New Orleans: St. Joseph Plantation Guided Tour

For those interested in delving into Louisiana’s rich history and culture, the St. Joseph Plantation in New Orleans offers a captivating guided tour that promises to transport visitors back in time. Beyond the well-preserved mansion, the tour explores the plantation’s fascinating past, shedding light on the significance of mourning customs and the role of religion and spirituality in the grieving process. As guests wander the lush gardens and outbuildings, they’ll enjoy the beauty and complexity of one of the last remaining working sugar cane plantations in the region. The experience promises to leave a lasting impression, whetting the appetite for further exploration.

This experience made our list of the 2 Best Guided Tours In Vacherie.

Key Points

• A 1-hour guided tour of the St. Joseph Plantation home and grounds, providing a deeper understanding of the plantation’s storied past.
• Hands-on mansion tour with full access to each room, offering an immersive experience that transports visitors back in time.
• Opportunity to explore the expansive garden and outbuildings at one’s own pace, including a chance to witness live re-enactments of mourning customs.
• Visit to one of the last remaining working sugar cane plantations in Louisiana, highlighting the rich history and beauty of the site.
• Inclusion of a self-guided exploration of the plantation grounds, allowing visitors to further appreciate the tranquil setting and envision the bustling activity of the past.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Details

The St. Joseph Plantation guided tour includes a 1-hour walking tour of the plantation home and grounds, as well as a self-guided tour of the expansive garden and numerous outbuildings, with local taxes covered in the tour price.

During the guided portion, visitors will develop a deeper understanding of this significant historical site through a hands-on mansion tour with full access to each room.

The self-guided tour allows guests to explore the plantation’s expansive grounds at their own pace, including one of the last few working sugar cane plantations in Louisiana.

Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy under the oak trees after the tour.

Tour Highlights

Experiencing a hands-on mansion tour with full access to each room allows visitors to develop a deeper understanding of this significant historical site. Discovering the expansive grounds open for self-paced tours, including one of the last few working sugar cane plantations in Louisiana, provides guests the opportunity to learn about the history of the plantation during a walking tour.

Tour Highlights	Description
Historical Insight	Gain a deeper understanding of the plantation’s storied past.
Mansion Access	Experience a guided tour with full access to each room.
Expansive Grounds	Explore the extensive garden and outbuildings at your own pace.
Working Plantation	Visit one of the last remaining sugar cane plantations in Louisiana.

Inclusions

The guided tour of St. Joseph Plantation includes a 1-hour visit through the home and grounds, as well as a self-guided tour of the garden and numerous outbuildings. Local taxes are also covered in the tour price.

The tour provides visitors with the opportunity to:

• Develop a deeper understanding of this significant historical site
• Experience a hands-on mansion tour with full access to each room
• Discover expansive grounds open for self-paced exploration
• Visit one of the last few working sugar cane plantations in Louisiana

These inclusions allow guests to enjoy the rich history and beauty of the St. Joseph Plantation, leaving them with a deeper appreciation for this important Louisiana landmark.

Exclusions

While the guided tour covers a range of inclusions, visitors should keep in mind several exclusions.

Transportation to the plantation site, food and drinks, and any gift shop merchandise aren’t included in the tour price.

Getting to the St. Joseph Plantation is the responsibility of each individual visitor. They’ll need to arrange their own transportation, whether that’s driving themselves, taking a rideshare, or joining a shuttle service.

Once on the grounds, guests are welcome to bring their own picnic lunch to enjoy under the oak trees, but the tour doesn’t provide any food or beverages.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Creole Mourning Tour

In an article titled ‘New Orleans: St. Joseph Plantation Guided Tour’, it’s now time to discuss the CURRENT SUBTOPIC ‘The Creole Mourning Tour’.

From October 1st through November 3rd, visitors can enjoy the Creole Mourning Tour, where the St. Joseph Plantation home is dressed for deep mourning, and they can witness live re-enactments of the people who lived on the plantation and their mourning customs.

