Adventure Collective
Historical Plantation & Slavery Reflection Tour by Crescent City Tours - New Orleans

Historical Plantation & Slavery Reflection Tour by Crescent City Tours

New Orleanseasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

4–5 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for most fitness levels; comfortable walking required

Overview

Discover the compelling history of Louisiana's plantations with Crescent City Tours. Visit Oak Alley and Whitney for a deep dive into America's past through architecture, artifacts, and powerful exhibits.

Airboat
New Orleans, Louisiana

Double Plantation Tour • Oak Alley & Whitney

7.5 Hours • Ages 6+

Select participants and date

Adventure Photos

Double Plantation Tour • Oak Alley & Whitney photo 1

About This Adventure

Experience a profound journey at the Whitney Plantation, a unique museum dedicated to the history of slavery in the southern U.S. Explore its stunning architecture, imaginative exhibits, and original art, including life-size sculptures that honor former slaves. This unforgettable visit combines education with deep reflection on a pivotal part of American history.

An educative and entertaining visit!

Duration

7.5 Hours

About

The Whitney plantation historic district is a museum devoted to slavery in the southern United States. The district including the main house and outbuildings is preserve near Wallace in Saint John the Baptist parish Louisiana on the river road along the Mississippi River. The Plantation was started in 1750 to buy German immigrants Ambrose Haydel and his wife and their descendants owned it until 1867. The museum comprising main portion of the 2000 acre Plantation property open its doors to the public for the first time in December 2014. It was founded by John Cummings a trial attorney from New Orleans who has spent more than $8 million of his own fortune on this long-term project and work on it nearly 15 years. The director of research is a senegalese scholar, Ibrahima Seck, Who has done much work on the history of slavery the grounds contain imaginative exhibits and original art Commissioned by Cummings, such as life size sculptures of children to represent the former slaves who were interviewed for the federal rights project book so that their stories would be told. The French Creole style main house built in 1803 is the most important architectural example in the state.In addition the plantation has numerous extant outbuildings or dependencies,( pigeonnier) Plantation store the only surviving French Creole barn in Louisiana and slave quarters.The complex includes three archaeological sites which have had varying degrees of exploration. The historic district was listed on the United States national registry of historic places in 1992 Whitney plantation is also one of 26 sites featured on the Louisiana African-American heritage Trail

Oak Alley plantation is a historic Plantation located on the west bank of the Mississippi River In the community of vacherie, St. James Parish Louisiana. Oak Alley is named for its distinguish visual feature, an alley or canopied path, Created by a double row of southern live oak trees about 800 feet long. Planted in the early 18 century long before the present house was built, the alley or tree avenue runs between the home and the river.The property was designated a national historical landmark for its architecture and landscape, And for the agriculture Innovation of grafting pecan trees,Pro-form there in 1846-47 by an enslaved Gardener.

Pick up time for your reservation will be between 8:00 am and 8:00 am from your hotel

Adventure Tips

Book in advance

Secure your spot early as this popular tour fills quickly.

Wear comfortable shoes

You'll be walking through historic sites and exhibits, so comfortable footwear is recommended.

Bring water and sun protection

Stay hydrated and protect yourself from sun exposure during outdoor portions.

Allocate enough time

Plan for at least 4-5 hours to fully enjoy both plantations without rushing.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Ospreys
  • Great blue herons

History

The Whitney Plantation was established in 1752 and is one of the only plantations in Louisiana dedicated solely to the history of slavery.

Conservation

Crescent City Tours prioritizes sustainable tourism practices, including respectful preservation of historic sites and supporting local community initiatives.

Select participants and date

Adventure Hotspots in New Orleans

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Comfortable walking shoes

Essential

Necessary for walking through historic sites and exhibits.

Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)

Essential

Protects against sun exposure during outdoor parts of the tour.

summer specific

Water bottle

Essential

Stay hydrated during your visit.

Camera or smartphone for photos

Capture the historic architecture and landscapes.