New Orleans: Felicity Plantation Guided Tour

Explore Felicity Plantation: A Working Sugarcane Farm in Louisiana

The Felicity Plantation Guided Tour offers a compelling look into Louisiana’s plantation past and present. Priced at $24 per person and lasting 1.5 hours, this tour is perfect for those interested in history, architecture, and agriculture. It departs from St. Joseph Plantation’s gift shop and takes visitors through a living historic site, still actively producing sugarcane today.

What makes this experience stand out is its combination of a well-preserved 19th-century home, its role as a working farm, and the stories about the families and laborers—both enslaved and free—who shaped Felicity. The tour offers insight into Louisiana’s complex history along with stunning scenery and architecture. Visitors should plan for comfortable shoes and be aware that mobility impairments or wheelchair access are limited.

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Key Points

• Price and Duration: $24 per person for 1.5 hours of guided exploration.
• Location: Begins at St. Joseph Plantation gift shop in Vacherie, LA.
• Architectural Style: Features Creole and Greek Revival architecture.
• Active Farm: The plantation remains a working sugarcane farm, linking past and present.
• Historical Focus: Stories include enslaved and free laborers, emphasizing resilience and real life.
• Film Locations: Recognized as a backdrop for movies like “12 Years a Slave” and “Skeleton Key”.

The Starting Point at St. Joseph Plantation Gift Shop

The tour begins at 3535 LA-18, Vacherie, LA, where guests check in at least 15 minutes early. From this meeting point, visitors are led to Felicity Plantation for the guided exploration. The check-in process is smooth, and the location is easy to find. Note that transportation is not included, so planning your arrival is recommended.

The Architectural Highlights of Felicity Plantation

Constructed between 1844 and 1847, Felicity displays a blend of Greek Revival and Creole influences, making it one of the most recognizable landmarks along the Mississippi River. The home’s design reflects the mid-19th-century Louisiana aesthetic, with striking exterior features and carefully preserved interior furnishings. The interior includes period-appropriate furniture and renovations that stay true to its historic roots.

Visitors appreciate how the architecture captures the grandeur of plantation life during that era. The exterior grounds are equally impressive, with picturesque views and the opportunity to stroll around the estate grounds during the tour.

The Role of Felicity as a Working Sugarcane Farm

Felicity is more than a historic mansion; it operates as a sugarcane farm today. Since the Waguespack family purchased the estate in 1877, it has been part of a 2,500-acre sugarcane operation. This ongoing agricultural activity connects its past to its present, providing a unique perspective on the region’s crop and the industry’s evolution.

Tour participants learn how sugarcane is grown and harvested, gaining insight into the regional economy and agricultural practices that have persisted for generations. The fact that the plantation remains active adds a layer of authenticity and educational value not often found in purely historic sites.

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Stories of Enslaved and Free Laborers on the Plantation

A core part of the guided tour narrative involves honest discussions about the labor force that built and sustained Felicity. The guides share stories of enslaved people who lived and worked at the plantation, alongside free laborers, illustrating the complexities of Louisiana’s history.

This perspective give you a more complete understanding of plantation life, acknowledging hardships and resilience. The tour emphasizes the realities of enslavement, as well as the generations of workers who continued to serve the estate after emancipation, shaping its legacy.

Filming Locations and Screen Appearances

Felicity’s dramatic architecture and authentic setting have made it a popular filming location. It has appeared in movies such as “12 Years a Slave”, “Skeleton Key”, and TV series like “Underground”. Visitors can recognize the familiar scenes from these productions, adding a cinematic flair to the tour experience.

The film history aspect highlights Felicity’s aesthetic appeal and cultural significance, making it a visual highlight for film enthusiasts as well as history buffs.

What Guests Experience Inside the Home

During the guided tour, visitors step inside the preserved plantation house. The interior showcases original period furniture and restorations faithful to the original design. The guide’s storytelling brings to life the families and workers who once occupied the space, providing context for life in 19th-century Louisiana.

The personalized nature of the tour is praised, with guides sharing stories and details that go beyond just the architecture, making the history feel immediate and tangible. The home’s decor and renovations reflect a commitment to authenticity, offering a window into the past.

The Grounds and Scenic Views

Along With the house, the grounds of Felicity Plantation are a major attraction. Visitors are encouraged to walk around and enjoy the landscape, which includes views of sugarcane fields and the Mississippi River in the distance. The back porch is often highlighted as a perfect spot for photos and quiet reflection, with reviews noting it as a stunning setting that seems like a movie scene.

The estate’s natural beauty, coupled with the historic architecture, creates a peaceful yet evocative environment that enhances the tour experience.

Accessibility and Practical Tips

The tour is designed for comfort, but mobility impairments and wheelchair users should be aware that access may be limited. Guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven grounds and historic floors. Since food and drinks are not included, bringing water is recommended, especially during warmer months.

The check-in process is straightforward, and live guides lead the tour in English, sharing their expertise and engaging stories. Cancellation is flexible, allowing for a full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance.

Comparing Felicity with Other Louisiana Plantations

While not as large as some other historic sites like Oak Alley or Whitney Plantation, Felicity offers a more intimate and personal tour experience. It is also less crowded, providing an opportunity for more personalized stories and a closer connection to the historic setting.

Felicity’s status as a working farm adds a unique educational element, differentiating it from purely historic or tourist-focused plantations. Its appearances in film and television further enhance its visual appeal, making it a favorite for those interested in both history and media.

Why Choose the Felicity Plantation Guided Tour?

This tour is ideal for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and film buffs. The affordable price, 1.5-hour duration, and engaging guides make it an accessible and enriching experience. It provides a balanced view of Louisiana’s plantation past, the agricultural industry, and the stories of resilience that shaped the region.

While it might not suit those with mobility issues or seeking large group experiences, its personalized approach and active farm make it a standout choice for anyone wanting an authentic, meaningful look at plantation life.

Felicity Plantation Guided Tour: A Reflection on Louisiana’s Past and Present

The Felicity Plantation tour offers a comprehensive yet intimate look into Louisiana’s history, architecture, and ongoing sugarcane production. The guides’ storytelling, combined with stunning scenery and filming fame, creates an experience that is both educational and visually engaging.

Despite its relatively small size, Felicity’s rich stories of enslaved and free laborers and its status as an active farm set it apart. Visitors gain not only an appreciation for historic architecture but also an understanding of the resilience and labor that continue to shape the plantation today.

The value of this tour lies in its authenticity, personalized narration, and scenic setting. It appeals especially to those who want a meaningful glimpse into Louisiana’s complex history without the crowds often found at larger plantations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included with this tour?
No, transportation is not included. Guests should plan their own way to St. Joseph Plantation gift shop in Vacherie, LA.

What should I bring for the tour?
Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking on uneven grounds. Since no food or drinks are included, bringing water during warmer months is advisable.

Is this tour accessible for people with mobility impairments?
The tour is not suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users due to limited accessibility features.

How long does the tour last?
The guided tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours and includes a walk around the grounds and inside the house.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. You can also reserve now and pay later to keep your plans flexible.

What makes Felicity different from other plantations?
Its status as a working sugarcane farm, its film appearances, and the personalized storytelling by guides make Felicity a distinctive and engaging experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby