Spend a leisurely afternoon playing mahjong, enjoying a buffet lunch, and supporting the Great River Road Museum at Houmas House’s Dixie Café. Bring your set, arrive early for the buffet, and savor a gentle cultural stop along the Mississippi River.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2.5 hours
Fitness Level
Light; suitable for most adults and older teens who can sit for a few hours
Wildlife
History
Houmas House sits on a historic estate that reflects plantation-era architecture and the cultural history of the Mississippi River corridor.
Conservation
Garden fees and the $5 donation support maintenance and museum programming; visitors are encouraged to follow site rules, stay on paths, and minimize litter.
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.
Bring your mahjong set
Participants must bring their own tiles and mats; label or bag your set so it doesn’t get mixed up with other players’ gear.
Arrive early for the buffet
Buffet service closes at 2:00 PM—plan to get there at check-in (1:30 PM) to enjoy the full spread before play starts.
Check in at the museum desk
Official check-in is at the Great River Road Museum desk inside the complex; they’ll direct you to Dixie Café seating.
Support the museum
The $5 donation goes directly to the Great River Road Museum—consider buying museum admission or browsing exhibits before play.
Mahjong set (tiles + mat)
Required for play—bring familiar tiles and a mat for comfortable rounds.
Comfortable, low-profile shoes
Helps for walking the estate gardens and moving between parking and the café.
Light jacket or shawl
Interior dining rooms can be cool; a layer keeps you comfortable during long rounds.
spring
Cash or card for beverages
Coffee and additional drinks are available for purchase during the event.