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Explore one of the South's most memorable sites - Oak Alley Plantation. Visitors are invited to explore the complex history of its former inhabitants, both the free and enslaved, through its exhibits.

Highlights

• Round-trip transportation
• 1/4 mile alley of 250 year old oak trees
• Guided tour of the 'Big House' exhibit
• Reconstructed slave cabins and a slavery exhibit with an interpreter
• Upgrade your experience to include a 90-minute swamp tour

Description

Explore one of the South's most memorable sites - Oak Alley Plantation. Visitors are invited to explore the complex history of its former inhabitants, both the free and enslaved, through interpretive exhibits and play witness to the evolution of this plantation's landscape over time. Visitors learn about 'Life inside the 'Big House' on an antebellum plantation for both the planter family and the enslaved. This 1839 Greek Revival mansion was built with success, prestige and power in mind, therefore commanding attention. But there is much more to the story which goes beyond the 'Big House'. Extensive research by the Oak Alley Foundation has revealed the lives and legacies of those who were once enslaved here, shared at the Slavery at Oak Alley exhibit. Visitor experience to include: - Sugarcane Theater which shares a film on sugar cane production & displays - Reconstructed slave cabins and a slavery exhibit with an interpreter - Guided tour of the 'Big House' exhibit - Exhibit on the subsequent owners following the Civil War - East and West Gardens - gardens reflective of the 1840s & 1930s - Blacksmithing exhibit including the plantation's original forge - The iconic Allee of oaks, created with the use of slave labor sometime in the 1820s-1840s On your journey to this historic setting, you'll also have the opportunity to enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Pontchartrain as you cross the Bonnet Carre Spillway (the flood outlet of the Mississippi River). Travel past Whitney, Evergreen, Felicity & St. Joseph Plantations, ghosts of the past that front the Mississippi River, where rich crops of sugarcane, cotton, and indigo from these fertile lands once traveled to far ports of trade. You can purchase a snack, salad or sandwich in the Plantation Café to enjoy at the picnic tables or aboard the coach. *Upgrade your experience to include a 90-minute swamp tour!* SWAMP TOUR UPGRADE ONLY: Then it’s a short ride to the Manchac Swamp where you will cruise through a privately-owned wildlife refuge, in a comfortable, covered pontoon boat driven by a local captain. Learn about the history of Frenier and the Cajun culture of fishing, hunting, and trapping. Keep your eyes peeled for alligators as they leap up for snacks!

Includes

Round-trip transportation The iconic 1/4 mile Allee of oaks, created with the use of slave labor sometime in the 1820s-1840s Guided tour of the 'Big House' exhibit Sugarcane Theater which shares a film on sugar cane production & displays Reconstructed slave cabins and a slavery exhibit with an interpreter Exhibit on the subsequent owners following the Civil War East and West Gardens - gardens reflective of the 1840s & 1930s Blacksmithing exhibit including the plantation's original forge Restaurant, café, and bar on site Pass Whitney, Evergreen, Felicity, and Laura Plantations 90-minute pontoon swamp tour (if upgrade option chosen)

Important Information

• Basic wheelchairs and motorized wheelchairs are permitted. Most exhibits are handicapped accessible. One exception is the second floor of the ‘Big House’ exhibit. For guests unable to climb the 22 stairs, a video tour is available in the media room. Please note that due to limited seating, we ask this be reserved for guests who are unable to make it to the second floor. Electronic devices must be turned off and cell phones muted while in “Big House” exhibit. No photography or video is allowed inside the plantation home but it is encouraged on the balcony, grounds and in the self-paced exhibits. SWAMP TOUR UPGRADE ONLY: The Oak Alley and Swamp Tour with Transportation option includes a 90-minute tour of Manchac Swamp where you will cruise through a privately-owned wildlife refuge, in a comfortable, covered pontoon boat driven by a local captain. Keep your eyes peeled for alligators as they leap up for snacks!

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund