Step back in time at St. Joseph Plantation, where history and nature blend with captivating stories and scenic grounds. Discover why this historic site is a must-see for cultural and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; walking is moderate but accessible.
Wildlife
History
The plantation was operational from the early 1800s and played a significant role in Louisiana's sugar economy.
Conservation
Ongoing preservation efforts focus on restoring historic structures and maintaining natural habitats to support local ecosystems.
St. Joseph Plantation
Step back in time at St. Joseph Plantation, where history and nature blend with captivating stories and scenic grounds. Discover why this historic site is a must-see for cultural and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
St. Joseph Plantation, located in Vacherie, Louisiana, preserves and interprets the history of two adjacent Mississippi River sugar plantations: St. Joseph Plantation and Felicity Plantation. Guests can choose guided group tours that explore working sugarcane farms, original outbuildings, and the plantation mansion, with programming that highlights 19th-century plantation life and agricultural practices.
Tours include a standalone St. Joseph Plantation Group Tour and guided experiences at Felicity Plantation. Combined options are available: a St. Joseph and Felicity Plantation Combo Group Tour and a St. Joseph and Felicity Plantations Combo Tour that runs approximately 2.5 hours and covers active sugarcane operations across roughly 1,000 acres. Tour narratives address construction dates, family histories such as the Waguespack family, and the plantations' roles as film and television locations.
Felicity Plantation tours emphasize the site's 19th-century construction and documented appearances in productions like "12 Years A Slave." St. Joseph Plantation tours sometimes explore 19th-century mourning customs, original outbuildings, and seasonal programming: the mansion receives an October transformation and the property offers nighttime tours and exclusive midnight tours on Halloween weekend.
All tours are guided and operate on plantation grounds in Vacherie, adjacent to the Mississippi River. Interpretive content focuses on architecture, agriculture, and cultural history tied to sugarcane cultivation. Visitors should plan logistics such as travel time to Vacherie and any seasonal scheduling. St. Joseph Plantation provides on-site experiences that combine historic preservation, active farming, and film-location history for visitors seeking an informed look at Louisiana's plantation heritage.
Tour availability varies by season and event.
Location
Vacherie, LA
Situated on the Mississippi River
Tours Offered
6
Group and combo guided tours available
Historic Era
19th century
Includes Felicity's 1840s construction
Combo Tour Length
2.5 hours
Covers roughly 1,000 acres
Reserve a group, Felicity, or combo tour to explore historic plantation architecture, sugarcane operations, and film-location history.
Bring your camera
Capture the stunning architecture and picturesque surroundings during your visit.
Wear comfortable shoes
The tour involves walking through uneven historic grounds, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
Hydrate and bring sunscreen
Protect yourself from sun exposure while exploring the outdoor areas of the plantation.
Arrive early for smaller groups
Arriving before the scheduled start ensures a more intimate tour experience.
Comfortable walking shoes
Supportive footwear is essential for exploring the historic property comfortably.
Sun protection
Protect yourself from sunburn with hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
summer
Camera or smartphone
Capture the historic architecture and scenic grounds.
Water bottle
Stay hydrated during your outdoor walk around the plantation.