Oak Alley Plantation

A plantation visit is a must when in New Orleans and Oak Alley Plantation is one of the more popular options thanks to its thoughtful exhibitions regarding slavery and the Civil War, Sugarcane Theater performances, and exceptional Greek Revival architecture.

See the Big House and grounds on the banks of the Mississippi River on a guided tour, many of which include round-trip transportation from New Orleans’ French Quarter. For a full-day trip from the Big Easy, combine a tour of Oak Alley with a Cajun swamp tour or a trip to some of the other surrounding plantations, including Laura Plantation and San Francisco Plantation.

• Oak Alley Plantation is located in the town of Vacherie, about 54 miles (87 kilometers) west of New Orleans.

• Summertime visitors should dress in light clothing with plenty of sun protection for the strong heat.

• Tours can run anywhere from four to nine hours long, depending on whether you combine Oak Alley with other nearby attractions in Cajun Country.

• Oak Alley Plantation is partly wheelchair accessible, but there's no assisted access on the second floor. Those in wheelchairs can explore the second floor via an ipad. Disposable headphones are available.

Because there is no public transportation to Oak Alley Plantation, the best way to get there is by car. Those with their own vehicles or rental cars will find the hour-long drive smooth and easy. Otherwise, the best way to visit is on a guided tour that includes transportation. You can also book a private transportation service in advance.

New Orleans and Cajun Country are famously hot and humid in the summertime; visit during the fall or spring for the best weather for walking around outdoors. Morning tours will have the coolest weather; tours after 3pm can expect the most intense heat.

In addition to boasting the status as one of the most photographed plantations in the South, Oak Alley gained fame as a filming location for Interview with a Vampire, Primary Colors, and 1978’s Nightrider.

Oak Alley Plantation started as a sugar plantation in the early 19th century, owned by wealthy southerner Valcour Aime, aka “King of Sugar.” Much of the plantation, including its Big House, was built and run by enslaved men, women, and children, whose story is an important part of its history.

Oak Alley Plantation is about an hour’s drive west of New Orleans along the Great River Road. The Plantation can’t be reached by public transport, so you’ll need to bring your own vehicle, book a private taxi, or join a guided tour from New Orleans. Free parking is available.

Oak Alley Plantation is open daily year-round, except for New Year’s Day, Mardi Gras, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Opening hours are 8:30am to 5pm, with the main gates closing at 5:30pm. Tours of the Big House also take place daily from 9am-4:30pm—ticket holders should arrive 30 minutes beforehand.

Yes, there is an admission fee to visit the historic site and an additional fee to visit the Big House Exhibit. Children under the age of five are free, and discounted rates are available for groups of more than 20 people. Tickets may sell out, so advance reservations are recommended.

Yes, the Big House Exhibit includes a guided tour, which lasts about 35 minutes, but most visitors explore the grounds and other exhibitions independently. Oak Alley doesn’t offer tours directly, but it’s possible to visit the Plantation as part of a guided tour from New Orleans, including round-trip transport.

Yes, general admission tickets include entrance to the grounds and gardens, where you can admire the famous 300-year-old Oak Alley, visit the Sugarcane Theatre, and attend an optional presentation at the Slavery Exhibit. However, visits to the Big House Exhibit are by guided tour only, and spaces are limited.