Discover the captivating history of New Orleans’ Laura Creole Plantation through a guided tour. This national landmark offers visitors a rare glimpse into Louisiana’s Creole heritage. Stroll through the beautifully restored 1805 Main House and original slave cabins as expert guides share insights into the lives of both the Creole family and the enslaved community. With access to lush gardens, this immersive 75-minute experience promises to leave you with a deeper understanding of the plantation’s enduring legacy. Prepare to be transported back in time and uncover the untold stories that shaped this iconic Louisiana landmark.
Good To Know
- A guided tour of the 1805 Main House, restored to its original Creole architectural style, offering insight into the plantation’s history and the Creole family.
- Exploration of the original 1840s slave cabins, providing a deeper understanding of the lives and experiences of the enslaved community.
- Access to the diverse gardens, including the Jardin Français, kitchen potager, and BananaLand grove, showcasing the plantation’s agricultural heritage.
- Comprehensive historical narratives that enrich the visitor’s understanding of the plantation’s legacy and the Creole heritage.
- Opportunity to visit the onsite museum exhibit, "From the Big House to the Quarters: Slavery on Laura Plantation," for a deeper dive into the authentic experiences of enslaved individuals.
Tour Highlights
One of the tour’s key highlights is the chance to explore the 1805 Main House, which has been meticulously restored to its original Creole architectural style.
Visitors can step inside the historic building and learn about the lives of four generations of the Creole family who once called it home.
The tour also grants access to the plantation’s original 1840s slave cabins, providing a glimpse into the lives of the enslaved community.
Plus, the tour explores the grounds, including the Jardin Français, kitchen potager, and BananaLand grove, offering a comprehensive understanding of the plantation’s history and operations.
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Historical Context
Laura Plantation is a National Historic Landmark that offers visitors a unique glimpse into Louisiana’s Creole heritage.
The plantation’s 12 buildings, including the 1805 main house and original 1840s slave cabins, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Visitors can explore the cultural focus of the site – the stories of four generations of the Creole family and the enslaved community.
The stories of four generations of the Creole family and the enslaved community who lived on the plantation await visitors’ exploration.
An exhibit, "From the Big House to the Quarters: Slavery on Laura Plantation," highlights the authentic experiences of the enslaved individuals who lived and worked on the plantation.
Guided Experience
What can visitors expect during the guided tour of Laura Plantation? The 75-minute tour offers an immersive experience, led by knowledgeable guides who share personal stories derived from memoirs and archival documents.
Highlights include:
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Exploring the restored 1805 Main House, accessing various parlors and service rooms.
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Discovering the original 1840s slave cabins, providing insight into the lives of the enslaved community.
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Wandering through the Jardin Français, kitchen potager, and BananaLand grove.
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Visiting the onsite museum exhibit, "From the Big House to the Quarters: Slavery on Laura Plantation," for a deeper understanding of the authentic experiences of enslaved individuals.
Visiting Details
Where can visitors meet for the guided tour at Laura Plantation? The guided tour begins at the admissions window inside the Laura Plantation Gift Store.
Guests should come prepared with comfortable shoes and an umbrella, as the tour requires walking. Smoking, selfie sticks, food, tripods, backpacks, and video recording aren’t allowed on the tour.
The tour provides access to the 1805 Main House and other historic buildings, but it requires navigating 15 steps to reach the Maison Principale, and there’s no elevator available.
Visitors can explore the onsite museum exhibit after the guided tour.
More Great Tours NearbyVisitor Feedback
Visitors have overwhelmingly praised the guided tour at Laura Plantation, with an impressive overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 248 reviews.
Reviewers highlighted:
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Guide’s passion and educational approach, earning a 4.9/5 rating.
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Knowledgeable descriptions that brought the plantation’s history to life.
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Interesting and informative tour that offered a valuable learning experience.
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Excellent value for money, with a 4.7/5 rating in this category.
The tour’s combination of engaging guides, immersive historical content, and exceptional value has clearly resonated with visitors, cementing Laura Plantation’s reputation as a must-visit destination.
Planning Your Visit
When planning your visit to Laura Plantation, the meeting point is the admissions window inside the gift store.
The meeting point for Laura Plantation visits is the admissions window located within the gift store.
Guests should wear comfortable shoes and bring an umbrella if needed, as the tour involves walking. Smoking, selfie sticks, food, tripods, backpacks, and video recording aren’t allowed.
Though the tour is accessible, it requires navigating 15 steps to reach the Maison Principale, and there’s no elevator available.
After the guided tour, visitors can explore the onsite museum exhibit on their own.
With these practical details in mind, guests can fully enjoy the plantation’s historical and cultural experiences.
What to Expect
The guided tour of Laura Plantation offers an immersive cultural experience, bringing to life the stories of four generations of the Creole family and the enslaved community.
Visitors can expect:
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Personal narratives derived from memoirs and historical documents, providing a glimpse into the authentic experiences of those who lived on the plantation.
-
Exploration of the property’s diverse gardens, including the Jardin Français, kitchen potager, and BananaLand grove.
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Access to the Maison Principale, where guests can tour parlors and service rooms, seeing the Creole lifestyle.
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A self-guided visit to the onsite museum exhibit, "From the Big House to the Quarters: Slavery on Laura Plantation."
Exploring the Plantation
As visitors explore the Laura Plantation, they’ll discover a wealth of historical significance across the 12 buildings listed on the National Register.
The guided tour takes guests through the 1805 main house, restored to its original Creole style. Along the way, they’ll learn about the four generations of the Creole family and the enslaved community that lived on the plantation.
The tour also includes access to the original 1840s slave cabins, animal barns, and overseers’ cottages, providing a comprehensive look at the plantation’s past.
Afterward, visitors can self-guide through the onsite museum exhibit "From the Big House to the Quarters."
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Photos and Videos Allowed During the Tour?
No, video recording and tripods are not allowed during the tour. Photography is permitted, but selfie sticks, food, and backpacks are prohibited. The tour has limited accessibility, with 15 steps to access the main house.
Does the Tour Operate on Rainy Days?
The tour operates on rainy days as the main house and cabins provide shelter. Visitors should bring an umbrella or wear weather-appropriate attire to enjoy the tour comfortably during inclement weather.
Are There Any Dining Options on the Plantation Grounds?
The Laura Plantation doesn’t have any dining options on-site. Visitors can bring their own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, but there are no food services or restaurants available on the plantation grounds.
Can the Tour Be Customized for Special Group Needs?
The guided tour can be customized to accommodate special group needs, such as accessibility requirements or language preferences. Visitors should contact the plantation staff to discuss any specific needs prior to booking their tour.
Is There a Minimum Group Size Required for Booking?
There’s no minimum group size required to book the Laura Plantation tour. The tour can accommodate both individual and group bookings. Visitors can reserve their spots and pay later without an upfront payment.
The Sum Up
The Laura Creole Plantation offers a unique opportunity to take in Louisiana’s rich Creole heritage. The guided tour provides a deeper understanding of the plantation’s history and the lives of both the Creole family and the enslaved community. With expertly curated exhibits and access to the well-preserved grounds, visitors can gain valuable insights into the cultural significance of this National Historic Landmark.
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