Oak Alley Plantation — Attraction in Lutcher

Oak Alley Plantation Review

Visiting Oak Alley Plantation was a profoundly moving and enlightening experience, offering a glimpse into the rich history and grandeur of the antebellum South.

The Setting: Approaching Oak Alley Plantation, the iconic row of majestic live oak trees draped with Spanish moss creates a breathtaking entrance. The plantation grounds are meticulously maintained, with lush gardens, blooming flowers, and serene pathways that invite visitors to explore at their leisure. The view of the plantation house from the oak-lined alley is truly mesmerizing and sets the tone for an extraordinary visit.

The History: Oak Alley Plantation's history is deeply intertwined with the complexities of Southern plantation life. The guided tour provided a comprehensive and thought-provoking exploration of the property, offering insights into the lives of the plantation's inhabitants, including enslaved individuals whose stories are crucial to understanding this period in American history. The knowledgeable guides shared captivating anecdotes and historical details that brought the past to life.

The Architecture: The centerpiece of Oak Alley Plantation is the stately Greek Revival mansion, a masterpiece of architecture that dates back to the early 19th century. The mansion's design, with its grand columns, expansive verandas, and symmetrical layout, reflects the wealth and opulence of the plantation era. Touring the interior rooms, furnished with period pieces and family heirlooms, provided a glimpse into the daily lives and social customs of the plantation's owners.

The Grounds and Gardens: Beyond the mansion, Oak Alley Plantation boasts beautiful gardens and grounds that are a joy to explore. The oak-lined avenue, which gives the plantation its name, is a sight to behold and offers a serene backdrop for photographs. The gardens are meticulously landscaped, featuring vibrant blooms and tranquil fountains that enhance the overall sense of beauty and tranquility.

Overall Experience: Visiting Oak Alley Plantation was an unforgettable experience that surpassed all expectations. The combination of stunning natural beauty, rich historical significance, and insightful guided tours made it a truly immersive journey into the past. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a lover of architecture, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Oak Alley Plantation offers a profound and enlightening glimpse into America's cultural heritage. Highly recommended for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of Southern history and experiencing the grandeur of...

We were staying in the French Quarter and took the 1+ hour bus ride to the plantation. Our ride actually included the rear of the bus experiencing some smoke in the cabin. We eventually made it to our destination unscathed. While awaiting our main house tour, we walked around, read the summaries, and took in the artifacts of the recreated slave quarters. There was much information to absorb about the lives and treatment (good and bad) of the people living on the plantation grounds. When we started our tour, I was surprised to hear that there were no pictures allowed inside the house. I have been to presidential homes with actual artifacts and furnishings original to the house that allowed no-flash photography. The docent (not that she qualified for this title, imo) knew virtually nothing about the house, the architecture, the function, nor the purpose of some of the rooms. The rooms were a haphazard re-creation with furnishings from different eras of the house's history. One room just off the master bedroom was wiped clean and made into a slave history room with no explanation of its original intended use. A bedroom used by the last owner was the only room with authentic furniture, but that was from the 70's!

Instead of balancing the information of life outside the main house to life on the inside, our tour guide's primary focus was on how the slaves were treated by the Roman family instead. It seems plantation tours these days are only concerned with shaming.

I find it interesting to read the reviews about the Oak Ally Plantation; people are either there to validate their own perceptions, add to the rage they have already built up, or simply looking for an antiseptic factual accounting of what life was like for ALL the people who contributed to the running of a sugar plantation. Perhaps, in the spirit of accommodation, Oakland Alley Plantation can provide different tours that feed each person's privately held biases to make them feel better; the problem is, that is how we got into this divided mess. I miss the days when history was simply a gathering of factual evidence, and every person could walk away feeling informed instead of...

Absolutely ADORED this gorgeous plantation site..... it's exquisite scenery, the history told by the guides and depth of history seen by artifacts still located inside!!!

I've always wanted to visit this place and finally made it! Sugar cane fields are green, green and nothing but verdant green for - m i l e s - adding to the beauty and historical reference. Entrance had lots of greenery, flowers and a pretty fountain. Slight beware: the restrooms stalls are very tight....literally had my face up against stall door trying to "hover" (sorry TMI but I'd want to know)! Otherwise, bathrooms are very, very clean.

The walk isn't too much but is a bit of distance from ticket booth to front door of big house. Took lots of pictures BUT the MOST Instagram worthy photos are from 2nd floor balcony....Mind Blowing!¡!¡! When our guide made a super dramatic pause and said, "Welcome to Oak Alley Plantation", your breath is literally TAKEN AWAY as double doors open!!!! My husband said exact same thing...his breath was literally taken away! On top of that, a ship was literally passing by on the water as the doors opened....it was GRAND 💟💟💟

Only other drawback is you're not allowed to take photos inside at all. Only on the outside, second balcony level. Overall, it was worth the trip 😍 They sell refreshments outside the big house, after the tour....water, lemonade, mint julep or even wine. You can buy the small book on the plantation history (which I got) for more detailed info and can even ask for a souvenir copy of your ticket for memories/keepsake album, etc.

Afterwards, you're free to walk around....take photos under the incredulous oak trees, experience the slave homes, eat at the restaurant or shop at the boutique. Would def visit again to eat and shop next time, didn't have enough time to do that, unfortunately.

History buffs, Antebellum period lovers.....Do NOT ever miss out on this...