There are many plantations in southern Louisiana and a number of them are within easy driving distance of New Orleans, I refer to them as New Orleans Plantations. These elaborate plantation homes line the banks of the Mississippi River along the River Road. They were once the mainstays of the southern way of life. Many of these plantations are now open to the public and offer windows into the by gone past of the Old South. If you are interested in Old South history or architecture, a visit to these magnificent homes is a must. You may drive to these historic landmarks or take one of the several New Orleans tours that provide transportation. Below are the plantations within an hour drive of the French Quarter.
Destrehan Plantation * Destrehan, Louisiana
The Destrehan Plantation is west of New Orleans, about 20 miles from the French Quarter, on the east bank of the Mississippi River. The sands of Louisiana time seem to stand still for a moment at Destrehan Plantation. This majestic antebellum home watches over the banks of the great Mississippi River. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Destrehan Plantation was established in 1787 and remains the oldest documented plantation home in the lower Mississippi River Valley. Destrehan Plantation is located at 13034 River Road, Destrehan, La. 70047
Ormond Plantation * Destrehan, Louisiana
Ormond Plantation is west of New Orleans, about 20 miles from the French Quarter, on the east bank of the Mississippi River. Ormond's architecture is of the French West Indies style, a rare example of the building style of the earliest plantation homes along the Mississippi River. Ormond was host to soldiers heading to the Battle of New Orleans. Ormond was bombarded by the Federal Navy, and captured by Federals during The War Between the States. Today, the Ormond Mansion is on a 16 acre site. In addition to the mansion there is a bed and breakfast on the grounds. Ormond Plantation is located at 13786 River Road, Destrehan, La. 70047
San Francisco Plantation * Garyville, Louisiana
The San Francisco Plantation is west of New Orleans, about 38 miles from the French Quarter, on the east bank of the Mississippi River. The plantation dates all the way back to 1856, is a national landmark and the only mansion on the River Road to be authentically restored. Although the house is from the antebellum period, it is certainly not typical of the style. Its style and coloration are totally distinctive. San Francisco Plantation is located at 2646 River Road, Garyville, La. 70051
Evergreen Plantation * Edgard, Louisiana
Evergreen Plantation is west of New Orleans, about 40 miles from the French Quarter, on the west bank of the Mississippi River. Evergreen Plantation is the most intact plantation complex in the South with 37 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, including 22 slave cabins. Evergreen has its country's highest historic designation and joins Mount Vernon and Gettysburg in being granted landmark status for its agricultural acreage. Today, Evergreen Plantation remains a privately owned, working sugar cane plantation. People live here and work here. Evergreen Plantation is located at 4677 River Road, Edgard, La. 70049
Laura Plantation * Vacherie, Louisiana
Laura Plantation is west of New Orleans, about 50 miles from the French Quarter, on the west bank of the Mississippi River. At Laura Plantation which dates back to 1805, you are invited to enjoy a cultural tour experience unlike anywhere else in the United States. Here, on the banks of the Mississippi River, in the middle of New Orleans Plantation Country, at one historic farm, surrounded by fields of sugar cane, you will find the difference that exemplifies Creole Louisiana. Laura Plantation is located at 2247 River Road, Vacherie, La. 70090
St. Joseph Plantation * Vacherie, Louisiana
St. Joseph Plantation is west of New Orleans, about 50 miles from the French Quarter, on the west bank of the Mississippi River. Take a walk through time as you enjoy a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the many interesting people who have called St. Joseph plantation "Home." Many tours are guided by family members themselves. Lovingly restored by volunteers consisting of family members and friends; the plantation is just one way we have preserved our heritage as well as our family. To complete your experience, St. Joseph Plantation gift shop offers visitors many one of a kind items crafted by talented family members. St. Joseph Plantation is located at 3535 River Road, Vacherie, La. 70090
Oak Alley Plantation * Vacherie, Louisiana
Oak Alley Plantation is west of New Orleans, about 55 miles from the French Quarter, on the west bank of the Mississippi River. The beautiful Oak Alley Plantation dates back to the 1840s, is a National Historic Landmark, and the mansion as you see it today has been restored to its 19th century glory. In addition to the mansion there is a restaurant, a gift shop and a bed and breakfast on the grounds. Oak Alley Plantation is located at 3645 River Road, Vacherie, La. 70090
Poche Plantation * Convent, Louisiana
Poche Plantation Bed and Breakfast and RV Park Park is west of New Orleans, about 58 miles from the French Quarter, on the east bank of the Mississippi River. Poche Plantation is a historic site defined by over 1600’ of white picket fence with 13 large capped columns fronting scenic river road. Built in 1867, in the heart of Louisiana’s Plantation and Cajun Country, this land was the site of a 160-acre sugar cane plantation. When you arrive you will find guests relaxing on the front porch swings, cooling off in our New Orleans French Quarter style pool or enjoying the variety of offerings in our recreation room. Poche Plantation is located at 6554 River Road, Convent, La. 70723
*I have toured and recommend Houmas House Plantation*
Houmas House Plantation * Darrow, Louisiana
The Houmas House Plantation and Gardens is west of New Orleans, about 58 miles from the French Quarter, on the east bank of the Mississippi River. Houmas House, completed in 1829 is so much more than just a tour of a grand antebellum estate. You could easily spend a day exploring the 38 acres of gardens, ponds, and ancient oaks. The plantation offers two restaurants and a gift shop. Houmas House Plantation is located at 40136 River Road, Darrow, La. 70725
Bocage Plantation * Darrow, Louisiana
The Bocage Plantation is west of New Orleans, about 60 miles from the French Quarter, on the east bank of the Mississippi River. Bocage Plantation built in 1837 is a historic treasure not to be missed. Bocage is steeped in history with ties to Christopher Columbus, early colonization and the Louisiana Purchase. Bocage Plantation is located at 39050 River Road, Darrow, La. 70725
Nottoway Plantation * White Castle, Louisiana
The Nottoway Plantation is west of New Orleans, about 75 miles from the French Quarter, on the west bank of the Mississippi River. Nottoway, completed in 1859 is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is one of the very few antebellum plantations that survived the Civil War and is the largest remaining plantation home in the South. Today, it is open for tours, and visitors are invited to experience and savor that which was the old South. Nottoway is the ultimate in Southern grandeur and hospitality. Nottoway Plantation is located at 31025 Highway 1, White Castle, La. 70788| Plantation | Distance** | Gift Shop | Bed & Breakfast | On Site Dinning | Weddings | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Destreham Plantation | 20 miles | Yes | No | No | No | 29.94516, -90.36571 |
| Ormond Plantation | 20 miles | No | Yes | No | No | I don't know |
| San Francisco Plantation | 38 miles | Yes | No | No | Yes | 30.04927, -90.60189 |
| Evergreen Plantation | 40 miles | No | No | No | No | 30.02751, -90.63889 |
| Laura Plantation | 50 miles | Yes | No | No | No | 30.00861, -90.72527 |
| St. Joseph Plantation | 50 miles | No | No | No | Yes | 30.00687, -90.77245 |
| Oak Alley Plantation | 55 miles | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 30.00500, -90.77889 |
| Poche Plantation | 58 miles | No | Yes | No | Yes | 30.01222, -90.82778 |
| Houmas House Plantation | 58 miles | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 30.14031, -90.93436 |
| Bocage Plantation | 60 miles | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | I don't know |
| Nottoway Plantation | 75 miles | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | I don't know |