New Orleans: St. Joseph Plantation Guided Tour

Nestled in the heart of Louisiana, the St. Joseph Plantation offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the region’s storied past. The guided tour promises an immersive experience, guiding guests through the mansion’s grand halls and the surrounding outbuildings. With expert insights into plantation life, this one-hour excursion unveils the intricate tapestry of Creole culture and history. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a unique adventure, the St. Joseph Plantation tour promises to leave you intrigued and eager to uncover more.

Good To Know

• The St. Joseph Plantation offers a one-hour guided tour of the mansion and numerous outbuildings, priced at $24 per person.
• The plantation has appeared in several films, including "12 Years a Slave," and has a rich history related to Louisiana’s past.
• Visitors can experience a hands-on tour with expert guides, explore the original slave cabins and other structures, and learn about the plantation’s history.
• The tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, and visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes.
• The plantation grounds and outbuildings, such as the slave cabins, detached kitchen, blacksmith’s shop, and schoolhouse, provide insights into the lives of the enslaved workers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The St. Joseph Plantation offers a guided tour lasting one hour. Priced at $24 per person, the tour provides full access to the mansion and numerous outbuildings.

Visitors can cancel their reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Tour bookings allow guests to reserve their spot and pay later.

An expert guide leads the tour, providing a hands-on experience with a deep understanding of the plantation’s history as one of the last operating sugar cane plantations in Louisiana.

The tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

Historical Significance

| Year | Production |

| — | — |

| 2013 | 12 Years a Slave |

| 2006 | All The King’s Men |

| 2005 | The Skeleton Key |

| 2016-2019 | Queen Sugar |

The plantation’s rich history and cultural significance make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Louisiana’s past.

Tour Details

Although the guided tour at St. Joseph Plantation lasts an hour, visitors gain full access to the home’s rooms.

An expert guide leads the group through the mansion and numerous outbuildings, including original slave cabins, a detached kitchen, blacksmith’s shop, carpenter’s shed, and schoolhouse. Guests can explore these structures at their own pace, seeing the plantation’s history.

The guided tour provides a hands-on experience, allowing visitors to develop a deep understanding of the site’s significance.

Special events, like the "Creole Mourning Tour," further enhance the experience with live re-enactments.

Visitor Experience

What can visitors expect during their guided tour of St. Joseph Plantation?

They’ll enjoy a hands-on experience that provides deep insight into the plantation’s rich history. Led by expert guides, the tour offers full access to the mansion’s rooms and numerous outbuildings, including original slave cabins.

Visitors can explore at their own pace, seeing the plantation’s past. For a special experience, the "Creole Mourning Tour" from October 1st to November 3rd features live re-enactments of historic mourning customs.

Comfortable shoes are recommended, and visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy under the grand oak trees after the tour.

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Visitor Guidelines

When visiting St. Joseph Plantation, visitors should come prepared. Comfortable shoes are a must, as the guided tour covers the expansive grounds. Alcohol, drugs, and bare feet are strictly prohibited. Unfortunately, the plantation is not suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

| Visitor Guideline | Recommendation |

|——————-|—————-|

| Footwear | Comfortable shoes |

| Prohibited Items | Alcohol, drugs |

| Accessibility | Not suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users |

| Picnic | Visitors encouraged to bring a picnic lunch |

| Tour Duration | 1 hour |

After the tour, visitors are encouraged to relax under the oak trees and enjoy a picnic lunch.

The Creole Mourning Tour

The Creole Mourning Tour, a special event held at St. Joseph Plantation from October 1st to November 3rd, features live re-enactments of traditional Creole mourning customs.

Visitors can witness the rituals and learn about the historical significance of these practices. The tour provides a unique and immersive experience, allowing guests to gain a deeper understanding of the plantation’s history and the cultural traditions of the region.

Showcasing the plantation’s rich heritage, the Creole Mourning Tour offers a captivating glimpse into the past, leaving a lasting impression on all who attend.

Plantation Grounds and Outbuildings

Beyond the grand antebellum mansion, St. Joseph Plantation’s expansive grounds offer a glimpse into the daily life and operations of a 19th-century sugar cane plantation. Visitors can explore the original slave cabins, detached kitchen, blacksmith’s shop, carpenter’s shed, and schoolhouse at their own pace. These historic outbuildings provide a tangible connection to the plantation’s past, allowing guests to envision the bustling activities that once took place.

| Outbuilding | Description | Historical Significance |

|————-|————-|————————-|

| Slave Cabins | Original living quarters for enslaved workers | Illustrates living conditions and hardships faced by the plantation’s laborers |

| Detached Kitchen | Separate structure used for food preparation | Demonstrates the division of domestic labor on the plantation |

| Blacksmith’s Shop | Workshop for forging and repairing tools | Showcases the essential trades that supported the plantation’s operations |

| Carpenter’s Shed | Workspace for construction and repairs | Highlights the skilled craftsmanship required to maintain the plantation infrastructure |

| Schoolhouse | Small building used for educating children | Offers insight into the limited educational opportunities available on the plantation |

Visiting Information

How do visitors access St. Joseph Plantation? Guided tours run daily, lasting approximately 1 hour and costing $24 per person.

Visitors are encouraged to:

• Wear comfortable shoes to explore the expansive grounds.

• Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy under the oak trees following the tour.

• Note that the plantation isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

Plus, the plantation offers a special "Creole Mourning Tour" from October 1st to November 3rd, featuring live re-enactments of mourning customs.

Cancellations can be made up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Photography Allowed During the Guided Tour?

Photography is allowed during the guided tour, but visitors should be mindful of not disrupting the experience for others. Guests are encouraged to capture the historic plantation’s architecture and scenery throughout the tour.

Can Children Under 5 Attend the Tour for Free?

Children under 5 can attend the tour for free. The tour’s visitor guidelines don’t specify an age limit, so young children are likely welcome as long as they’re supervised and don’t disrupt the experience for other guests.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

Yes, the tour offers discounts for seniors aged 65+ and students with a valid ID. Seniors receive a 10% discount, while students get a 5% discount on the regular tour price of $24.00 per person.

Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement for Private Tours?

The plantation doesn’t have a minimum group size requirement for private tours. Guests can book private tours for their group, regardless of size, and enjoy a personalized experience tailored to their interests.

Are Pets Allowed on the Plantation Grounds?

Pets are not allowed on the plantation grounds. The tour guidelines state that only comfortable shoes are permitted, and visitors are encouraged to leave their pets at home for the duration of the tour.

The Sum Up

The St. Joseph Plantation Guided Tour offers a captivating look into Louisiana’s rich history. Lasting one hour and priced at $24, the tour provides full access to the mansion and outbuildings. Knowledgeable guides share insights into plantation life, making it an engaging experience. Visitors can explore at their own pace and enjoy the expansive grounds while adhering to visitor guidelines for a pleasant outing.

You can check availability for your dates here: