St. Joseph Plantation and Felicity Plantation — Attraction in Lutcher

When we visit Biloxi, Mississippi, my husband and I take side trips to nearby Louisiana. Over the years, this has allowed us to see several of the plantations along the River Road. They are unique and offer valuable history lessons. I'm not sure how we missed St. Joseph Plantation before; however, we were very pleased we connected this trip because this was something very special.

Thankfully, some of these River Road homes have been saved by local patrons of local history, architecture, or both. Some are still home to the owners who allow tours to be conducted. What makes St. Joseph Plantation a rare and captivating find is the very strong family connection to the property, and it is still a working farm.

The story of the family and their history was interesting but made fascinating by the tour guide, Sylvia. In her hands, the tour is a rich gumbo of family memories, family artifacts, and photos/paintings of family members.

There was also a far more relaxed vibe to this tour. You could touch many artifacts; there may have been a caution about picture taking, but I don't recall hearing one. This sort of visitor engagement and the farm-to-table lesson makes it a wonderful family tour, a tour we plan on...

Our family had the pleasure of touring Felicity Plantation this August, and it was a great experience. Our tour guide, Jacob, was absolutely phenomenal. From the moment we stepped onto the property, he drew us in with his rich storytelling and deep knowledge of the plantation’s history.

Jacob painted a vivid picture of the house’s past, the realities of enslavement, the sugarcane plantation, the families who once owned the property and current owners. He also shared fascinating behind-the-scenes details about the Hollywood movies filmed there, including Skeleton Key and 12 Years a Slave. His ability to weave together history, culture, and pop culture made the tour engaging for both adults and kids.

One of the highlights was visiting the original slave quarters, which was a sobering yet important part of the experience. Jacob even let us sample fresh sugarcane—a simple but memorable touch that brought the plantation’s history to life in a tangible way.

The entire tour was both educational and enjoyable, blending important historical context with interactive moments. I can’t recommend it enough for anyone visiting Louisiana. If you’re lucky enough to get Jacob as your guide, you’re in for...

A skeleton key won't unlock all the intrigue of this experience.

Driving up to the house, we felt like Kate Hudson in "The Skeleton Key." But that's about where the connection to the horror film ends.

Our guide, Jake, delivered the tour with genuine enthusiasm and a friendly, engaging presentation style. His positive energy certainly added warmth to the visit, and he made every effort to ensure guests felt welcomed and informed.

However, the overall experience at Felicity Plantation was underwhelming. While the property holds potential, particularly given its connection to "Skeleton Key," "12 Years a Slave" and other film productions, this aspect of its history is barely explored. For those interested in the cinematic legacy of the property, this omission is a disappointment.

Moreover, the cost of the tour does not quite match what one ultimately sees or experiences. The house and grounds are modest compared to other plantations in the region, including neighboring Oak Alley, leaving the impression of an experience that feels incomplete for the price point.

No mistaking it, Jake did his part exceptionally well! But the tour itself lacks the depth and substance one...