New Orleans: Whitney Plantation Tour with Transportation

Whitney Plantation and Optional Swamp Tour in Louisiana

This tour provides an in-depth, self-guided audio experience of the Whitney Plantation, suited for visitors interested in the history of slavery and Louisiana plantation life.

Highlights

• Round-trip transportation
• Audio tour of the 272-year-old plantation site focusing on first-person slave narratives
• Access to museum exhibits, memorial artwork, and restored buildings
• View historic outbuildings of a Louisiana working plantation
• Learn about the Big House, one of the earliest Louisiana raised Creole cottages
• Pass by Evergreen, Felicity, St. Joseph, Laura, and Oak Alley Plantations
• Optional 90-minute pontoon swamp tour through a privately-owned wildlife refuge (upgrade required)

Description

The Whitney Plantation, opened to the public in 2014, is the only plantation museum in Louisiana fully dedicated to the history of slavery. Through self-paced audio tours, visitors encounter numerous first-person accounts and explore museum exhibits, memorial artwork, and restored buildings that offer a distinct perspective on the enslaved people who lived and worked there.

Originally known as Habitation Haydel, the plantation initially prospered producing indigo before shifting to sugar production in the early 1800s. The site's historic outbuildings provide insight into the evolution of Louisiana working plantations. The Big House stands as one of the best-preserved examples of Spanish Creole architecture and an early raised Creole cottage.

The Whitney Plantation Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It serves as a place of memorial and consciousness honoring enslaved people on the plantation and across the United States.

On the way to the plantation, you travel past several other historic sites along the Mississippi River, including Laura, Oak Alley, Evergreen, Felicity, and St. Joseph Plantations, landmarks that reflect the agricultural history of the region.

Swamp Tour Upgrade

With the upgrade, you will take a 90-minute guided pontoon boat tour through Manchac Swamp, a private wildlife refuge. The covered boat is operated by a local captain who shares insights into the Cajun culture of fishing, hunting, and trapping. Wildlife spotting, including alligators, is a highlight of this tour.

Includes

• Round-trip transportation
• Self-guided audio tour of the Whitney Plantation with focus on slave narratives
• Access to museum exhibits, memorial artwork, and restored buildings
• Viewing of historic plantation outbuildings
• Information about the Big House and other architectural features
• Passage past neighboring historic plantations
• Optional 90-minute Manchac Swamp pontoon boat tour (if upgrade chosen)

Excludes

• Food and beverages
• Gratuities

Important Information

• The Whitney Plantation tour is self-guided. Download the Whitney Plantation app on your smartphone, tablet, or iPad to access the audio tour.
• Wheelchair users have access to the gift shop, restrooms, and museum. Plantation grounds are accessible but feature uneven gravel paths. Viewing of slave quarters is possible but entry is not accessible.
• The swamp tour upgrade includes a 90-minute pontoon boat ride through Manchac Swamp, led by a local captain and offering wildlife viewing opportunities including alligators.

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

For the best experience, bring a charged mobile device to use the audio tour app and wear comfortable shoes suitable for gravel paths. The swamp tour is seasonal; check weather conditions and book in advance to secure your preferred date.