Louisiana Highway 965 Historic Corridor
Explore the historic Oakley Plantation, home to John James Audubon's art and peaceful trails, offering a glimpse into Louisiana's past.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate experience
Louisiana Highway 965 Historic Corridor
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate experience
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the historic Oakley Plantation, home to John James Audubon's art and peaceful trails, offering a glimpse into Louisiana's past.
"This is one of the best state historic sites that I have been to. You won't be disappointed."
Friendly & Informative Staff
The staff, especially the ladies at the ticket counter and house guides, are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. ⭐
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll want good walking shoes for the trails and exploring the expansive grounds. :athletic_shoe:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.8 · 96 reviews
Type
State Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Oakley House Tour
Oakley Plantation
Step back in time in this stunning, mostly original historic house. Learn about its past and the lives of those who lived and worked there.
John James Audubon's Art
Oakley Plantation Museum Building
View original prints by the renowned ornithologist and painter, John James Audubon, who created many of his works here.
Peaceful Walking Trails
Oakley Plantation Grounds
Enjoy a serene mile-long hike through woods and gardens, offering a tranquil escape and a chance to connect with nature.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to Oakley Plantation
Embrace the Outdoors and History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Tips for Traveling through Louisiana
Hey all! We're road tripping and are planning on routing through LA. We put a stop in New Orleans on the plan, but from what I'm reading, its biggest value is its party atmosphere. We're in our late 30s, and those days are a bit past us. Would Baton Rouge or Lafayette be a…
Friendly & Informative Staff
The staff, especially the ladies at the ticket counter and house guides, are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. ⭐
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll want good walking shoes for the trails and exploring the expansive grounds. :athletic_shoe:
Myrtles Plantation in St. Francisville Stay
My husband and I are thinking about staying at the Myrtles Plantation for our wedding anniversary in October. We're trying to decide how long we'd like to stay and I'm curious about what else there is to do in St. Francisville? Are there a lot of shops and restaurants?
Visiting Louisiana but not going to New Orleans?
I'm planning on doing a trip from Houston for a few days. I really want to visit the marshes and do a swamp tour, maybe do some hiking. Another idea is to go do a plantation tour. I was initially considering visiting New Orleans but there's a few reasons why I'm hesitant.…
Be Prepared for Loud Noises
Reenactment events, like cannon firings, can be very loud. Ask about schedules if you're sensitive. :loudspeaker:
Inexpensive & Worthwhile
The admission is very affordable for the historical and natural beauty you experience. :moneywithwings:
Tips
from all over the internet
Friendly & Informative Staff
The staff, especially the ladies at the ticket counter and house guides, are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. ⭐
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll want good walking shoes for the trails and exploring the expansive grounds. :athletic_shoe:
Be Prepared for Loud Noises
Reenactment events, like cannon firings, can be very loud. Ask about schedules if you're sensitive. :loudspeaker:
Inexpensive & Worthwhile
The admission is very affordable for the historical and natural beauty you experience. :moneywithwings:
Focus on History & Nature
Enjoy the blend of historical insights, especially regarding enslaved people, and the peaceful natural surroundings. :evergreen_tree:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Oakley Plantation for its authentic historical experience, particularly the well-preserved Oakley House and the informative tours that respectfully address the site's complex past, including the lives of enslaved people. The peaceful walking trails and the presence of John James Audubon's original prints are also highly appreciated. While the trails could use minor upkeep, the overall experience is considered inexpensive and highly worthwhile.
"This is one of the best state historic sites that I have been to. The walking trail is a good one--along with the certain designated buildings that they have on the premises.
The lady in the building (cute brunette) is so friendly and informative. She's in the museum building where you purchase tickets.
The Audubon home guide is a great storyteller. I really enjoyed coming to this spot.
You won't be disappointed. I learned so much about Audubon.
If you have seen the movie "Where the Crawdad's Sing", Marsh Girl's illustrations in the book she sends off are very much to Audubon's style."
University of Louisiana Alumna
"OMG it's amazing!!! The history you feel in this house and on the grounds!!! Did the mile hike which could have used a little more upkeep but absolutely peaceful!!! The history of the house is pretty cool. Definitely recommend if you like the historical sites..."
Amanda “Dee” Voss
"This site is one you’ll definitely want to go to. It is owned by the state so they have put a lot of effort into the restoration and upkeep of the property. We arrived for a tour of the house which was absolutely stunning and was mostly all original. I loved they didn’t water down the history by leaving out the most important people of Louisiana history: The enslaved. There was a big focus on it and the tour guide and person at the front did a great job. It also was an inexpensive tour and well worth it. It’s a huge property, honestly, you could probably get lost on it! I enjoyed seeing the house and being able to pay my respects to my ancestors who once were forced to live there. They also have reenactment events from time to time, and while I was there they were shooting cannons! The lady at the front did warn us but I wasn’t prepared for how loud it would be I almost jumped out of my skin!! 😆 It wasn’t as loud in the house but outside—yeah, just make sure you’re aware of that stuff!"
Gab
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Louisiana Highway 965 Historic Corridor is accessible by car. Oakley Plantation is a key site within this corridor. It's recommended to use GPS for precise directions to the plantation itself.
Yes, ample parking is available at Oakley Plantation, making it easy for visitors arriving by car.
Highway 965 is a historic corridor, suggesting there are other points of interest. While Oakley Plantation is a primary destination, exploring the surrounding area might reveal other historical markers or sites.
While general safety precautions are always advised, the historic sites like Oakley Plantation are typically well-maintained and welcoming to visitors.
Driving is the most practical way to explore the Louisiana Highway 965 Historic Corridor. Having a map or GPS is helpful for locating specific sites like Oakley Plantation.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to Oakley Plantation is generally inexpensive and considered well worth the cost for the historical experience and grounds.
While not always mandatory, booking a house tour in advance is recommended, especially during busy periods, to ensure your spot.
Operating hours can vary, so it's best to check the official website or call ahead. The museum building is where you purchase tickets.
Yes, guided tours of the Oakley House are available and highly recommended. The guides are described as great storytellers.
You can explore the grounds and walking trails, but a ticket is typically required for entry to the main plantation area and house tours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can tour the historic Oakley House, view original John James Audubon prints, and walk the peaceful mile-long trail through gardens and woods.
The walking trail is described as easy and about a mile long, though some visitors note it could use a little more upkeep. It's very peaceful.
The site emphasizes the history of the house and grounds, including a significant focus on the lives of enslaved people who lived and worked there.
Yes, Oakley Plantation sometimes hosts reenactment events, such as cannon firings, and special seasonal events like a Jane Austen Christmas.
The trails offer a chance to see flora and occasional fauna, with flowers visible depending on the season. It's a very peaceful natural setting.
📸 📸 Photography
The historic Oakley House itself, the surrounding gardens, and the natural landscapes along the walking trails offer beautiful photographic opportunities.
Photography policies inside historic houses can vary. It's best to check with your tour guide or at the visitor center regarding restrictions on interior photography.
The grounds and house offer varied lighting conditions throughout the day. Morning or late afternoon light can be particularly flattering for outdoor shots.
If you happen to visit during a reenactment event, the historical atmosphere and activities can provide unique photo opportunities.
A versatile camera with a good lens for both landscapes and architectural details would be ideal. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the house and grounds.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit