Laura Plantation

Experience the disappearing world of Creole Louisiana on a 75-minute guided tour of the Laura Plantation main house, gardens and slave quarters. Located on the West bank of the Mississippi in the heart of Plantation Country – the main house dates from 1805 and has been restored to the time when it functioned as both a family home and the office for the sugar plantation. Visit the raised basement and galleries, men's and women's parlors, service rooms and common rooms. Walk through the 200-year-old sugar plantation homestead, including 3 gardens: Jardin Français, the kitchen potager & BananaLand grove. Continue the tour on the grounds with 12 buildings on the National Register, including animal barns, overseers' cottages and the 1829 Maison de Reprise. Hear intimate stories about four generations of free and enslaved members of the Creole families who lived here. Gleaned from handwritten memoirs and archival documents from the United States and France, each story told in the 1805 Maison Principale, on the grounds, and in the original 1840s slave cabins is a true, personal account of the women, children and men who spent their lives on this sugar farm. Spend time touring the onsite museum exhibit on your own after your tour ends. When Laura Plantation opened to the public in 1994, it became the first historic attraction in Louisiana to include stories of enslaved Africans as part of the tour. Today the permanent exhibit "From the Big House to the Quarters: Slavery on Laura Plantation" is dedicated to telling the authentic story of the enslaved community of this Créole farm.

After being picked up from your hotel in New Orleans in a 13-seater high-roof van, your enthusiastic historian driver-guide will take you on a scenic narrated drive out of New Orleans, preparing you for a pilgrimage back in time.  After crossing over the Mississippi River on a high bridge, you will arrive at a remote swamp to board a small airboat. With your Cajun boat captain, glide comfortably over marshes and deep into secluded bayous. Discover the swamp’s fascinating fauna and flora, including alligators, turtles, and exotic birds.  Next, you will drive upriver through sugar cane fields to arrive at Laura Plantation. Enjoy a guided tour of this Creole plantation dating back to 1804. Hear the compelling stories of Laura's family saga, as well as stories of the West-African, enslaved people who worked on this sugar plantation. At the end of the tour, visit the museum exhibit dedicated to "Slavery on Laura Plantation" in a restored overseer's cottage. Back on the old River Road, you will pass by Felicity Plantation, where "12 Years A Slave" was filmed, and St Joseph Plantation, where the "Queen Sugar" TV series was filmed. Stop in front of Oak Alley Plantation to admire its parallel rows of centuries-old oak trees. After crossing over the Mississippi River on the Sunshine Bridge, you will arrive at the iconic "Sugar Palace", Houmas House Plantation. Lunch will be served in their elegant dining room, with genuine Cajun cuisine. Then, enjoy a guided tour of the mansion with a guide dressed in Antebellum costume. After the tour, enjoy some free time to stroll around the splendid gardens, before you return to New Orleans. Sample Lunch Menu (subject to seasonal changes) Luncheon includes home-baked bread and butter, iced tea or soft drink, dessert, and coffee.  Choice of Entrees: Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad (gluten-free without croutons): Served with tender romaine lettuce, croutons, and parmesan cheese Crown Jewel Hamburger: Grilled 7oz burger topped with cheese, bacon, mayo, ketchup, lettuce, tomato, and onion served with French fries Shrimp Po Boy: Shrimp, crispy fried and served on New Orleans French bread with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, and Creole mayonnaise Breast of Chicken (gluten-free without grits): Skin-on breast of chicken, served with stone-ground grits, roasted veggies and rum-spiked Houmas House beehive honey glaze Vegetarian Pasta: Veggies and baby heirloom tomatoes with fettuccine pasta and parmesan cheese Choice of Dessert: White Chocolate Bread Pudding Turtle Creole Cream Cheese Cheesecake

Immerse yourself in the rich history of the South with a half-day tour to the Oak Alley and Laura Plantations, departing from downtown New Orleans. This tour begins with a comfortable ride from the French Quarter, taking you along the scenic Great River Road. Your first stop is the Laura Plantation, a historic sugar plantation where you can explore the main house and the preserved slave quarters, offering a glimpse into the complex past of this Creole estate. The tour lasts for 1.5 hours and provides insight into the lives of the women who ran the plantation. Next, visit the Oak Alley Plantation, a stunning example of antebellum life that is instantly recognizable by its majestic canopy of 300-year-old oak trees. This 1.5-hour tour not only showcases the grandeur of the plantation but also its historical significance, with views stretching out towards the Mississippi River. The tour concludes with a return trip to the meeting point in New Orleans, allowing you time to reflect on the day's experiences or continue exploring the vibrant city.

Begin your day with a visit to either Oak Alley or Laura Plantation, each steeped in history and unique charm. Oak Alley, known for its iconic live oak trees, was built in the 19th century and offers a glimpse into Louisiana's plantation era. Laura Plantation, on the other hand, boasts Federal-style woodwork and Norman roof trusses, providing a different perspective on the region's history. After your plantation tour, the adventure continues with an exhilarating airboat tour. Your knowledgeable captain will introduce you to the rich culture, wildlife, and swamps of Louisiana. These small airboats ensure a personalized experience, accommodating up to 9 passengers. The airboat tour takes place entirely on private property, guaranteeing a one-of-a-kind experience distinct from other operators. While airboats can reach high speeds, our main emphasis is on ensuring a safe and relaxed exploration, complete with hearing protection for your comfort. The tour returns you to the vibrant French Quarter, offering a perfect blend of history, nature, and thrills.

Begin with a convenient pickup from your hotel and set out on your guided tour – a trip back in time to the Antebellum South. Drive along the Mississippi River and cross a suspended bridge high above the water for scenic views as you make your way to your first stop for the day, the Whitney Plantation. The only plantation museum in Louisiana exclusively dedicated to understanding slavery, the Whitney Plantation features restored buildings and museum exhibits that expose the harsh realities and historical facts about this dark period in American history. Follow your guide as you explore the plantation, delving into the world of a pre-Civil War sugar plantation, and hear the stories of the slaves who lived and worked here. Then, make your way back downriver as you head to the 200-year-old Laura Plantation. Discover the restored historic Louisiana Creole plantation surrounded by sugarcane fields with the help of your guide. Get an insight into what life on the plantation was like as you visit parts of the house and grounds, see preserved furniture and slave quarters, and listen to the stories of the family who lived here and those of their slaves. Leave your tour with a deeper appreciation and understanding of the beauty of this area, the pain caused by slavery, and the region's path toward freedom.

Laura Plantation Tour: Step back in time on this 4-hour journey to the captivating Laura Plantation from New Orleans. At Laura, you'll be immersed in the unique Creole culture, known for its historical representation of the complexities of slave plantations. Your experience begins with a scenic drive to this historic gem. Upon arrival, you'll explore the exquisite plantation, taking in the remarkable 'Big House,' the slave quarters, and the picturesque architecture and gardens that paint a vivid picture of the past. This tour offers a poignant and educational glimpse into the heritage of the Deep South. Oak Alley Plantation Tour: Venture on a 4-hour excursion to Oak Alley Plantation. The hallmark of this plantation is the mesmerizing 300-year-old oak trees that gracefully line the grounds, creating a captivating tunnel of greenery. A 40-minute guided tour will have you delve into the rich history of the plantation. You'll explore the iconic 'Big House,' stroll past the well-preserved slave quarters, and bask in the beauty of the enchanting architecture and meticulously manicured gardens. Oak Alley offers a picturesque and immersive experience into the charm and grandeur of the Old South.

Explore Oak Alley Plantation, a National Historic Landmark dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history its inhabitants left behind, with an emphasis on its time as a working sugarcane plantation. Walk under the iconic Allée, and leave with a richer, more powerful understanding of this plantation’s history. Then cruise Louisiana’s Swamp and Bayou. Learn the mysterious culture of the Cajun and how they adapted to the waterways, wildlife, and weather of Louisiana. Cruise the waterways in a safe pontoon boat with a native of the area. Get up close and personal with some of the wildlife that inhabit the swamp. Take in the beauty of Mother Nature while you are surrounded by moss-draped Cypress trees.

Get a full-scope tour of a typical southern United States plantain from the 18th century. Learn how the plantation made money, and walk under the iconic oak trees on the property. Learn about the Habitation Heidel, or the Heidel Plantation, now called Whitney Plantation, which has undergone many changes in its 250-year history. First, your guide will explain Ambroise Heidel, a German immigrant from the Rhineland area, who purchased this property in 1752 and established a small indigo plantation. During these early years, Ambroise Heidel owned approximately 20 enslaved Africans whose expertise in indigo production he relied upon for successful crops. You’ll then learn that In 18th century Louisiana, many captive Africans who were sold into slavery had originated in areas of West Africa known for rice and indigo production, two major cash crops in the early colony. Hear how the development of sugar production in Southeast Louisiana after 1795 brought significant changes to the way of life for free and enslaved people. You’ll then have time to explore the grounds before concluding the tour.

Visit Plantation Country to view one of Louisiana's cultural and historic plantations. History, architecture, and stories can be found at each of the plantations that you will visit along the legendary River Road. Take a tour round Laura or Oak Alley Plantations and view a place of historical significance. The Oak Alley Plantation was built in 1837-39. It is famous for its alley of 28 evenly spaced live oak trees, believed to be at least 100 years older than the house itself. Each home is truly a part of historical Louisiana. The Laura Plantation was built in 1805. The “Memoirs of Laura” exhibit will tell guests about the lives of the enslaved men, women, and children.

Embark on a journey through time with a guided tour of the historic Laura Plantation, located just outside New Orleans. Learn about the Creole women who ran the plantation for more than 60 years. Upon arrival, a knowledgeable plantation guide will lead you through the 200-year-oldBegin your day with a convenient hotel pickup. Enjoy a scenic, 70-mile ride to the plantation. Once you've arrive, be greeted by the grandeur of the 200-year-old sugar plantation homestead. On a guided tour, walk through the Laura Plantation House, and learn about its history and hear stories of its inhabitants. Later, stroll through three beautiful gardens: Jardin Français, the kitchen potager, and the Banana Land grove. Explore 12 buildings on the National Register, including animal barns, overseers’ cottages, and the 1829 Maison de Reprise. Next, visit the 1840s slave quarters, and hear poignant stories about the lives of the enslaved people who lived and worked on the plantation. Learn about the plantation's connection to the famous "Br'er Rabbit" stories, which were written here. Later, hear about the plantation house's near-destruction from a 2003 fire and the meticulous reconstruction efforts that used materials from antique homes. After the guided tour, take time to explore the grounds at your leisure, take photos, and visit the gift shop. As an added bonus, get a glimpse of the front of Oak Alley Plantation during your trip. After a day of history and adventure, enjoy a relaxing ride back to your hotel.