Historic District: Rivertown

• Name: Rivertown .
• Description: This 16-block historic district is the cultural heart of Kenner. Located along the banks of the Mississippi River, it features a collection of museums and attractions housed in charming, small-town buildings .
• Key Attractions: It includes the Mardi Gras Museum, the Louis J. Roussel Jr. Planetarium & MegaDome Cinema, the Louisiana Toy Train Museum, the Cannes Brulee Native American Village, and the Children's Castle . It is a hub for shopping, dining, and community events.

Entertainment and Convention Centers

• Treasure Chest Casino: A popular riverboat casino offering gaming, dining, and entertainment. It is a landmark visible from the lake and a major draw for visitors .
• Pontchartrain Center: The second-largest convention center in the New Orleans metro area, hosting trade shows, conferences, and public events throughout the year .

Parks and Recreation

• Laketown: A major municipal park on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain. It features a boat launch, fishing piers, a jogging and biking path, and pavilions, providing a central spot for water access and outdoor recreation .
• Coconut Beach Volleyball Complex: A unique 22-court sand volleyball complex, noted as the largest man-made sand complex in the United States .

Transport

Main Airport of the City and Region

• Full Name: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport .
• IATA Code: MSY .
• ICAO Code: KMSY .
• Location and Context: The airport is located within the city limits of Kenner, about 11 miles (18 km) west of downtown New Orleans . The airport code MSY originally stood for "Moisant Stock Yards," named after the aviator John Moisant, on whose former farmland the airport was built .
• Terminals: The airport has a single, modern terminal with three concourses (A, B, C) and 35 gates, which opened in November 2019 .
• Ground Transportation: The terminal is directly accessible from Interstate 10 . Public bus service is provided by Jefferson Transit's E2 route, which connects the Kenner terminal to downtown New Orleans and other key areas . Ride-sharing services, taxis, and airport shuttles are also readily available .

Major Highways

• Interstate 10 (I-10): The primary interstate highway serving Kenner, running east to New Orleans and west to Baton Rouge. It provides direct access to the airport .
• Airline Drive (US 61): A major surface road that runs parallel to I-10 and is a key commercial corridor through Kenner, connecting it to Metairie and New Orleans .

Public Transportation System

• Bus Service: Kenner is served by Jefferson Transit (JP Transit) . The primary route is the E2, which runs from the Kenner terminal parking garage along Airline Drive and Tulane Avenue into the heart of New Orleans, providing a critical link for commuters and visitors .
• Integration with New Orleans: Once in New Orleans, riders can connect with the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) system, including the famous streetcars (St. Charles Avenue Line, Canal Street Line) and buses, using a Jazzy Pass for unlimited rides .

Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions

Kenner, Louisiana, is deeply rooted in the culinary traditions of the Cajun and Creole south. While it offers a range of dining experiences, its food culture is best experienced through its local eateries specializing in classic Louisiana dishes. Given its proximity to New Orleans, the cuisine shares many similarities, focusing on fresh seafood, bold flavors, and time-honored cooking methods.

The Legendary Po' Boy

The most iconic sandwich in Louisiana, the Po' Boy , is a staple in Kenner. It's a sandwich made of Louisiana French bread, known for its crispy crust and light, airy interior. The bread is typically stuffed with fried seafood, roast beef, or hot sausage and "dressed" with shredded lettuce, tomato, pickles, and mayonnaise .

• Where to try it: Kenner is home to several beloved spots for Po' Boys. Williams Seafood & PoBoy is a local favorite, renowned for its Fried Shrimp Po'Boy, which customers describe as "overstuffed" with fresh, well-seasoned shrimp on "delicious bread" . Another highly-rated option is Lil Doug's Cajun Market and Smokehouse, which specializes in Po' Boys with fillings like fish or meat, served in a welcoming atmosphere .

Seafood Gumbo

A visit to Kenner is incomplete without experiencing a bowl of Seafood Gumbo. This hearty stew is a quintessential part of Louisiana cooking, a rich, dark roux-based soup filled with okra, bell peppers, onions, and celery, and loaded with local seafood like shrimp, crab, and sometimes oysters .

