New Orleans: Oak Alley Plantation Tour with Transportation
Deep South, New Orleans
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.
Oak Alley Plantation tour with round-trip transportation, suited for history enthusiasts interested in antebellum life and local culture near New Orleans.
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 slavery exhibit with an interpreter
- Option to upgrade with a 90-minute swamp tour
Description
Explore Oak Alley Plantation, one of the South's most notable historic sites. Visitors learn about the lives of both the planter family and the enslaved through interpretive exhibits and tours. The 1839 Greek Revival mansion, known as the 'Big House,' was designed to showcase success and power, but the story extends beyond it.
The Oak Alley Foundation presents the complex history of those enslaved on the plantation at the Slavery at Oak Alley exhibit. Additional features include:
- Sugarcane Theater with a film on sugar cane production and related displays
- Reconstructed slave cabins and slavery exhibit with an interpreter
- Guided tour of the 'Big House'
- Exhibit on the plantation's owners after the Civil War
- East and West Gardens, reflecting 1840s and 1930s periods
- Blacksmithing exhibit featuring the original forge
- The Allee of oaks, planted by enslaved labor between the 1820s and 1840s
On the journey, enjoy views of Lake Pontchartrain crossing the Bonnet Carre Spillway. Pass historic plantations including Whitney, Evergreen, Felicity, and St. Joseph, once centers of sugarcane, cotton, and indigo production.
Visitors can purchase snacks, salads, or sandwiches at the Plantation Café to enjoy at picnic tables or during the coach ride.
Swamp Tour Upgrade
Upgrade to include a 90-minute Manchac Swamp tour. Cruise through a privately-owned wildlife refuge on a covered pontoon boat piloted by a local captain. Learn about Cajun fishing, hunting, and trapping culture and watch for alligators.
Includes
- Round-trip transportation
- 1/4 mile Allee of oaks created by enslaved labor (1820s-1840s)
- Guided 'Big House' tour
- Sugarcane Theater film and displays
- Reconstructed slave cabins and slavery exhibit with interpreter
- Post-Civil War owners’ exhibit
- East and West Gardens reflecting 1840s and 1930s
- Blacksmithing exhibit with original forge
- On-site restaurant, café, and bar
- Views of Whitney, Evergreen, Felicity, and Laura Plantations
- 90-minute pontoon swamp tour if upgrade selected
Excludes
- Optional gratuities
- Lunch (Grab & Go meals available for purchase in the Plantation Café)
Important Information
- Basic and motorized wheelchairs are permitted. Most exhibits are accessible except the second floor of the 'Big House.' Guests unable to climb 22 stairs can view a video tour in the media room by reservation.
- Electronic devices must be off and cell phones muted inside the 'Big House.' Photography and video are prohibited indoors but allowed on the balcony, grounds, and exhibits.
- If choosing the swamp tour upgrade, the 90-minute Manchac Swamp cruise is in a covered pontoon boat with a local captain. Watch for alligators.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 24 hours before for a full refund.
Book in advance during peak seasons. Bring comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and insect repellent if you select the swamp tour. The best time to visit is during cooler months to avoid summer heat and mosquitoes.
