Destrehan Plantation
Explore the oldest documented plantation house in the lower Mississippi Valley, uncovering rich history and spectral tales.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Spooky atmosphere & unique experience
Destrehan Plantation
Best Time
Spooky atmosphere & unique experience
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the oldest documented plantation house in the lower Mississippi Valley, uncovering rich history and spectral tales.
"Absolutely amazing and robust tour with guides who exceed expectations!"
👻 Book Night Tours Early
These popular tours sell out fast, especially around holidays. Use discount codes if available!
🗣️ Engaging Tour Guides
Guides like Beverly and Trish are highly praised for their knowledge and storytelling. Ask questions!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The 'Big House' Tour
Main House
Step inside the oldest documented house in the lower Mississippi Valley and uncover its rich history.
+1
Nighttime Ghost Tours
Plantation Grounds
Explore the plantation by moonlight and hear tales of its spectral residents. A truly unique experience!
Live Folklife Demonstrations
Historic Outbuildings
Witness traditional crafts and skills brought to life by costumed interpreters.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Evening Tours & Ghostly Encounters
Honoring History with Respect
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👻 Book Night Tours Early
These popular tours sell out fast, especially around holidays. Use discount codes if available!
🗣️ Engaging Tour Guides
Guides like Beverly and Trish are highly praised for their knowledge and storytelling. Ask questions!
🌳 Explore the Grounds
Even if you skip the main house tour, the grounds and historic outbuildings are beautiful to explore.
🚗 Transportation Options
Consider the shuttle from the French Quarter for convenience if you're not driving.
Tips
from all over the internet
👻 Book Night Tours Early
These popular tours sell out fast, especially around holidays. Use discount codes if available!
🗣️ Engaging Tour Guides
Guides like Beverly and Trish are highly praised for their knowledge and storytelling. Ask questions!
🌳 Explore the Grounds
Even if you skip the main house tour, the grounds and historic outbuildings are beautiful to explore.
🚗 Transportation Options
Consider the shuttle from the French Quarter for convenience if you're not driving.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Destrehan Plantation for its incredibly knowledgeable and engaging tour guides, who present the complex history with respect and depth. The plantation's historical significance, beautiful grounds, and unique nighttime ghost tours are frequently highlighted as major draws. While some find the history somber, most appreciate the respectful narrative that honors all individuals. +1
"This tour is absolutely amazing and robust. The tour guide Beverly was absolutely amazing and completely exceeded our expectations. She was extremely knowledgeable and was able to answer all of our questions. We loved learning all the history. We were initially hesitant that it might be a little too sad but they tell the stories in a way to honor all of the people who experienced this plantation. Overall it was amazing and would recommend!"
Karen Tovar
"I’m so glad my husband and I visited Destrehan on our recent trip to NOLA! It was so informative and very interesting to learn about the history of the plantation. Everything was very well done. The employee in the gift shop was very kind, helpful, and welcoming. The trees were gorgeous. We did not do the official tour, but chose to just explore on our own, so we did not go inside the main house. But it was a very fun experience, and I would definitely recommend."
Callie Price
"One of the best guided tours i ever had! Thank you Jim for this great experience. You told us a lots of interesting facts about slavery in Louisiana. We had no problem to unterstand everything (English is not my origin language). Really really great. Thanks a lot."
Sylvie Plehn
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Destrehan Plantation is located about 30 minutes from New Orleans. You can drive yourself, or many tours offer convenient pick-up from the French Quarter. Some tours even depart from specific locations like Voodoo Tavern.
Yes, there is ample parking available at the plantation for visitors who choose to drive.
Public transportation options are limited for reaching Destrehan Plantation directly from New Orleans. It's generally recommended to use a tour shuttle, ride-sharing service, or drive.
Destrehan Plantation is often cited as the closest plantation to New Orleans, making it an easily accessible day trip.
While there aren't many hotels directly adjacent to the plantation, you'll find numerous accommodation options in nearby Metairie and the greater New Orleans area. [^SEO]
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary depending on the type of tour (daytime, evening, special events). It's best to check their official website for the most current pricing. Some tours offer discount codes.
