New Orleans is a city steeped in history, from its variety of architectural influences to its unique historical tapestry. In this post, we’ll explore the best plantations near New Orleans and the fascinating glimpses they offer into America’s past.
There are six plantations within an hour’s drive of New Orleans. These sites are more than just tourist destinations, they’re living monuments to an intricate and somber chapter in American history. Once you’ve seen one plantation, you’re guaranteed to want to explore more – trust me.
Each plantation tells its own story, offering a blend of beauty, culture, and real-life history. Despite being in rather close proximity to one another, each plantation is a unique destination, revealing different perspectives into the deep roots of the American South.
As a New Orleans local, each visit to one of these plantations has left me captivated by its specific story. In this post, we’ll take a journey through time, exploring six of the most storied plantations near New Orleans. By the end, you’ll have a deeper understanding of the region’s fascinating past and its cultural heritage – as well as determining which plantation(s) you want to visit!
The Short Version
Don’t have time to read this whole post? Don’t fret! There are many amazing plantations near New Orleans, but these two are my personal favorites:
- Whitney Plantation: Whitney Plantations is my all-time favorite. It does an excellent job of giving the perspective of the enslaved. They’ve done a lot of research on those who were enslaved on the plantation and presented that information in various unique exhibits.
- Oak Alley Plantation: Oak Alley is great for tourists. It’s absolutely beautiful, has a restaurant, and sells cocktails and beer on the tour. The main attraction is the “Big House” where visitors can learn how the owners lived on a guided tour. It also has a self-guided slave quarter.
The 6 Best Plantations Near New Orleans
Although there’s plenty to enjoy in this vibrant city (even on a NOLA Staycation!), nothing beats getting out and exploring the cultural history and significance of New Orleans and the surrounding regions. Thankfully, when using common sense, New Orleans is plenty safe, and visiting the city (as well as the best plantations near New Orleans) makes a great family-friendly trip. In fact, I visited all of the plantations with at least one of my twins with me.
Below you’ll find the six best plantations to add to your New Orleans itinerary. These are roughly ranked in order of popularity. I highly recommend trying to squeeze in as many as you can!
1. Oak Alley Plantation: The most stunning, and most photographed
Oak Alley Plantation is known for its remarkable Greek Revival mansion, or “The Big House”. It’s a masterpiece of antebellum architecture that is a true testament to the rampant opulence of the era.
This grand manor is a National Historic Landmark, characterized by its stately columns and elegant symmetry. Oak Alley’s most iconic feature, though, is the breathtaking avenue lined by 28 towering, 250-year-old oak trees.
The pathway stretches a quarter of a mile between the Mississippi River and the mansion. My son loved running down this stretch. Plus it was a great way to burn his energy.
Even more than for its splendor, Oak Alley is valued for its educational value. The plantation offers interpretive exhibits that delve into the brutal history of slavery.
These displays are a stirring reminder of the individuals who lived and worked under bondage on these grounds. They provide an unflinching look at the realities of plantation life. You’ll see the human cost of the antebellum South’s economic success.
The Oak Alley Plantation also sheds some light on Civil War history. Here, you’ll get to explore a turbulent period that reshaped the South along with the entire nation. You’ll learn about the plantation’s role in the war and the broader impact it had on society and the economy of the South.
Oak Alley even offers insights into the sugar industry, which was a cornerstone of the Southern economy at that time. The plantation’s sugarcane fields and the nearby ancient cypress swamp are living symbols of the region’s agricultural past.
In addition to the historical and educational experience, Oak Alley is very accommodating for tourists with a restaurant, coffee shop, and spirit shop. For those who may be interested, they also offer bed and breakfast experience in their cottages.
Tours
- A convenient and comprehensive tour including the ‘Big House’: This tour will depart from a Toulouse Street meeting point in New Orleans. It includes a private guide and transportation in an air–conditioned vehicle (a necessary addition, especially if you’re visiting New Orleans in July). You’ll see Lake Pontchartrain and the Bonnet Carré Spillway Bridge during the drive.
- Swamp Boat Ride and Oak Alley Plantation Tour: Not only will you get the opportunity to explore and learn about the antebellum lifestyle and history of the plantation, but you’ll also take a boat ride through a private Louisana swap with possible wildlife sightings.
Hours of Operation
- Open daily 8:30 am to 5:00 pm; exhibits close at 5:00 pm, and gates close at 5:30 pm.
- Closed: New Year’s Day, Mardi Gras, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.
How to Get There
Oak Alley Plantation is in Vacherie, Louisiana, along the Mississippi River. It’s about an hour drive west of New Orleans (53 miles). Below is the best way to get there when driving from New Orleans:
- Take I-10 West from New Orleans.
- Exit onto I-310 South S toward Boutte/Houma.
- Take exit 10 toward Donaldsonville, LA-3127 N.
- Turn right onto LA-20 E.
- Turn right onto LA-18 to the plantation.
The address for Oak Alley Plantation is 3645 Highway 18, Vacherie, LA 70090, USA.
2. Whitney Plantation: The most focused on the history of slavery
The Whitney Plantation is another important site for American historical preservation and education. It distinguishes itself as the first museum in the United States solely dedicated to the history of slavery- and it does an excellent job doing so!
This plantation offers you a uniquely poignant perspective on the lives and legacies of the people who were enslaved there.
I was personally impressed by the detailed exhibits and memorials. These have been meticulously designed to honor and remember the lives of the enslaved people.
The exhibits include not just artifacts and historical documents but also powerful art installations and narratives. The displays will enlighten you on the real, human stories often overshadowed by broader historical narratives.
The Whitney Plantation’s variety of memorials is just as powerful. For example, the “Field of Angels” honors the 2,200 Louisiana children born into slavery who died in St. John the Baptist Parish. Each of these young ones died before their third birthday.
Another moving installation is the “Wall of Honor”. The display lists the known names of all enslaved people who lived on the plantation. It’s a harsh reminder of these individuals and the lives they led here.
Tours
- This guided plantation tour with transportation: This half-day (6.5 hour) trip takes care of the navigating for you! You will be picked up at your accommodation and driven down the scenic River Road. Your expert guide will provide a commentary on the sights, including Lake Pontchartrain and various film sites.
- Whitney Plantation and airboat tour: Offers hotel pickups and transportation to a self-guided exploration of Whitney Plantation. Afterward, take a high-speed airboat through a Louisiana swap, with potential wildlife sightings.
Hours of Operation
- Open 9:30 am – 4:30 pm; No entry permitted after 3:00 pm.
- Guided tours begin at 10:45 am, 12:45 pm, and 2:45 pm. No reservations are necessary, but there are a limited number of spots.
- Closed Tuesdays and certain holidays.
How to Get There
The Whitney Plantation is in Wallace, Louisiana, about a 50-minute drive from New Orleans (46 miles away). Below is a handy guide to getting there by car from New Orleans:
- Start on I-10 West from New Orleans.
- Take Exit 194 for LA-641 towards Gramercy/Lutcher.
- Merge onto LA-641 South, then turn left onto LA-3125 West.
- Turn right onto LA-18 East/River Road, and follow it to Whitney Plantation.
The address for Whitney Plantation is 5099 Highway 18, Wallace, LA 70049, USA.
3. Laura Plantation: Focused on life in Creole Louisiana in the 1800’s
Laura Plantation offers a unique glimpse into the Creole lifestyle of the 1800s – before Louisiana was sold to the United States in 1803. It was a time when the French language was spoken and Roman Catholicism intertwined with a Latin-based society, comprising people of white, black, and mixed-race ancestry.
The heart of the plantation’s story revolves around Laura Locoul. Laura’s mother, Elizabeth, inherited the plantation and ran it with an iron will for 47 years.
As you wander through the plantation, you’ll be guided through the intricate details of Laura’s family history and get a vivid picture of the opulent lifestyle led by the Creole elite.
However, the Laura Plantation doesn’t shy away from the darker chapters of its history. The fully guided tour confronts the harsh realities faced by those enslaved on the sugar plantation from 1808 to 1860.
It offers a sobering journey through time and an unfiltered look at the stark contrasts between the lives of the plantation owners and those who were enslaved.
During the tour, you will explore the Big House, and stroll across the 200-year-old sugar plantation, Homestead, which includes three meticulously maintained gardens.
The authenticity of the experience is further heightened when you step into an 1840’s slave cabin, a stark reminder of the lives once lived here.
For those who are particularly interested in the comprehensive history of Laura Plantation, the exhibit “From the Big House to the Quarters: Slavery on Laura Plantation” is a must-see. This exhibit offers an in-depth look at the complexities and intricacies of life on the plantation, drawing a vivid picture of the societal structures and day-to-day realities of the era.
Tours
- Book a guided tour of the well-maintained Creole estate, including the main house, slave quarters, and gardens.
- Great River Road is home to several plantations. As a result, tour companies offer combined tours with St. Joseph and Oak Alley Plantations with transportation from New Orleans.
Hours of Operation
- Tours in English occur every 40 minutes, starting at 10:00 am, and ending at 3:20 pm.
- Tours in French occur at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, and 3:00 pm.
- Closed on New Year’s Day, Mardi Gras, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day.
- Closes at noon on July 4th and December 24th.
How to Get There
Laura Plantation is in Vacherie, Louisiana. Your drive from New Orleans will be about an hour or 50 miles. Below is how to reach it from New Orleans by car:
- Take I-10 West.
- Exit onto I-310 South S toward Boutte/Houma.
- Take exit 10 toward Donaldsonville, LA-3127 N.
- Turn right onto LA-20 E.
- Turn right onto LA-18 E to the plantation.
The address for Laura Plantation is 2247 LA-18, Vacherie, LA 70090, USA.4. St.
4. Joseph Plantation: An operating sugarcane plantation
As one of the last operating sugarcane plantations in Louisiana, the St.Joseph Plantation gives you a rare and authentic glimpse into the agricultural legacy of the South.
The gorgeous plantation is home to a well-preserved antebellum mansion, where you’re free to explore every extraordinary room.
What is now St. Joseph’s Plantation was once two separate properties: St. Joseph’s and Felicity Plantations. They were merged in 1901 and now form a sublime 2,500-acre showpiece. They can be toured together or separately, and are both full of period furniture and family heirlooms.
There are also numerous outbuildings and structures scattered around the estate. You’ll have the opportunity to walk through the estate’s original slave quarters. This experience serves again as a stark reminder of the plantation’s history and the lives of those who labored there.
Then there is the authentic blacksmith shop and schoolhouse on the property, which are definitely worth a visit. They offer a first-hand look into the daily workings and the social structure of an antebellum South estate.
Another special aspect of St. Joseph Plantation is its “Creole Mourning Tour”. This annual event is held from late September through November. The tour gives you a rare look into the mourning customs of the Creole culture. Take in the live re-enactments that bring history to life right before your eyes.
The house is dressed in traditional mourning decor, and actors portray the plantation’s historical figures. It’s a colorful and enlightening experience you shouldn’t miss.
After spending some time here, you might recognize some areas of the plantation. Its authentic, well-preserved setting has made its way into several popular movies. These include Twelve Years a Slave and Skeleton Key, among many others. I personally was excited to see Ralph Angel’s home, from Queen Sugar.
Tours
- The Creole Mourning Tour: Unfortunately, this fascinating tour is an annual one that is only offered during October. If you’re visiting New Orleans during this time, be sure to set aside time for this one. Learn about the enigmatic funeral traditions and ceremonies of Creole Louisiana from the 18th and 19th centuries.
- Explore St. Joseph and Felicity Plantations separately or combine them into one tour. Many tours are given by the plantation owner’s family members, adding a more intimate air to the visit. Tour both homes and learn what life was like on a real sugarcane plantation.
- Make the most of your time by joining a small group tour that visits both St. Joseph and Whitney Plantations. Enjoy an included hotel pickup and historical commentary as you make your way to your final destination.
Hours of Operation
- Open daily during tour times: 9:30 am, 10:00 am, 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, and 3:00 pm.
How to Get There
St. Joseph Plantation is in Vacherie, Louisiana. Your drive from New Orleans will be about an hour or 53 miles. Here’s how to reach it from New Orleans by car:
- Take I-10 West.
- Exit onto I-310 South S toward Boutte/Houma.
- Take exit 10 toward Donaldsonville, LA-3127 N.
- Turn right onto LA-20 E.
- Turn left onto LA-18 W to the plantation
The address for St. Joseph Plantation is 3535 LA-18, Vacherie, LA 70090, USA.
5. Destrehan Plantation: The closest plantation near New Orleans
Destrehan Plantation is the closest site near New Orleans, making it a convenient and popular day trip from the city. It also happens to be the oldest documented plantation in the Lower Mississippi Valley.
Its longevity gives it a unique perspective on the early history of Louisiana and plantation life. However, this is just one aspect of Destrehan that makes it stand out from the others in the area.
Another is the unusual French Colonial architecture of the mansion. It stands distinctively among the region’s predominant Greek Revival and Antebellum styles. The plantation’s home is a rare and truly stunning testament to early European influences in Louisiana.
This architectural gem is not just a treat to look at but also offers a different historical perspective to visitors. It brings to our attention the area’s diverse cultural heritage, such as the beginnings of the Creole culture. We also see evidence here of the German influences on plantation operations.
As you explore the mansion, you’ll hear personal accounts and get the chance to admire authentic treasures of the Destrehan family. These elements bring a relatable human touch to the historical account. You’ll find it difficult to avoid feeling a personal connection with the lives that shaped the plantation over the centuries.
Destrehan is also known for its in-depth exhibits in the Miller-Haydel Museum, housed in what was once an overseer’s cabin. These describe the 1811 slave revolt, one of the largest in U.S. history. The plantation is one of three sites in the area where trials were held following the revolt. It was so cool to see this exhibit in person!
The displays represent a pivotal moment in the struggle for civil rights, one that’s often overlooked in historical accounts. The exhibits provide genuine artifacts, individual stories, and historical context in a heartfelt and vivid way.
In addition to the mansion’s historical distinction, you’ll love the exquisite, tranquil gardens. Unlike other, grander plantation grounds, Destrehan’s gardens offer a much more intimate setting. They invite you to meander and lose yourself in the fragrant green surroundings.
Tours
- The Life at Destrehan Plantation Tour is the most popular tour you’ll find here. Your guide and the other interpreters dress in period costumes, telling tales of the lives that created the Destrehan world.
- Destrehan Plantation and Airboat Tour is a great way to experience a piece of Louisiana’s past and present with a guided tour of the Destrehan Plantation and an airboat tour of the bayou. This tour includes transportation to/from New Orleans.
- Or opt for the Destrehan Plantation Tour Haunted Night Tour! This is the only nighttime plantation tour will take you from a New Orleans meeting point to the plantation house. Once there, learn the history and evolution of voodoo, and meet the spirits that remain in the home. Hear chilling stories from the estate’s past – an utter departure from the daytime tours.
Hours of Operation
- Open 9:00 am – 4:30 pm Monday through Thursday.
- Open 10:00 am – 5:30 pm Friday through Sunday.
How to Get There
Destrehan Plantation is in the town of Destrehan, about 30 minutes, or 25 miles, from New Orleans. Due to its proximity to the city, both Lyft and Uber are good options for getting to this plantation.
If you prefer to drive yourself, here’s how to get from New Orleans to Destrehan Plantation:
- Start on I-10 West from New Orleans.
- Take Exit 220 for I-310 South toward Boutte.
- Continue on I-310 South.
- Take Exit 7 for LA-18, River Road.
- Turn left onto LA-18 East/River Road and follow it to Destrehan Plantation.
The address for Destrehan Plantation is 13034 River Road, Destrehan, LA 70047, USA.
6. Houmas House Plantation: Beloved costumed guided tours and luxury
Houmas House Plantation is synonymous with Southern elegance, luxury, and hospitality. It’s best known for its beautifully costumed guided tours and its upscale ambiance.
The Houmas House tours allow you to immerse yourself in the grandeur of the antebellum South. Guides dressed in period attire add an authentic touch to their historical commentary as they guide you through the mansion.
If you’re anything like me, you’re guaranteed to fall in love with the plantation’s gardens. They’re masterpieces of landscape design, sprawling across the 35-acre estate. The flowers, ancient oaks, and water features create an incredible spectacle you can’t help but appreciate.
Adding to the ambiance of Houmas House are the peacocks that wander the grounds. Their brilliant plumage and regal bearing add to the majestic and magical setting.
Another highlight of Houmas House is the impressive collection of artwork and antiques. A visit here is truly a cultural and historical treat for art connoisseurs! And don’t forget about the historical wine cellars and their fine selection of exquisite wines.
The art and wine reflect the plantation’s dedication to preserving and celebrating the finer aspects of plantation living. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the cellars, adding a touch of luxury to your experience.
Along with the excellent wines, the culinary experiences at Houmas House are nothing short of exceptional. You have several dining options at Houmas House, catering to a range of tastes and preferences.
A favorite of these is Latil’s Landing Restaurant, housed inside the original 1770’s structure. Indulge in fine dining with a menu that skillfully combines traditional Southern cuisine with modern culinary techniques.
Houmas House Plantation also offers elegant and luxurious accommodations. Stay in quaint cottages set in the gardens, with modern comforts full of Southern charm and historical ambiance.
Tours
Houmas House offers a great assortment of tours for you:
- The Houmas House Mansion and Gardens Tour is the famous costumed tour. It takes about an hour to completely tour the manor, then guests will explore the 38-acre formal garden at their leisure. Of course, you’ll also want to sample the decadent dining options!
- The self-guided Garden Tour can take as long as you like during opening hours. Enjoy paved walkways, quiet alcoves for sitting, and 38-acres worth of exquisite plants and flowers. Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop for an excellent selection of gifts and souvenirs.
- Or combine tours! Take the Houmas House Mansion Tour along with the Great River Road Steamboat Museum tour. Enjoy the entertaining costumed guided tour of the mansion, then get to know all about life on the Mississippi at the Steam Boat Museum.
Hours of Operation
- Open daily 9:00 am – 7:00 pm.
- Closed Christmas and New Year’s Day.
How to Get There
Houmas House Plantation is in Darrow, Louisiana, about an hour’s drive, or 58 miles, from New Orleans. Here are directions to reaching the plantation from New Orleans by car:
- Begin on Interstate 10 (I-10) West from New Orleans.
- Continue on I-10 W.
- Take Exit 179 for LA-44 toward Burnside/Gonzales.
- Turn right onto LA-44 N/River Road and follow it to Houmas House Plantation.
The address for Houmas House Plantation is 40136 Highway 942, Darrow, LA 70725, USA.
FAQ: The Best Plantations Near New Orleans
Both Oak Alley Plantation and Houmas House Plantation offer overnight stays. Their accommodation is in the form of cottages right on the plantation grounds.
Oak Alley Plantation is often considered the best choice for families visiting plantations near New Orleans. It offers tours that are suitable for all ages. The guides here make the rich history accessible and interesting for children.
The plantation’s grounds are also very spacious and include an iconic alley of oak trees. This provides an excellent outdoor space for kids to explore. And with amenities like restrooms and a cafe, the plantation is also well-equipped for the convenience of visiting families – especially those with young children.
Absolutely! One of the most highly rated tours is the Swamp Boat Ride and Oak Alley Plantation Tour from New Orleans. Get picked up right from your hotel, enjoy a boat ride on the Louisiana Swamp, explore a private swamp, and tour the plantation – all with guided commentary.
Yes, Houmas House Plantation hosts special events and weddings. It’s known for its beautiful gardens and spaces and is a popular venue for such occasions. You’ll have a stunning and romantic setting that blends historical charm with the beauty of the Louisiana landscape.
Yes, many of these plantations, like Oak Alley and Houmas House, have gift shops where you can purchase local products, souvenirs, and books related to the plantation’s history and region.
Yes, Laura Plantation, St. Joseph Plantation, and Oak Alley Plantation are all located on Great River Road, within three miles of one another. Tours at each location take about 1-3 hours, depending on how long you want to explore.
In Conclusion
Exploring the plantations near New Orleans is an incredibly rewarding experience. Whichever plantation you visit, you’ll gain a unique insight into America’s history and cultural heritage.
These historical plantations are shrouded in the complexities of the past. They present a one-of-a-kind blend of grand architecture, vivid landscapes, and poignant historical narratives.
A visit to these plantations is a step back in time; a chance to walk through the history that has shaped the region. Touring these estates is an important experience for anyone looking to understand the deep, multifaceted tapestry of the American South.
