New Orleans: St. Joseph Plantation Guided Tour

The St. Joseph Plantation Guided Tour offers an engaging look into one of Louisiana’s last operational sugar cane plantations. Priced at just $24 per person for a 1-hour experience, this tour provides a balanced mix of history, architecture, and grounds exploration. The tour is led by an experienced guide, who takes visitors through the home and sprawling grounds, offering insights into the plantation’s long-standing legacy since the 1830s.

Ideal for those interested in history, architecture, and film locations, this tour emphasizes full access to the mansion’s rooms and self-guided exploration of outbuildings. The plantation’s significance is reinforced through stories about the many lives that shaped its past, including its role in film productions like “12 Years a Slave” and “Queen Sugar”. Visitors should note that the tour lasts around an hour and is best suited for those with comfortable shoes, as there’s significant outdoor walking involved.

Key Points

• Affordable price of $24 for a guided tour of the historic site
• One-hour duration makes it convenient for a quick yet meaningful experience
• Full access to the plantation home and expansive grounds with self-guided outbuilding visits
• Tour highlights include original slave cabins, blacksmith’s shop, schoolhouse, and more
• The site’s historical significance is complemented by its use as a film location for notable movies
• Guided by local experts, with options for live English narration and small group settings

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Discover the Long-Standing History Since the 1830s

The St. Joseph Plantation stands as a rare example of a fully intact, working sugar cane plantation in the Louisiana River Parishes. Built in the 1830s, this site spans 2,500 acres and remains family-owned. The tour offers not just a peek inside the mansion but also insights into the lives of those who lived and worked here through detailed stories shared by the guides.

This tour emphasizes historical storytelling, providing context about the plantation’s long history and its significance in the region’s economic and social fabric. Visitors get a chance to understand the legacy of this site beyond just its architecture, learning about the people who made it their home.

Guided Tour of the Historic Mansion and Grounds

The 1-hour guided tour begins at the plantation home, where an expert guide leads visitors through each room, illustrating the architectural features and historical furnishings. The guide, who is well-versed in the site’s history, shares stories about the family that owned the plantation and the many lives that shaped its story.

After exploring the mansion’s interior, visitors are encouraged to take a self-guided tour of the grounds, where they can visit original slave cabins, a detached kitchen, blacksmith’s shop, carpenters shed, and schoolhouse. These outbuildings give a tangible sense of plantation life, both the working and domestic aspects.

Exploring the Expansive Grounds and Outbuildings

The grounds are open for self-paced exploration, allowing visitors to absorb the atmosphere at their own pace. The original slave cabins are particularly notable, offering a glimpse into the harsh realities faced by enslaved people who lived and worked on the plantation.

Other outbuildings, such as the blacksmith’s shop and schoolhouse, stand as historical artifacts that add depth to the overall experience. Visitors often appreciate how these structures are maintained in their original form, enhancing the authenticity of the site.

Visiting a Working Sugar Cane Plantation in Louisiana

This plantation is among the few remaining operational sugar cane plantations in Louisiana, emphasizing its ongoing role in local agriculture. The experience allows visitors to learn about sugar production, as well as the historical significance of the crop to Louisiana’s economy.

The site’s status as a working plantation distinguishes it from purely historical museums, offering a sense of continuity with the past. Visitors can also learn about the modern farming practices still employed here.

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Films and Series Filmed at St. Joseph Plantation

A unique aspect of this site is its role as a film location. The plantation has been featured in several movies and TV series, including “12 Years a Slave,” “All The King’s Men,” “The Skeleton Key,” and “Queen Sugar.” This connection to Hollywood adds an intriguing layer to the visit, illustrating the plantation’s picturesque and authentic setting.

Many visitors find it interesting to see the locations used in famous productions, often prompted by stories from the guides about the filming process and how the site was transformed for screen.

The Creole Mourning Tour and Special Events

From October 1st through November 3rd, the tour offers an additional experience called The Creole Mourning Tour. During this period, the house is dressed in deep mourning attire, and visitors witness live re-enactments portraying mourning customs and the lives of the plantation’s inhabitants.

This special event provides a deeper, more immersive understanding of the cultural practices associated with mourning and loss, adding an extra layer of historical storytelling to the traditional tour.

Practical Tips for Visiting St. Joseph Plantation

Visitors are encouraged to bring comfortable shoes as the tour involves outdoor walking on uneven grounds. The grounds and outbuildings are accessible for self-guided exploration, but the tour itself is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

The tour does not include transportation, food, or gift shop merchandise, so it’s advisable to plan accordingly. Visitors might enjoy bringing a picnic lunch to relax under the oak trees after their tour, creating a leisurely afternoon.

Booking and Flexibility Options

Reservations can be made with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start, offering flexibility in planning. The tour is available throughout the day, often in the morning, afternoon, evening, or even at night, allowing visitors to choose the most convenient time.

Paying is optional at booking, with a reserve now, pay later option that keeps plans flexible without immediate costs.

Why Choose the St. Joseph Plantation Guided Tour?

This tour provides a comprehensive look at a historic Louisiana plantation with full access to the mansion and grounds, making it ideal for history buffs and film enthusiasts alike. The knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with detailed stories, including insights into plantation life, sugar production, and the history of enslaved people.

While the hour-long format keeps the experience concise, the self-guided exploration of outbuildings enriches the visit, offering tangible connections to the past. The film location aspect adds a modern cultural twist, making it a well-rounded tour.

The $24 price point makes this experience accessible, though visitors should be prepared for outdoor walking and limited accessibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children or families?
The tour is generally suitable for families with comfortable shoes, but it may not be ideal for those with mobility impairments or very young children due to outdoor walking.

Are there guided tours in languages other than English?
The tour is conducted in English, but guides are known to provide explanations in other languages, such as Italian, upon request.

Can I visit the plantation without a guided tour?
Yes, visitors can explore the grounds and outbuildings on their own after the guided tour.

What is included in the ticket price?
The guided tour of the home and grounds, plus self-guided access to the gardens and outbuildings, are included in the $24 fee. Local taxes are also covered.

How long does the tour last?
The guided tour lasts approximately 1 hour, with additional time for self-guided exploration.

Are there any special events or seasonal tours?
Yes, from October 1st to November 3rd, the Creole Mourning Tour offers a unique re-enactment experience dressed for mourning customs.

Is transportation provided to the plantation?
No, transportation is not included; visitors need to arrange their own travel to the site.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and sun protection are recommended. Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch if desired.

Are there any restrictions I should be aware of?
The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. Alcohol and drugs are not permitted on site.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

Is there a gift shop at the site?
The tour fee does not include gift shop merchandise; souvenirs are available for purchase separately.

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