Discover the rich history of Louisiana’s plantation era with the Oak Alley Plantation Tour. This captivating 4.5-hour experience immerses visitors in the grandeur of the antebellum South, showcasing the iconic quarter-mile alley lined with 250-year-old oak trees and the beautifully preserved mansion. Knowledgeable guides share exclusive stories about plantation life, providing a unique insight into the region’s complex past. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply seeking an immersive cultural experience, this tour promises to transport you back in time and leave you eager to uncover more about the legacy of the Oak Alley Plantation.
Key Points
- The 4.5-hour Oak Alley Plantation tour includes round-trip transportation from the French Quarter and a guided exploration of the plantation’s iconic alley of 250-year-old oak trees.
- The tour provides exclusive stories about plantation life and the Old South, as well as the opportunity for self-guided exploration of the historical grounds.
- The plantation is wheelchair accessible, and the tour offers Southern hospitality with an on-site café and ice cream parlor.
- The tour is suitable for a range of ages, from children to adults, and provides insights into the antebellum estate architecture.
- Past participants have praised the knowledgeable guides and the overall immersive experience, with some suggesting a longer tour duration for a more leisurely visit.
Tour Overview
The tour offers visitors a chance to explore the world-famous Oak Alley Plantation, built in 1839. Priced from £62.16 per person, the 4.5-hour experience includes round-trip transportation from the French Quarter and a live English-language tour guide.
The tour is wheelchair accessible, and there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. However, no photography is allowed inside the plantation home.
Guests will marvel at the quarter-mile-long alley of 250-year-old oak trees and learn exclusive stories about life on the plantation. The tour also includes a guided tour of the Big House and a self-guided exploration of the grounds, along with Southern hospitality and refreshments at the on-site café and ice cream parlor.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in New Orleans.
Experience Highlights
Explore the world-famous Oak Alley Plantation, built in 1839. This antebellum estate boasts a quarter-mile-long alley of oak trees, each over 250 years old.
The guided tour of the Big House provides exclusive stories about life on the plantation and the Old South. Visitors can also enjoy a self-guided exploration of the grounds.
The experience highlights include:
- Marveling at the iconic oak tree-lined driveway
- Hearing tales of the plantation’s history from a knowledgeable guide
- Touring the beautifully preserved Big House
- Exploring the grounds at your own pace
Enhance your visit with Southern hospitality and a snack at the on-site café and ice cream parlor.
Transportation Details
Complimentary round-trip transportation from the French Quarter is provided for this tour. Participants will meet at the local supplier’s ticket office in the French Quarter, where they’ll exchange their voucher for a boarding ticket.
The shuttle will then take them to the Oak Alley Plantation. Travelers should note that heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic in the French Quarter may affect the travel time.
The tour’s meeting point and transportation arrangements ensure a hassle-free journey to and from the historic plantation, allowing participants to fully enjoy the experience without the worry of navigating their own way.
Participant Information
Participants for this Oak Alley Plantation tour can include adults aged 13-99, children aged 6-12, and infants 5 and younger who don’t require a ticket.
Tips and food/drinks aren’t included in the tour price but available for purchase at the plantation café.
Notably, access to the second floor of the plantation is via stairs only.
The key details are:
- Participants: Adults (Age 13-99), Children (Age 6-12), Infants (Age 5 and younger; no ticket required)
- Tips and food/drinks not included in tour price but available for purchase at the plantation café
- Access to the second floor of the plantation is via stairs only
- Overall customer review rating of 4.5/5 based on 287 reviews
Customer Reviews
The Oak Alley Plantation tour has received excellent customer reviews, with an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 287 reviews.
Customers have particularly praised the guides, transportation, and overall service, all of which have received 4.5/5 ratings.
Guests highlight the tour’s immersive experience, the stunning architecture, and the beauty of the plantation’s famous quarter-mile-long alley of 250-year-old oak trees.
Some reviewers suggest extending the tour duration to allow for a more leisurely visit, but the feedback is overwhelmingly positive, cementing the tour as a must-do experience for visitors to New Orleans.
Plantation History
Oak Alley Plantation’s storied past dates back to 1839 when the Greek Revival-style mansion was constructed on the west bank of the Mississippi River.
The plantation’s legacy includes:
- Extensive sugar cane farming by its original owners, the Roman family.
- Serving as a refuge for Confederate troops during the Civil War.
- Evolution into a tourist attraction, showcasing the grandeur of the antebellum South.
- Designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1974.
Today, Oak Alley Plantation stands as a living museum, allowing visitors to enjoy the history and architecture of this iconic Southern estate.
Guided Tour Insights
During the guided tour, visitors can expect an immersive experience that transports them to the plantation’s heyday. The knowledgeable tour guide shares exclusive stories about life on the plantation and the Old South.
Guests marvel at the quarter-mile-long alley of 250-year-old oak trees as they make their way to the impressive Big House. The guided tour of the historic home allows visitors to step back in time and envision what daily life was like for the plantation’s former residents.
With access to the on-site café and ice cream parlor, the tour provides a well-rounded experience of Southern hospitality and antebellum architecture.
Dining and Amenities
Visitors can refuel at the on-site café and ice cream parlor, which offers a taste of Southern hospitality.
The menu features delectable local cuisine and sweet treats to satisfy any craving. Guests can choose from:
- Freshly brewed iced tea or lemonade to beat the heat
- Hearty gumbo, jambalaya, or po’ boy sandwiches for a filling lunch
- Decadent pecan pie, beignets, or homemade ice cream for dessert
- A selection of snacks and beverages to enjoy during the tour or on the journey back.
With these tempting options, visitors can fully enjoy the Oak Alley Plantation experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Types of Activities Can I Do at the Plantation?
Visitors can explore the famous oak tree-lined alley, tour the historic plantation home, enjoy Southern hospitality at the on-site café, and take a self-guided stroll around the plantation grounds.
Are Pets Allowed on the Tour?
The tour does not allow pets. The plantation grounds are not suitable for animals, and bringing them could disrupt the experience for other visitors. Only service animals are permitted on the tour.
Is Photography Permitted During the Guided Tour?
The tour overview states that no photography is allowed inside the plantation home. However, visitors are free to take photos of the outside grounds, including the famous quarter-mile-long alley of 250-year-old oak trees.
Can I Purchase Souvenirs at the Plantation?
Yes, visitors can purchase souvenirs at the on-site café and ice cream parlor at Oak Alley Plantation. The tour package includes complimentary snacks, but additional food, drinks, and gifts are available for purchase during the self-guided portion of the visit.
Is There an Audio Tour Available for the Plantation?
The Oak Alley Plantation offers a guided tour, but there’s no mention of an audio tour option in the tour details provided. Visitors can explore the plantation’s grounds and buildings with the live tour guide.
Recap
The Oak Alley Plantation Tour provides a captivating glimpse into the rich history of New Orleans. Visitors can marvel at the iconic oak-lined alley, explore the beautifully preserved mansion, and enjoy the plantation’s past through knowledgeable guided tours. With round-trip transportation from the French Quarter and on-site dining, this experience offers a comprehensive and convenient way to discover the historical significance of this National Historic Landmark.
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