Laura Plantation

About

Laura Plantation stands apart from most Southern plantation tours. Located in Vacherie along the Great River Road between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, this National Historic Landmark tells the story of four generations of a Creole family and the enslaved people who lived and worked on the property from 1805 to 1891.

What makes Laura unique is its focus on documented, personal stories rather than architectural grandeur. The tour draws from over 5,000 pages of historical documents, including the memoir of Laura Locoul Gore herself. You'll hear accounts from enslaved workers, free people of color, and the Creole family members whose complicated lives played out on these grounds.

The main house, built in 1805 in the raised Creole style, is a striking example of Louisiana French colonial architecture. Its vibrant colors and intimate scale feel distinctly different from the grand Greek Revival mansions found at neighboring plantations. Behind the main house, you'll find original slave cabins where the West African folktales later known as the Br'er Rabbit stories were first recorded in North America by Alcee Fortier in the 1870s.

Guided tours run throughout the day and typically last about an hour. Knowledgeable guides bring the history to life with specific names, dates, and personal details that make the past feel immediate. The plantation store offers books, local goods, and refreshments.

Laura Plantation sits in a rural area along Highway 18. If you're driving from New Orleans, the trip takes roughly an hour. Public transportation options to this location are extremely limited, so a car or pre-arranged tour service is essential. Many visitors pair a stop at Laura with nearby Oak Alley Plantation for a full day along the River Road.

The grounds include gardens and several original structures dating to the early 1800s. Plan to spend about 90 minutes total, including time to explore the grounds and visit the gift shop after your tour.

Accessibility

Laura Plantation has partial accessibility. The grounds and first floor of the Big House are wheelchair and stroller accessible, and the Laura Plantation Store is ADA compliant. However, significant barriers exist for visitors with mobility challenges.

The main house was built in 1805 in the raised Creole style, meaning the primary living quarters sit above ground level. The basement level of the main house is accessible, but reaching the main floor requires climbing approximately 15 steps with no elevator alternative. The historic slave cabins also have three steps at their entrances. Visitors using wheelchairs or with difficulty climbing stairs will be unable to access portions of the guided tour.

The outdoor grounds are generally flat, which is typical of the River Road region. However, surfaces may include gravel, grass, and uneven historic pathways that could present challenges for wheelchair users or those with mobility aids.

Tour guides lead groups on foot through multiple buildings. Contact Laura Plantation directly at (225) 265-7690 to discuss specific accommodation needs before your visit. Staff may be able to adjust the tour experience or provide additional information about what portions of the tour are accessible.

Details about accessible parking spaces, accessible restrooms, assistive listening devices, and sensory accommodations were not confirmed through available sources. Contact the venue directly for current accessibility details and to arrange any needed accommodations before arriving. Given the rural location, planning transportation in advance is important, as ride-share and taxi services in the Vacherie area are very limited.

More accessible places in Louisiana

• Oak Alley Plantation (Vacherie)
• New Orleans Museum of Art (New Orleans)
• The National WWII Museum (New Orleans)
• The National WWII Museum (New Orleans)
• Audubon Aquarium (New Orleans)
• Louisiana Children's Museum (New Orleans)