It is highly recommended to book your tickets in advance, especially for the popular evening and ghost tours, as they can sell out.
Operating hours can vary seasonally and for special events. Daytime tours typically run during the day, while evening tours are a separate offering. Always check their official schedule.
Yes, some tour operators and social media influencers offer discount codes for Destrehan Plantation tours. Keep an eye out for these promotions.
While guided tours are highly recommended for the full experience, you can choose to explore the grounds and outbuildings on your own if you opt not to take the main house tour.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Tours are led by knowledgeable guides who share the history of the plantation, including the lives of enslaved people and the 1811 German Coast Uprising. You'll see the main house and historic outbuildings.
While the history involves slavery, guides present the information respectfully, focusing on honoring all individuals. Many visitors find it informative and moving, rather than solely depressing.
Beyond the 'Big House,' you can explore historic outbuildings, exhibits, and often witness live folklife demonstrations. The grounds themselves are also beautiful.
Yes, Destrehan Plantation offers unique nighttime ghost tours and paranormal investigations, making it a popular spot for those interested in the supernatural.
Yes, families can enjoy the historical aspects and demonstrations. The nighttime tours might be a bit intense for very young children, but daytime tours are generally family-friendly.
📸 📸 Photography
The grand oak trees lining the drive, the historic 'Big House' exterior, and the charming outbuildings offer picturesque opportunities. The grounds are beautiful year-round.
Photography policies can change, but generally, photos are allowed in most areas, though flash photography might be restricted inside the main house. It's best to confirm with your guide.
The nighttime ghost tours offer a unique, atmospheric setting for photography, with many visitors reporting capturing unusual images.
A standard DSLR or mirrorless camera with a versatile lens will work well. For low-light evening tours, a camera with good low-light performance or a tripod can be beneficial.
You can find many visitor photos on Instagram and TikTok by searching relevant hashtags, or by looking for 'Destrehan Plantation photos' online. [^SEO]
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Daytime tours of the main house provide an educational experience about Louisiana's past, presented in a way that is accessible to various age groups. While the history of slavery is a sensitive topic, guides are trained to present it respectfully, focusing on the human stories. The beautiful grounds and historic outbuildings also offer space for exploration. For younger children, the nighttime ghost tours might be too intense, but the daytime experience is generally well-suited for family outings.
👻 Ghost Hunters & Paranormal Enthusiasts
These tours are designed to be atmospheric and spine-chilling, sharing tales of spectral residents and unexplained occurrences. Many visitors have reported capturing unexplainable things in their photos during these evening excursions.
The plantation's long history and the significant events that have taken place on its grounds contribute to its reputation as a hotspot for paranormal activity. 🏛️ History Buffs
Beyond the main house, the plantation grounds are dotted with historic outbuildings and exhibits that further illuminate the era. The live folklife demonstrations offer a unique perspective on the skills and traditions of the past.
Guides are consistently praised for their extensive knowledge and engaging storytelling, making the historical narratives come alive. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Destrehan Plantation
Visitors can learn about the daily lives, struggles, and resilience of the people who inhabited Destrehan. The guided tours are designed to present this history in a way that is both informative and respectful, honoring the experiences of all individuals connected to the plantation. Understanding this history provides a profound context for the architecture, the landscape, and the enduring legacy of the region.
Beyond the main house, the plantation grounds feature historic outbuildings that offer further insights into the plantation's operations and the lives of its inhabitants. These structures, along with exhibits and live folklife demonstrations, contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the past.
Experiencing the Supernatural at Destrehan
These tours are a popular draw for visitors seeking a more thrilling and atmospheric experience. Guides share chilling tales and local legends, making for an unforgettable evening exploring the grounds after dark. Many visitors report experiencing unexplained phenomena and capturing unusual images during these night tours.
The plantation's age and the profound historical events that transpired there contribute to its reputation as a place with a strong spiritual presence. For those interested in a more in-depth paranormal investigation, special events and ghost hunts are sometimes offered. These can provide an even more immersive experience for ghost enthusiasts.
Social
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