new orleans plantation tours

Best Plantation Tours New Orleans

new orleans plantation tours
Cajun Encounters
May 30, 2022

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Looking for a New Orleans history tour? You may want to experience a New Orleans plantation tour. Decadent mansions set among beautiful gardens offer visitors an insider’s look into Creole history, as well as a glimpse at early life in the Antebellum South. These Louisiana plantation tours also offer a unique look at America’s interesting, and tragic history.

Visitors can explore the mansions and grounds of these former plantations, as well as learn about the lives of the people who lived and worked there. While there are many plantations to visit throughout Louisiana, we’ve put together our list of the best New Orleans plantation tours you wouldn’t want to miss.

Oak Alley Plantation Tour

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Located along River Road in Louisiana, the Oak Alley Plantation tour is widely considered to be one of the greatest historic attractions in the South. With its classic Greek Revival architecture and beautiful gardens, Oak Alley invites visitors to explore all facets of its 200 year history.

What really sets this plantation tour apart is its magnificent oak alley, which stretches nearly 800 feet across the front of the 25 acre property. Towering above the well-maintained lawns and gardens, these colossal oaks lend an air of serenity and grandeur to the estate.
Beyond its natural beauty, though, Oak Alley also tells an important part of history. Adjacent to the main house are several restored slave cabins that showcase historical photos and informative panels that give visitors a deeper understanding of the lives of those who worked at this plantation.

Houmas House Plantation Tour

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The Houmas House Plantation tour, which is located outside of New Orleans in neighboring Darrow, Louisiana, is another historic plantation worthy of a visit. With its beautiful Italianate architecture and rich history, Houmas House Plantation is a favorite amongst both locals and tourists alike.

This enormous estate boasts 38 acres of gorgeous gardens and a historic mansion that is open to the public for daily tours. The guided tour of the mansion explores the architectural progression of the manor and explains how its various owners, as well as the Mississippi River, helped to transform it into what it is today. 
 
Another distinct feature of this plantation is its stunning gardens. Featuring numerous varieties of flowers and native wildlife, these gardens offer visitors a glimpse into Southern flora and fauna that are truly unique to Louisiana. In addition to touring the main house, visitors can also explore several outbuildings on the grounds, including slave cabins and an original sugar mill from the 1800s. 

Laura Plantation Tour

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The Laura Plantation is a must-see plantation home for anyone interested in Creole history. Located in Vacherie, Louisiana, the plantation was founded in 1805 and operated by four generations of the Duparc-Locoul family. Today, the plantation is open to the public, and visitors can tour the main house, slave quarters, banana grove, and garden.  

The plantation is especially known for its connection to the West African stories that later became the “Tales of Br’er Rabbit.” These stories were originally told by slaves at the plantation, and they offer a unique glimpse into the daily lives of the ones who inhabited it. Visitors will find themselves surrounded by historical furnishings, original photographs, and the exceptional work of the West African slaves that once lived there on display. 

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If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience in New Orleans, there’s no better way to explore the area than by attending one of the city’s top plantation tours. With offerings like Oak Alley, Laura, and Houmas House Plantation, these educational tours provide an immersive look into Southern history and culture. With knowledgeable guides and plenty of fun activities to enjoy along the way, this is one adventure you will never forget. Book your New Orleans plantation tour today with Cajun Encounters Tour Company.