• Where to try it: Williams Seafood & PoBoy is highly praised for its Seafood Gumbo, with reviewers noting it is "loaded with shrimp" and "excellent," making it a perfect complement to any meal .

Louisiana Seafood Platters

For a true taste of the region's bounty, the seafood platter is a must-try. These platters typically feature a generous combination of fried local catches, offering a sampler of the bayou's best.

• What to expect: Williams Seafood & PoBoy offers a popular Half & Half Seafood Platter and a Shrimp Platter. Customers rave about the generous portions, noting the shrimp are large, perfectly seasoned, and fried to a crispy perfection, with the batter complementing rather than overwhelming the shrimp's flavor . Other local delicacies found on menus in Kenner include fried alligator sausage, frog legs, and crawfish boudin, providing a true taste of Louisiana's unique culinary landscape .

Museums

Kenner offers a charming and historical museum experience centered in its historic Rivertown district. For a wider variety of specialized museums, the nearby city of New Orleans provides numerous options just a short drive away.

Historical Museums in Kenner

Rivertown Museum

The Rivertown Museum is the primary cultural and historical institution in Kenner. Located in the picturesque Rivertown section, the museum is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the rich heritage of Kenner and the surrounding Louisiana region .

• Collections and Exhibits: The museum's collections document the area's history from its earliest days. Exhibits feature artifacts related to Native American influences, the development of the local fishing and shipping industries, and the community's growth over time. Visitors can explore historical photographs, personal stories, and interactive displays .
• Cultural Focus: A key attraction of the museum is its focus on local traditions and celebrations. It regularly hosts special exhibitions highlighting annual events like Kenner's food festivals and Mardi Gras parades, offering insight into the community's unique spirit .

Museums Near Kenner in New Orleans

Kenner's location offers easy access to the world-class museums of New Orleans, which are approximately 15-20 minutes away. Notable institutions include:

• Southern Food and Beverage Museum & Museum of the American Cocktail: Dedicated to the culinary heritage of the South .
• New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA): The city's oldest fine arts museum, featuring a comprehensive collection of works from around the globe, including French and American art, as well as a beautiful sculpture garden .
• Mardi Gras World: A working warehouse where visitors can see the elaborate floats and props created for the city's famous Mardi Gras parades .
• The National WWII Museum: Designated by Congress as America’s official museum about World War II, it is a massive and highly acclaimed institution (located a bit further in the New Orleans Central Business District).
• Historic Plantations: Sites like Oak Alley Plantation and Whitney Plantation, which focus on the region's antebellum history, are located within an hour's drive of Kenner .

Sport and Sporting Legends

While Kenner may not have its own major professional sports franchises, it has a vibrant local sports scene, a recently renovated community stadium, and is located just minutes from the major league action in New Orleans.

Local Stadiums and Community Sports

Ed Daniels Field at Muss Bertolino Stadium

This stadium is the heart of competitive sports in Kenner. Recently, it received a significant renovation, marking its first major upgrade in decades, and now serves as a modern hub for local athletics .

• Renovations: The upgrades include a new video scoreboard, the replacement of visiting side bleachers with 950 raised seats, new cement walkways, and a brand new public address system.
• Capacity and Usage: The stadium's new seating capacity is just under 3,000 fans. It is the home field for Kenner Rec Flag Football, Kenner Discovery football, Archbishop Chapelle soccer, and Jesuit lacrosse. It has also hosted other high school and middle school football games, as well as matches for Rummel soccer, Dominican soccer, and Brother Martin lacrosse .

Professional Sports in New Orleans

As a suburb of New Orleans, Kenner is just a short drive from the city's major professional sports teams and venues.

• New Orleans Saints (NFL): One of the most beloved teams in the NFL, the Saints play their home games at the iconic Caesars Superdome in downtown New Orleans. The team, led for years by legendary quarterback Drew Brees, won Super Bowl XLIV in 2010.
• New Orleans Pelicans (NBA): The Pelicans bring top-tier professional basketball to the region, playing their home games at the Smoothie King Center, which is adjacent to the Superdome .
• New Orleans Gold (MLR): A professional rugby team that competes in Major League Rugby, playing their home games at Gold Mine on Airline Drive in Metairie, very close to Kenner.