Guests will learn about the unique Creole mourning traditions, including:

• The significance of different colors and fabrics used in mourning attire
• Rituals and etiquette observed during the mourning period
• The role of religion and spirituality in the grieving process
• The impact of mourning on the daily lives of plantation residents

This special event provides a powerful and poignant glimpse into the past, allowing visitors to connect with the human experiences of those who called St. Joseph Plantation home.

Picnic Under the Oaks

Visitors to St. Joseph Plantation are encouraged to take a picnic lunch to enjoy under the sprawling oak trees after their guided tour. The shaded grounds offer a peaceful respite where guests can relax, refuel, and continue exploring the property’s rich history and natural beauty at their own pace. The plantation’s scenic outdoors provide the perfect setting for an alfresco meal, allowing visitors to enjoy the tranquil ambiance and reflect on the experience.

Benefits of Picnicking at St. Joseph Plantation
Peaceful respite from the tour	Opportunity to further explore grounds
Chance to relax and refuel	Appreciation for natural surroundings
Continuation of historical experience

Guided Tour of the Plantation

New Orleans: St. Joseph Plantation Guided Tour

The guided tour of St. Joseph Plantation affords visitors a hands-on, immersive experience that transports them back in time, providing a deeper understanding of this significant historical site. Knowledgeable guides lead guests through the meticulously-preserved mansion, granting full access to each room and sharing captivating narratives that shed light on the plantation’s storied past.

Tour highlights include:

• Exploring the expansive grounds and numerous outbuildings at your own pace
• Visiting one of the last working sugar cane plantations in Louisiana
• Witnessing live re-enactments of the plantation’s mourning customs during the Creole Mourning Tour
• Enjoying a picnic lunch under the serene oak trees after the tour

Self-Guided Grounds Exploration

Alongside the guided tour of the plantation home, visitors can embark on a self-paced exploration of the expansive St. Joseph Plantation grounds and numerous outbuildings.

After the docent-led tour of the main house, guests are free to wander the plantation’s lush gardens and discover the wide array of well-preserved outbuildings, including the blacksmith shop, carriage house, and slave quarters.

This self-guided portion allows guests to delve deeper into the plantation’s history and daily operations at their own pace.

Meandering the grounds, visitors can imagine the bustling activity that once took place on this working sugar cane plantation.

The tranquil setting provides a wonderful opportunity to step back in time and envision the lives of those who called St. Joseph home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Pets Allowed on the Plantation Tour?

Pets are not allowed on the St. Joseph Plantation tour. The tour is focused on exploring the historical home and grounds, and allowing pets could distract from the educational experience and pose safety concerns for visitors.

What Is the Dress Code for the Plantation Tour?

The plantation tour has a casual dress code. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes, as they’ll be walking around the grounds. No formal attire is required.

Can Visitors Take Photos During the Guided Tour?

Visitors are allowed to take photos during the guided tour, though they may be asked to refrain from using flash photography in certain areas to preserve the historic ambiance. Photography guidelines are typically explained at the start of the tour.

Is the Plantation Wheelchair/Disability Accessible?

The plantation is wheelchair and disability accessible, with paved paths and ramps throughout the grounds and home. Visitors with special needs are encouraged to contact the tour operator in advance to ensure their needs are met.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Plantation Tour?

There are no age restrictions for the St. Joseph Plantation tour. The tour is suitable for visitors of all ages, and children are welcome to join the guided tour and self-guided exploration of the grounds and outbuildings.

Recap

The St. Joseph Plantation tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and culture of Louisiana’s Creole heritage.

Visitors can enjoy the well-preserved mansion, learn about mourning customs, and wander the expansive grounds, gaining a deeper understanding of the plantation’s past and its significance as one of the last remaining working sugar cane plantations in the region.

You can check availability for your dates here: