Visit Louisiana's Plantation Homes & Step Back in Time

Have you ever wondered what it was like to live and work during antebellum times?

If you want to step back in time and learn more about the history of the American South, consider planning a trip to visit the many "Great River Road" plantation homes that are open for tour along the Mississippi River between Baton Rouge and New Orleans Louisiana.

2 Great River Road Plantations

No matter which of the River Road Plantations you plan to visit, you can expect to see fine displays of antebellum architecture, lovely antique furnishings, strikingly beautiful grounds, and breathtaking views of the Mississippi River. You'll also have an opportunity to experience genuine southern hospitality firsthand. What could be better than that?

1. Oak Alley Plantation

The Oak Alley Plantation may be the most well known of the "Great River Road" plantations. It is located in the community of Vacherie, Louisiana. The home and grounds are available for tours daily (except for a few major holidays).

You'll be able to wander the grounds yourself, taking in the unique beauty of this part of the southeast. The home tour will be led by a knowledgeable guide outfitted in period attire who will help you visualize what life might have been like on the plantation during colonial times.

While you are on the grounds of Oak Alley, you can also enjoy a delicious meal at the Oak Alley Restaurant. If you'd like to linger even longer, consider booking an overnight stay in one of the bed and breakfast cottages located on the grounds of the plantation.

2. San Francisco Plantation

If Oak Alley is the most widely recognized, the San Francisco Plantation, located in Garyville, Louisiana. is probably the most unusual. Described as the most opulent of all the Great River Road Plantations, this structure is uniquely beautiful.

Even though the San Francisco Plantation was built during antebellum times, it does not look like a typical plantation home from this period. Its features include elements of southern architecture paired with Gothic elements. Outfitted with faux finishes well ahead of their time, hand painted ceilings, and many unique "extras", this home is both distinctive and lovely.

The home and grounds are available for tours daily, with the exceptions of a few major holidays.

Additional Plantations

Oak Alley and San Francisco are just a few of the many plantation homes open for tours in Louisiana. Some of the other lovely plantations that you may want to visit include:

• Destrehan Plantation
  
• Evergreen Plantation
• Houmas House
  
• Laura Plantation
• Nottoway Plantation Resort
• Ormond Plantation
  
• Saint Joseph Plantation

Need Additional Information?

For more details about the Louisiana plantation tours visit the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau's website.