Historic Women's Football Team

Kenner was once the home of the Louisiana Jazz, a women's American football team that competed in the Women's Football Alliance (WFA) in 2014. The team played its home games at St. Martin's Episcopal School in Kenner, adding a unique chapter to the city's sports history .

Universities and Educational Institutions

Kenner itself hosts a small campus of a national university, and it is surrounded by a wide array of higher education options within a short driving distance.

Higher Education in Kenner

University of Phoenix-Louisiana Campus

Kenner is home to a campus of the University of Phoenix. Located on Veterans Memorial Boulevard, this campus offers a variety of degree programs for individuals seeking higher education, providing both online and on-campus courses. Its focus is on providing accessible education to help students advance their careers and achieve professional aspirations .

Colleges and Universities Near Kenner

The Kenner area has a wealth of college options within a 10-mile radius. The closest and most significant is:

Delgado Community College

Located just 9.2 miles from Kenner, Delgado Community College is the closest institution of higher learning. As a public community college with an open admission policy, it offers a wide range of two-year degree programs and certificates, serving as a primary option for local residents seeking affordable higher education or a pathway to a four-year university .

Other Notable Nearby Universities

The New Orleans metropolitan area is home to several other well-regarded universities, including:

• University of New Orleans (UNO): A public research university located on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain.
• Tulane University: A prestigious private research university known for its law, business, and medical schools.
• Loyola University New Orleans: A private Jesuit university with strong programs in communications, music, and law.
• Xavier University of Louisiana: A historically Black and Catholic university renowned for its College of Pharmacy and STEM programs.

Medical Institutions and Healthcare

Kenner is served by a major, award-winning hospital that is part of one of Louisiana's largest and most respected healthcare systems. This facility provides comprehensive care to the community and attracts patients from across the region for its specialized programs.

Major Medical Center in Kenner

Ochsner Medical Center - Kenner

Ochsner Medical Center – Kenner is a full-service, general medical and surgical hospital that has been serving the community since 1985. It is a key part of the Ochsner Health system, the largest academic medical center in Louisiana . The hospital is known for its high-quality care and has received numerous accolades.

• Specializations and Unique Programs:

  • Neuroendocrine Tumor (NET) Program: The hospital is home to one of the largest multidisciplinary neuroendocrine tumor programs in the United States, attracting patients from around the world. It is one of only 100 sites in the country to offer peptide receptor radionuclide therapy and the only site in Louisiana .
  • Wound Care and Hyperbarics: It features a renowned wound care and hyperbarics program .
  • Emergency Care: Provides 24-hour, Level II emergency care .
  • Maternity Care: Its Family Birthing Center offers comfortable, private rooms and the latest birthing techniques. The hospital has been named a 2026 High Performing hospital for Maternity Care by U.S. News & World Report, making Ochsner Health the only health system in Louisiana with two hospitals receiving this prestigious award .
  • Stroke Care: Recognized by The Joint Commission with Advanced Certification for Primary Stroke Centers and has received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association's Get With The Guidelines - Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award .
  • Oncology: Earned reaccreditation from the American Society of Clinical Oncology's Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI), certifying that its oncology practices meet the highest quality standards for cancer care .

• Accreditations and Awards:

  • Received an "A" Fall 2025 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade for its commitment to patient safety .
  • Rated High Performing in Maternity Care (Uncomplicated Pregnancy) by U.S. News & World Report .
  • A 2025 Leapfrog Grade of A .

The hospital offers a wide range of other services, including an advanced outpatient diagnostic and therapy center, an infusion center, a diabetes management center accredited by the American Diabetes Association, a sleep lab, and a full-service radiology and imaging center . With a high patient recommendation rate (86% willing to recommend), Ochsner Medical Center – Kenner stands as a cornerstone of health and wellness in the city .

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