Plantation History & Blues Journey with Tours by Marguerite
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–4 hours total
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires walking on uneven surfaces for up to 80 minutes per location.
Overview
Walk the grounds where Louisiana's Creole culture and African American musical heritage converged. Discover the stories behind jazz and blues on a deeply immersive tour with Tours by Marguerite.
Plantation Country & The Birth of Blues
Excursion | Visit Laura Plantation and the Historic Riverlands Site
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Experience the rich tapestry of Louisiana's Creole culture at Laura Plantation, where the roots of jazz and blues intertwine with history. Explore the stories of enslaved West Africans and their contributions to music and culture, followed by a captivating journey through the Historic Riverlands, celebrating African American musical heritage.
Visit Laura Plantation (a Creole heritage site) built in 1805 and explore the birth of jazz and blues at the Historic Riverlands site.
Laura Plantation
Laura Plantation was founded to celebrate Louisiana's Creole culture. This Creole plantation was saved in the 1990's to commemorate the site where the West-African folkfales of Compair Lapin and Compair Bouki were first recorded. (These stories are known as the tales of Brer Rabbit in English.)
Between 1808 and 1850, more than 400 enslaved West-Africans lived, toiled and died on this plantation which was also home to several families of European descent and which neighbored Native American villages. All of these groups contributed to the vibrant culture of South Louisiana that gave birth to jazz, gumbo and Mardi Gras.
The Laura Plantation tour lasts approximately 80 minutes.
Lunch in a local restaurant after the first tour. Lunch is not included with the tour. Tour participants may bring their own lunch.
The Laura Plantation tour lasts approximately 80 minutes.
Lunch in a local restaurant after the first tour. Lunch is not included with the tour. Tour participants may bring their own lunch.
Historic Riverlands
The Historic Riverlands site was founded to celebrate the unique history of Saint John The Baptist Parish and the unique contributions of African-Americans to the development of American music and the fight for Civil Rights.
This tour honors the rich and inspiring legacy of African American music, telling the stories behind jazz, zydeco, blues, gospel, soul, R&B, and rock.
Discover how African American music has shaped the sounds we love today in America and worldwide. The Soul River Musical Journey offers a comprehensive and captivating narrative of this rich musical heritage.
This tour lasts approximately 60 min.
Small tour groups of no more that 15 people.
Adventure Tips
Book Early for Small-Group Tours
Groups are limited to 15 people to ensure an intimate experience, so reserve in advance to secure your spot.
Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes
The tour includes walks across historic grounds and museum areas; sturdy shoes make the experience more enjoyable.
Bring Your Own Lunch
Lunch is not included; pack a meal or plan to eat locally between the plantation and Riverlands tours.
Photography Allowed but Respectful
Capture your visit, but be mindful of sensitive historical areas and fellow visitors during the tours.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Wading birds like herons along riverbanks
- American alligators in nearby marshes
History
Laura Plantation was home to over 400 enslaved West Africans whose cultural traditions significantly influenced American music genres including jazz and blues.
Conservation
Tours by Marguerite practices respectful tourism by limiting group sizes and supporting preservation efforts for historic sites and local ecosystems.
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Adventure Hotspots in New Orleans
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Ensures stable footing and comfort while navigating plantation grounds and museums.
Water bottle
Staying hydrated is critical under Louisiana’s summer heat and humidity.
summer specific
Light rain jacket
Protects against spring showers common in the region.
spring specific
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
Shields skin from strong sun exposure during outdoor portions.
summer specific