Haunted History Tours at St. Joseph Plantation
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1 hour
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; minimal physical exertion required but steady walking and some uneven ground possible.
Overview
Visit St. Joseph Plantation in Vacherie, Louisiana, for guided tours that reveal haunting 19th-century mourning traditions. Experience daytime history or join eerie nighttime and exclusive midnight Halloween tours.
Guided Tour of St. Joseph
Starting at $22 | 60 Minutes | All Ages
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Experience the haunting beauty of St. Joseph Plantation with guided tours that delve into its rich history and 19th-century mourning customs. Explore original outbuildings and the elegantly transformed mansion during October. Join us for eerie nighttime tours or the exclusive midnight tours on Halloween weekend for a truly unforgettable experience.
Guided Plantation Tours With Our Family!
Rates
- Adults (Ages 19+): $24.00
- Senior Citizen (Ages 65+): $22.00
- Military (With Valid ID): $22.00
- College Students (With Valid ID): $17.00
- Youth (Ages 12-18): $12.00
- Child (Ages 6-11): $8.00
- Young Child (Ages 5 and Under): FREE
- AAA Members (With Valid ID and AAA Card): $22.00
Duration
60 minutes
About
St. Joseph Plantation is one of the few fully intact sugar plantations in the River Parishes. In addition to the Manor Home, this historic site features many outbuildings for guests to explore. These include original slave cabins, a detached kitchen, blacksmith’s shop, school house, and chicken coop. Several buildings have been moved to their present day location from other parts of the property, but most remain where they were built.
The initial structure of the St. Joseph House was built by the 1830’s and expanded by the 1850’s. The expansion was funded by dowry money that was given to Josephine Aime Ferry by her father, Francois Gabriel “Valcour” Aime. In 1877, Joseph Waguespack purchased the plantation and named it after his patron saint. Later, one of his grandsons purchased Felicity Plantation. In 1901, his grandchildren formed the St. Joseph Planting and Manufacturing Co., LTD. and merged the two plantations.
A number of films have been shot at St. Joseph and Felicity, the sister plantation on the property they include, All The King's Men, Skeleton key, Mudbound, 12 Years A Slave, Underground (TV Series), Quarry (TV Series), Queen Sugar (TV Series), and the Roots remake.
October Mourning Tour
During the month of October, the mansion is transformed into it's mourning state. During this time, guests will learn about the plantation and its history, as well as death and dying customs of the 19th century.
Nighttime Mourning Tours
For October weekends only, we will have Nighttime mourning tours. Learn about 19th century mourning customs, while exploring the house in an eerie dimmed setting. Join us on Friday and Saturday evenings for a 6:30, 7:30, or 8:30 tour.
Nighttime mourning tour tickets are available for purchase online and at the gift-shop counter.
MIDNIGHT TOURS
Two midnight mourning tours are offered every year, on the weekend of Halloween.
Nighttime mourning tour tickets are available for purchase online and at the gift-shop counter.
Adventure Tips
Book Nighttime Tours Early
Popular October night tours sell out quickly, so reserve your spot in advance.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The tour covers several buildings and grounds—opt for sturdy footwear for walking on uneven surfaces.
Prepare for Dim Lighting Indoors
Nighttime tours use low light to enhance atmosphere, so bring a small flashlight if needed.
Check Weather Before Visiting
Outdoor portions of the tour are subject to weather; dress accordingly for rain or heat.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Louisiana swamp rabbits
- Great blue herons near the plantation grounds
History
Built in the 1830s and expanded in the 1850s, St. Joseph Plantation reflects complex histories of sugar production, slavery, and Southern culture.
Conservation
The plantation maintains its original structures with care to preserve both the physical buildings and the stories they tell, minimizing environmental impacts on surrounding lands.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Supportive footwear is essential for navigating historic grounds and outbuildings.
Flashlight or headlamp
Useful for nighttime and midnight tours to safely see in dimmed indoor spaces.
fall specific
Light rain jacket
Spring showers are common; a waterproof layer helps keep you dry during outdoor portions.
spring specific
Insect repellent
Louisiana evenings can have mosquitoes; repellant enhances comfort during tours.
summer specific