New Orleans: Destrehan Plantation Tour

New Orleans’ Destrehan Plantation tour offers a captivating journey through the region’s storied past. As the oldest documented plantation in Louisiana, it provides a unique window into the complex history of the American South. Visitors can explore the plantation’s stunning French Creole architecture and uncover the intriguing legacy of slavery and sugar production that shaped this landmark. With flexible scheduling and an insightful guided experience, the tour promises an enriching outing for history enthusiasts. What secrets might these historic walls reveal?

Good To Know

• Destrehan Plantation offers guided tours to explore Louisiana’s oldest documented plantation, providing insights into its history of sugar production and enslaved labor.
• The plantation tour is priced at $24 per person with flexible duration and free cancellation, located 25 minutes from downtown New Orleans.
• Visitors can experience the French Creole architecture of the main house, including a raised foundation, broad overhanging roof, and wrap-around porches.
• The guided tour includes exploration of the plantation’s dependency buildings, such as a slave cabin and outdoor kitchen, as well as the opportunity to see historical documents.
• The tour is led by descendants of the original plantation owner, Jean Destrehan, offering a unique perspective on the complex legacy of slavery in the American South.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Destrehan Plantation Tour offers visitors a chance to explore Louisiana’s oldest documented plantation, which is significant in the history of the American slave trade.

Explore Louisiana’s oldest documented plantation, significant in the history of the American slave trade, on the Destrehan Plantation Tour.

Priced from $24 per person, the tour is valid for one day and allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. The tour duration is flexible, and visitors can reserve their spot without upfront payment.

Located 25 minutes from downtown New Orleans and 10 minutes from the airport, the tour provides wheelchair accessibility and recommends comfortable shoes.

Guided tours are available with descendants of the original plantation owner, Jean Destrehan.

Location and Accessibility

The Destrehan Plantation Tour is located just 25 minutes from Downtown New Orleans and only 10 minutes from the New Orleans International Airport.

The meeting point is at the Old Plantation Store. The tour is wheelchair accessible, and visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes.

However, scooters aren’t allowed inside the plantation home.

The tour provides free parking, hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as gratuities, allowing guests to fully enjoy the historical experience.

Plantation History

Destrehan Plantation holds the distinction of being Louisiana’s oldest documented plantation, with a history that’s deeply intertwined with the American slave trade. Established in 1787, the plantation was owned by the Destrehan family for over a century.

As a center of sugar production, the plantation relied on the labor of enslaved individuals, many of whom were captured in Africa and forced to work the fields. The plantation’s story reflects the complex and often tragic legacy of slavery in the American South.

Visitors can explore the grounds and learn about this pivotal chapter in U.S. history.

Architectural Highlights

Stepping beyond the plantation’s sobering history, visitors can enjoy the remarkable architectural features that have stood the test of time.

The main plantation house boasts a distinctive French Creole style, featuring:

1. Raised foundation to protect against flooding

2. Broad overhanging roof to provide shade and ventilation

3. Large wrap-around porches with ornate columns

4. Intricate ironwork detailing on balconies and fences

Beyond the main house, the property hosts a collection of well-preserved outbuildings, including a slave cabin, overseer’s quarters, and outdoor kitchen.

Visitors can explore these dependencies to gain deeper insights into the plantation’s daily operations and living conditions.

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Slave History and Legacy

Though the Destrehan Plantation‘s architectural beauty commands attention, its history is deeply intertwined with the story of slavery in the American South.

The plantation was a hub of the lucrative sugar cane industry, which relied heavily on the labor of enslaved Africans. Visitors can explore the slave cabin, where these individuals lived, and learn about their daily lives and the harsh conditions they endured.

The Destrehan Plantation also houses the Legacy Room, which provides powerful insights into the complex and often tragic legacy of slavery.

This sobering history serves as a crucial reminder of the inhumane practices that shaped the nation’s past.

Guided Tour Experience

What’s the guided tour experience at Destrehan Plantation like? Visitors can explore this historic landmark with knowledgeable guides who share the rich history of the site.

The tour includes:

1. Guided exploration of the plantation’s dependency buildings, including the slave cabin, overseer’s cabin, outdoor kitchen, and more.

2. An opportunity to see original documents signed by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, providing a tangible link to the plantation’s past.

3. Insights from descendants of the Destrehan family, offering a personal perspective on the plantation’s legacy.

4. Ample time to wander the grounds and take in the antebellum atmosphere.

Visitor Amenities

Destrehan Plantation offers several visitor amenities to enhance the touring experience. The plantation provides free parking on-site, making it easy for guests to access the property.

Guided tours are available in English, led by knowledgeable staff who share the rich history of the site. Visitors can explore the plantation grounds, including the slave cabin, overseers cabin, outdoor kitchen, washroom, and trappers cabin.

The Legacy Room exhibits original documents signed by notable figures like Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. The plantation is also wheelchair accessible, though scooters aren’t permitted inside the main house.

Customer Testimonials

Visitors consistently praise the knowledgeable tour guides at Destrehan Plantation, with many highlighting the exceptional expertise of guides like Jim, who’s known for his great sense of humor, and Beverly, who’s described as highly informative.

The plantation’s tours receive an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 39 reviews. Positive feedback commonly emphasizes:

1. Engaging historical insights

2. Opportunities to explore the plantation grounds

3. Appreciation for the rich history of the site

4. Knowledgeable and personable guide interactions

Destrehan Plantation’s customer testimonials underscore the value of its guided tours in bringing the plantation’s significant past to life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Cameras and Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Cameras and photography are generally allowed during the Destrehan Plantation tour. Visitors can capture photos of the plantation buildings, grounds, and exhibits to document their experience. However, there may be some restrictions or designated no-photography areas, so it’s best to check with the tour guides.

Can Visitors Purchase Food or Refreshments On-Site?

The plantation offers a gift shop where visitors can purchase snacks, refreshments, and souvenirs, but there are no on-site dining options. Guests are welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy on the grounds during the tour.

What Is the Dress Code for Touring the Plantation?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but comfortable shoes are recommended. Visitors should dress appropriately for the weather and a walking tour, as they’ll be exploring the plantation grounds and historic buildings.

Are Guided Tours Offered in Any Other Languages Besides English?

The tour offers guided experiences in English only. There’s no information provided about guided tours being available in any other languages. The focus seems to be on the English-speaking experience for visitors.

Is There a Cancellation or Rescheduling Policy for the Tour?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to the start time for a full refund. Plus, customers can book their spot without upfront payment using the "Reserve now & pay later" option.

The Sum Up

The Destrehan Plantation Tour offers a captivating exploration of Louisiana’s storied past. Located just 25 minutes from New Orleans, this immersive experience provides visitors a unique opportunity to discover the plantation’s rich French Creole architecture, complex history of slavery, and legacy of sugar production. Led by descendants of the original owner, the tour provides an enriching outing for history enthusiasts with its flexible pricing and cancellation policies.

You can check availability for your dates here: