New Orleans, Laura Creole Plantation Guided Tour

Experience the rich Louisiana Creole heritage at our site, featuring the grand 1805 Main House, expansive gardens, and historic 1840s slave cabins.

Experience the captivating journey into the vanished realm of Creole Louisiana during a 75-minute guided tour of the Laura Plantation Main House, Gardens, and Slave Quarters. Nestled along the West Bank of the Mississippi River within the heart of Plantation Country, this remarkable structure was built in 1805 and has since been meticulously restored to its historical state, functioning as both a family residence and the administrative hub for the sugar plantation operations.

Venture deep into the mansion’s elevated basement and expansive galleries, exploring the opulent interiors adorned with ornate woodwork and tapestries. Marvel at the grandeur of the Men’s Parlors and Women’s Parlors, which once served as vital social spaces. Step into the serene ambiance of the Service Rooms, where skilled artisans and slaves carried out their daily tasks. Admire the common rooms, reflecting the harmonious coexistence between the plantation owners and their enslaved workforce.

Navigate through the lush greenery surrounding the sugar plantation, traversing three distinct gardens: the French Garden, the Kitchen Potager, and the Banana Land Grove. This immersive experience also includes visiting twelve notable buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, such as the Animal Barns, Overseer’s Cottages, and the 1829 Maison de Reprise.

Engage in an intimate narrative by immersing yourself in the private chambers of the 1805 Maison Principale, situated amidst the grounds. Each compelling tale, gleaned from historical records and archival documents from both the United States and France, offers a vivid depiction of the lives led by four generations of free and enslaved individuals on this Creole farm. These narratives, recounted in the original 1840s slave cabins, provide a profound insight into the experiences of African women, children, and men who contributed significantly to the livelihood of this sugar enterprise.

After your tour concludes, explore the on-site museum exhibits independently. Upon Laura Plantation's opening to the public in 1994, it marked the inaugural historic attraction in Louisiana to feature stories related to enslaved Africans, thus pioneering a new era in tourism centered around these pivotal aspects of the plantation's history. Today, the permanent exhibit titled “From the Big House to the Quarters: Slavery on Laura Plantation” serves as a testament to the authentic portrayal of the enslaved community residing on this Creole farm.