From
$89
per person
★★★★★3,000+
Whitney Plantation Tour
A powerful, immersive journey into the history of slavery in LouisianaVisit the only plantation in Louisiana dedicated entirely to telling the story of slavery. This isn't a mansion tour - it's a powerful, immersive history experience with first-person narratives from enslaved people who lived and worked here.
Tour Highlights
- ✓The only Louisiana plantation museum focused entirely on the lives of enslaved people
- ✓Self-paced audio tour featuring first-person slave narratives
- ✓Wall of Honor listing 350+ enslaved individuals by name
- ✓Antioch Baptist Church - rebuilt on the grounds as a memorial
- ✓Field of Angels - memorial to enslaved children who died on the plantation
- ✓Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
- ✓Spanish-language audio available through the Whitney Plantation app
What Guests Are Saying
“Customer service was astounding. We had to make so many changes to our reservation that I was embarrassed. G & G was timely and professional throughout. 100% recommended!”
★★★★★— Visitor from New Hampshirevia Direct
“Lenny was very knowledgeable and helpful when booking the tour! Would definitely book again.”
★★★★★— Robbyn A.via TripAdvisor
“Lenny was great and helped us out, highly recommend him. He was very knowledgeable of all the sites and tours.”
★★★★★— Freddy, Austin, TXvia TripAdvisor
About This Tour
Whitney Plantation is the only plantation museum in Louisiana dedicated entirely to the lives and experiences of enslaved people. Instead of focusing on the grandeur of the “big house,” this tour centers the voices, stories, and daily realities of the men, women, and children forced to live and work here.
Your experience begins in New Orleans, where you’ll board a comfortable shuttle for the drive out to the plantation. Along the way, you’ll leave the city behind and travel through the river parishes that once formed the heart of Louisiana’s plantation economy.
On arrival, you’ll receive admission and access to Whitney’s self-paced audio tour. Using the official Whitney Plantation app, you’ll walk the grounds at your own speed, listening to first-person narratives drawn from historical records and oral histories of formerly enslaved people. These powerful stories guide you through the site and help you understand what life was truly like here.
As you explore, you’ll see memorials and exhibits that honor the people whose labor built this plantation:
- The Wall of Honor, listing more than 350 enslaved individuals by name, age, and origin where known.
- The Field of Angels, a moving memorial dedicated to enslaved children who died on the plantation.
- Antioch Baptist Church, relocated and rebuilt on the grounds as a space of remembrance and reflection.
- Historic buildings and landscapes that reveal how the plantation functioned as a forced-labor camp.
This is not an entertainment-style tour. It is a sober, educational experience designed to confront the realities of slavery and its legacy. Many visitors describe it as one of the most meaningful and important things they did during their time in Louisiana.
The tour is largely outdoors and involves walking on gravel and uneven paths. You can pause, replay, or skip audio stops as needed, making it accessible for guests who prefer to move at their own pace. Spanish-language audio is available through the Whitney Plantation app.
After your visit, you’ll rejoin the shuttle for the return trip to New Orleans, with time to reflect on what you’ve seen and heard.
What's Included
- ★Round-trip shuttle from New Orleans
- ★Whitney Plantation admission
- ★Self-paced audio tour
Not included in this tour+
- —Food and drinks
- —Gratuities
What to Bring
- ●Comfortable walking shoes suitable for gravel and uneven paths
- ●Weather-appropriate clothing (hat, light layers, rain jacket as needed)
- ●Fully charged smartphone with the Whitney Plantation app installed
- ●Headphones or earbuds for the audio tour
- ●Water bottle and light snacks
- ●Sunscreen and sunglasses
- ●Cash or card for optional purchases and gratuities
Departure Times
10:00 AM12:00 PM
Meeting Point
Tour Departure Point
400 Toulouse St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Meet at 400 Toulouse Street. Your shuttle departs promptly, so arrive 10-15 minutes before your selected departure time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long are plantation tours?+
Most plantation tours are full-day experiences lasting 5-7 hours, including transportation from New Orleans. The actual time at the plantation is typically 1.5-2 hours for the guided tour, plus time to explore the grounds.
What's included in the tour price?+
Tour prices include round-trip transportation from your New Orleans hotel and plantation admission. Oak Alley is a guided tour of the property. Whitney Plantation is a self-paced visit using the official Whitney Plantation audio app on your phone. Check individual tour pages for any extras like lunch or refreshments.
Which plantation should I visit?+
It depends on your interests! Oak Alley is best for photography and classic Southern beauty. Whitney Plantation offers the most comprehensive look at enslaved people’s experiences. Chat with us and we’ll help you decide!
Are plantation tours appropriate for children?+
Yes. Both tours discuss slavery, which is central to Louisiana’s plantation history. Oak Alley covers it alongside the property’s architecture and the sugar economy that built it. Whitney Plantation is built entirely around the experiences of enslaved people, and is more intense by design. Many parents see this history as important for their children to engage with. Use your own judgment about what your kids are ready to take in, and keep in mind these are long days with significant driving and walking.
Should we tip our tour guides?+
Absolutely! Tipping 15-20% of your tour cost is standard and greatly appreciated — similar to what you'd tip at a restaurant. Our guides are passionate locals who rely on tips as a significant part of their income. A great guide can make your experience unforgettable. If they do, let them know!
What happens if it rains?+
Tours run rain or shine. If you show up in the rain, your guide will be there. We only cancel if conditions become dangerous, and in that case you'll receive a full refund or the option to reschedule.
What is your cancellation policy?+
Tours are non-refundable unless cancelled by the company or tour operators (typically due to dangerous weather like lightning or hurricanes). If you need to reschedule, contact us and we'll work with you to apply your payment to a different date or tour, subject to availability. We understand plans change — just give us as much notice as possible.
Can I reschedule my tour to a different date?+
We ask for at least 24 hours notice for any changes. If you need to reschedule, get in touch with us as soon as you know and we'll do our best to work something out. The earlier you reach out, the more flexibility we have.
Have more questions? Visit our FAQ page
Important Information
Closed Tuesdays. Wheelchair access available to grounds and museum buildings but NOT to the historic slave quarters due to uneven gravel pathways. Download the Whitney Plantation app before arriving for the audio tour - requires cell data on site.
Activity Level
Easy
Mix of bus travel and walking on plantation grounds. Some paths are gravel and uneven. The self-paced audio tour lets you move at your own speed.
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