Spend a candlelit evening under the Allee of Oaks at Houmas House for a curated All‑American dinner, live band, complimentary mint juleps, and Southern garden charm. Reservations required; this three-hour outdoor celebration highlights live oaks, formal gardens, and riverine wildlife.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal walking across lawns and lantern-lit paths; suitable for most fitness levels.
Wildlife
History
Houmas House occupies historic plantation grounds with formal gardens and an iconic Allee of live oaks that anchor the estate landscape.
Conservation
Respect garden plantings and stay on designated paths; avoid fireworks or open flames beyond event lighting to protect trees and turf.
Houmas House Plantation
Houmas House Plantation, located in Darrow, Louisiana, is a historic estate known for its restored mansion, extensive formal gardens, and curated visitor experiences. The property sits along the Mississippi River and comprises 38 acres of landscaped grounds featuring tropical flowers, paved walkways, and roaming peacocks. Houmas House offers guided mansion and garden tours, combo tickets that pair the estate with the Great River Road Steamboat Museum or other nearby plantations, and seasonal events such as holiday buffets, Halloween walks, and dance classes.
Visitors can choose guided tours of the mansion to view period antiques and learn stories of 19th-century plantation life, or opt for a self-guided garden tour to explore at their own pace. On-site amenities include a gift shop and dining options such as Dixie Café, which supports special event programming. The Great River Road Steamboat Museum is adjacent to the area and can be combined with Houmas House visits to extend the experience with regional history, river views, and museum exhibits.
Houmas House Plantation promotes accessible outdoor paths and comfortable sitting areas across the gardens, making the site suitable for families and guests seeking a leisurely cultural outing. Tour reservations, combo tickets, and event bookings are handled through the estate’s visitor services and Gift Shop. As a preserved historic site with documented tours and public programming, Houmas House Plantation provides verifiable educational and cultural experiences rooted in Louisiana history. Accessible parking and clear visitor information help guests plan visits, and the Gift Shop accepts reservations directly by phone.
Location
Darrow, LA
Along the Mississippi River
Historic Estate
38-acre gardens
Mansion with period antiques
Tours Offered
9 experiences
Guided & self-guided options
Visit Length
4+ hours recommended
Plan for full immersion
Reserve mansion tours, garden walks, combo tickets, or seasonal events — book the time that fits your group for an authentic Louisiana historic experience.
Book Early
Reservations are required and seating fills quickly for special events—reserve well in advance to secure a table.
Insect Protection
Evening humidity attracts mosquitoes; apply insect repellent before arrival and consider lightweight long sleeves.
Dress for Comfort
Wear breathable fabrics for summer evenings; a light sweater is useful if river breezes pick up after sunset.
Low-Light Photography
Bring a camera capable of low-light shots or a tripod; avoid using harsh phone flash to preserve ambience.
Light sweater or wrap
Keeps you comfortable if evening river breezes lower the temperature.
summer
Insect repellent
Protects against mosquitoes common in riverine Louisiana evenings.
summer
Small camera or phone with low-light capability
Capture candlelit tables, oak allee, and band performances without heavy flash.
Comfortable flat shoes
Easy walking across lawns and short paths between parking and the event site.