Five Plantations to Tour in Louisiana

Anyone who appreciates the beauty and grandeur of America's past will love a visit to these Louisiana plantations. These stately homes, Creole plantations and antebellum mansions stretch across the length of the state following the Mississippi River. Historical societies and private owners have restored these homes to the original beauty and most are open for tours throughout the year.

The Top Five Louisiana Plantations

The Houmas House

The Houmas House, located in Darrow, Louisiana, was completed in 1828. Originally a sugar plantation, this restored Greek Revival has wrapping porches, Greek columns and shuttered windows famous in Louisiana plantations. In its heyday, the Houmas House sat on 300,000 acres and had its own train to run sugar into New Orleans. Today, visitors can tour the plantation from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Destrehan Plantation

The Destrehan Plantation, located in Destrehan, Louisiana, was built in 1787. The Destrehan Plantation has been restored to its original Greek Revial grandeur and visitors can tour both inside the home and the surrounding gardens. The plantation also hosts living history exhibits every day, such as candle making, indigo dyeing and open earth cooking demonstrations. Tours are hosted by costumed guides and run from 9:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m. daily.

San Francisco Plantation

As far as Louisiana plantations go, the San Francisco, located in Garyville, may be the most unique. The house features Creole style details, ornate columns and impressive woodwork. The San Francisco, originally a sugar plantation, dates back to the early 1800s. Today, visitors can tour the restored home and surrounding grounds. Tours run daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Oak Alley Plantation

Oak Alley, located in Vacherie, Louisiana, may be one of the most visually stunning of all the Louisiana plantations. The road leading to the home is lined with huge, looming oak trees. The home itself features large columns, wrap around porches and impressive details. Oak Alley, dating back to the 1700s, has been fully restored inside and out. Tours run daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Visitors can also stay at the adjoining bed and breakfast suites or stop by the restaurant for breakfast or lunch. The restaurant serves a variety of Cajun and Creole cuisine including gumbo, po' boys and bread pudding.

The Myrtles Plantation

The Myrtles Plantation, located in St. Francisville, is often considered the most haunted of the Louisiana plantations. Built by General David Bradford in 1786, the home features wrought iron columns, large plantation shuttered windows and an immaculate courtyard. The Myrtles is a bed and breakfast with 11-rooms and a full service restaurant. Historic tours run daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The plantation also hosts a ghost tour on Friday and Saturday evening.

Tours, Houmas House.
Visiting Destrehan, The Destrehan Plantation.
Daily Tours, The San Francisco Plantation.
Visiting Oak Alley Plantation, The Oak Alley Plantation.
Tours, The Myrtles Plantation.