New Orleans: St. Joseph and Felicity Plantation Guided Tour

Exploring Louisiana’s Plantations: A Deep Dive into St. Joseph and Felicity

If you’re considering a visit to Louisiana’s historic plantations, the guided tour of St. Joseph and Felicity Plantations offers a compelling mix of architecture, history, and real stories from the past. This experience, rated 4.8 out of 5, is perfect for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and film fans alike. We particularly appreciate its authentic feel—these are not just preserved buildings but living parts of ongoing farms with real families involved. The tour is a well-balanced blend of education and visual appeal, especially with the chance to see original Creole architecture and active sugar farming.

One of the standout features is the opportunity to walk through original outbuildings, including slave cabins, which give a tangible sense of the resilience and hardships faced by those who lived and worked here. The connection to Hollywood—Felicity’s role in movies like 12 Years a Slave—adds a layer of pop culture intrigue.

A possible consideration is that the tour involves a fair amount of walking through historic sites, which might be tiring for some visitors. Also, since parts of the plantations are still active farms, visitors should stay aware of ongoing agricultural work. This tour suits those interested in a layered understanding of plantation life, from the grandeur of the houses to the stories of enslaved people and laborers, all set against the backdrop of the scenic Louisiana countryside.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Walk through two historic plantations still actively farmed, with original structures and furnishings.
• Layered History: Learn about the families, enslaved people, and workers who shaped these sites.
• Architectural Highlights: See Creole and Greek Revival styles that reflect Louisiana’s cultural melting pot.
• Filming Locations: Felicity has been featured in notable films and TV shows, adding a pop culture angle.
• Active Farm: The tour includes views of ongoing sugarcane cultivation, connecting past and present.
• Cost-Effective: At $46, it offers a comprehensive look at Louisiana plantation life, with guided insights.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary and What You Can Expect

Starting at St. Joseph Plantation, built in 1830, the tour begins with a walk through a house that’s been owned by the same family since the 19th century. You’ll step inside to view period furnishings that the owners have preserved, offering a rare glimpse into what life might have been like for plantation families. The architecture here is Creole, with wide galleries, spacious rooms, and charming details that make the house visually captivating. It’s a chance to see firsthand how wealthy Louisiana planters lived, and the guided commentary will help you understand the social and economic context of the time.

Next, your guide takes you outside to explore the original outbuildings, including slave cabins and other structures that would have supported daily life. These cabins, still standing and accessible, tell stories of resilience and survival, offering a sobering reminder of the realities of slavery. Reviews mention that “seeing the original slave cabins is especially powerful,” giving visitors a chance to connect more authentically with the history.

Moving over to Felicity Plantation, built between 1844 and 1847, you’ll notice the blend of Greek Revival architecture with Creole influences, a reflection of Louisiana’s diverse cultural influences. The house’s beauty isn’t just in its design; Felicity remains an active sugar farm, with working fields that continue to produce sugarcane. This ongoing farming operation is a significant feature because it provides a real-world context to the history you’re learning—this isn’t just a static museum, but a living farm that continues to contribute to Louisiana’s economy.

Inside Felicity: Film and TV Fame

Felicity has served as a filming location for many productions, including 12 Years a Slave, The Skeleton Key, Roots remake, Underground, and Filthy Rich. This makes it a fun stop for movie buffs who want to stand inside a location they’ve seen on screen. The house itself retains much of its original charm, and the guide will point out notable features and stories related to its cinematic appearances.

The Farm and Outbuildings

As you walk through the grounds, you’ll see the active sugar farm, which continues to harvest cane on hundreds of acres—providing a tangible link between the past and present. The tour emphasizes this connection, illustrating how farm labor has persisted for generations. Other outbuildings include barns, mills, and the remaining slave cabins, which contribute to a layered understanding of plantation operations.

Duration and Group Size

The three-hour tour is well-paced, allowing ample time to observe, listen, and absorb. The groups are generally small to ensure personalized attention, and guides are knowledgeable, friendly, and eager to share insights. You’ll want to arrive 15 minutes early for check-in, which is straightforward with designated parking. Tours start at St. Joseph on the hour and Felicity on the half-hour, making scheduling flexible.

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The Value and Practical Considerations

At $46 per person, this tour offers solid value considering the depth of information, the access to original structures, and the inclusion of active farming views. The guided aspect means you’re not just admiring buildings but gaining insights into the social, economic, and cultural layers of Louisiana plantation life.

Since the tour involves walking through historic sites and outbuildings, comfortable footwear is advisable. If you’re sensitive to heat or humidity, plan accordingly, as Louisiana weather can be warm, especially in summer. The fact that the plantations are still part of an active farm enhances the authenticity—these aren’t frozen-in-time sets but living parts of the local economy.

The film location aspect adds a fun dimension, especially if you’re a fan of movies like 12 Years a Slave. The ability to compare what you see inside the house with what appears on screen can be quite rewarding.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who want more than a surface overview. History enthusiasts will appreciate the layered stories, while architecture lovers will enjoy seeing Creole and Greek Revival styles firsthand. Fans of film and television will find the Felicity location particularly engaging. Families with older children can gain meaningful insights into American history and slavery, but younger kids might find some parts less engaging due to the walking and serious topics.

Quiet, reflective travelers will value the chance to connect with the stories of resilience and hardship. Photographers and Instagram users will love the scenic views, especially of the plantations’ houses, outbuildings, and the lush countryside. Overall, it’s a meaningful, well-rounded experience that balances education, beauty, and cultural reflection.

The Sum Up: Who Is This Tour For?

If you’re looking to understand Louisiana’s plantation era beyond glossy postcards, this tour offers a thoughtfully curated experience. It provides a real look at the architecture, the ongoing agricultural work, and the stories of those who built and endured here. The guided approach ensures you’re not just gazing at old buildings but gaining context about life, labor, and resilience.

This tour shines for those who want a genuine connection to the past—whether through the preserved homes, the original outbuildings, or the active farm. It’s especially suited for visitors interested in American history, architecture, or film, and who want a respectful, honest exploration of a complex period.

For the budget-conscious traveler, it offers substantial value, with a knowledgeable guide and access to sites rarely seen by casual visitors. It balances informative storytelling with visual beauty, making it a valuable addition to any Louisiana itinerary.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
The tour is best suited for older children and adults due to the walking involved and the serious topics like slavery and plantation life. Younger children might find parts less engaging, but older kids with an interest in history will appreciate it.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience runs for about three hours, providing enough time to see both plantations and explore the outbuildings without feeling rushed.

Do I need to arrive early?
Yes, it’s recommended to arrive 15 minutes early for check-in, as tours start on the hour at St. Joseph and on the half-hour at Felicity.

Are there opportunities for photos?
Absolutely. The scenic views, historic architecture, and lush surroundings make for great photo opportunities throughout the tour.

Is the tour accessible if I have mobility issues?
While the tour involves walking through historic sites and outbuildings, specific accessibility details are not provided. It’s best to contact the provider directly if you have mobility concerns.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later to keep your plans flexible.

This guided tour of St. Joseph and Felicity Plantations offers a well-rounded and authentic glimpse into Louisiana’s plantation past, blending history, architecture, and ongoing farming into a meaningful experience. Whether you’re a history lover, a film enthusiast, or simply curious about the region’s complex legacy, you’ll find this tour both educational and memorable.

You can check availability for your dates here: