If you’re looking for a quintessential Louisiana experience, add a visit to Oak Alley Plantation to your itinerary. This stunning former sugar plantation, located along the Mississippi River Road, is a must-see. It’s named for the impressive alley of live oak trees that lead up to the grand Greek Revival mansion.
Oak Alley is open to the public for guided tours that provide an in-depth look at plantation life in the antebellum South. You’ll learn about the mansion’s various owners over the years, from the original builder, Jacques Telesphore Roman, to the last resident owners, Andrew and Josephine Armstrong Stewart.
Explore the Beautifully Restored Mansion
Your guided tour of Oak Alley begins in the main hallway of the mansion. From there, you’ll make your way through the elegantly appointed rooms of the first floor, including:
- The Dining Room, where you’ll see the table set for dinner and a unique manually operated harp-shaped fan hanging above
- The Living Room, featuring blue upholstered furniture and a piano
Upstairs, you’ll find a central hallway flanked by bedrooms, some of which are decorated similarly to the rooms below. A highlight is the Master Bedroom, with its stunning four-poster bed adorned with pineapple motifs on the bedposts.
Take in the View from the Upper Gallery
While on the second floor, don’t miss the chance to step out onto the upper gallery. From here, you’ll have a breathtaking view of the alley of live oaks stretching out towards the Mississippi River. These majestic trees actually predate the mansion by at least a century.
After your house tour, take some time to stroll beneath the shade of these ancient oaks. It’s a perfect spot for a quiet moment of reflection or a picturesque photo op.
Discover the Grounds and Outbuildings
There’s plenty more to see and do at Oak Alley beyond the mansion itself. Be sure to explore the rest of the grounds, including:
- The Stewart Gardens, a beautifully landscaped area with flower beds and walking paths
- The Confederate Commanding Officer’s Tent, an exhibit that provides information on the American Civil War and its impact on Louisiana and Oak Alley
- The Antique Car Garage, believed to be the site of the original plantation kitchen
- A display of early 20th-century sugarcane harvesting equipment
Learn About the Lives of the Enslaved
One of the most important parts of any visit to Oak Alley is learning about the lives of the enslaved people who lived and worked on the plantation. The reconstructed Slave Quarters are a key part of this education.
There are six cabins in total, built using the original “mortise and tenon” technique. Several of the cabins depict the various types of dwellings enslaved people would have lived in, including:
- Private quarters for field and house slaves
- A sick house
- A post-emancipation residence
The remaining cabins serve as exhibit spaces, displaying tools, historical artifacts, and other objects that help tell the story of slavery at Oak Alley. One cabin contains a list of the names of all those enslaved on the plantation. You can find additional information about these individuals in the Oak Alley Slavery Database.
See a Working Blacksmith Shop
At the far end of the property, you’ll find some additional buildings worth exploring. These include early 20th-century “quarter houses” that once housed tenant workers and now serve as the on-site restaurant.
There’s also a Blacksmith Shop featuring a 19th-century forge. If you’re lucky, you might catch a smithing demonstration during your visit.
Stay the Night in a Cottage
If you’re looking to extend your Oak Alley experience, consider booking a stay in one of the on-site rental cottages. Overnight guests have the unique opportunity to explore the grounds after hours and at their own pace. It’s a chance to truly learn about the atmosphere of this historic place.
Plan Your Visit
Oak Alley Plantation is located at 3645 Highway 18 in Vacherie, Louisiana. It’s about 55 miles west of New Orleans and 22 miles from another popular plantation, Houmas House.
Admission to Oak Alley includes a guided tour of the mansion as well as self-guided access to the grounds and exhibits. Tickets for adults are $20.00. You can purchase them at the on-site ticket booth upon arrival – no advance sales are available.
If you’re staying overnight in one of the cottages, keep in mind that your rental does not include admission to the mansion. You’ll need to purchase tour tickets separately when you check in.
Tips for Your Visit
- Wear comfortable shoes. While the mansion tour is relatively short, you’ll want to allow plenty of time to explore the grounds, which involve a fair amount of walking.
- Bring water and sun protection. Much of your visit will be spent outdoors, so be prepared for the Louisiana heat and humidity.
- Allow at least 2-3 hours for your visit. There’s a lot to see and do at Oak Alley, and you won’t want to rush through the experience.
- Consider visiting on a weekday if possible. Weekends can be quite busy, especially during peak tourist seasons.
- Don’t miss the gift shop. It’s located in the former overseer’s house and offers a wide selection of souvenirs, books, and locally made products.
A Memorable Experience
Visiting Oak Alley Plantation is a powerful and thought-provoking experience. As you explore the mansion and grounds, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the complex history of the antebellum South and the lives of both the plantation owners and the enslaved people who lived and worked here.
At the same time, you’ll be struck by the beauty of the setting, from the graceful architecture of the mansion to the ancient live oaks that give the property its name. It’s a place that will stay with you long after you’ve left.
Whether you’re a history buff, a photography enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the chance to step back in time, Oak Alley is well worth a visit. It’s an essential part of any trip to the New Orleans area and a fascinating glimpse into a key chapter of Louisiana’s past.
