Whitney Plantation

About this activity

What's incredibly unique about The Whitney Plantation is that it hasn't been open to the public for long. Until 2014, its 262 year history was kept private, but now through tours, you can visit this very special historic attraction in Louisiana

The Whitney Plantation is the only plantation museum in the entire state of Louisiana to have a focus on slavery. It's an eye opening experience as you make your way around the historic property.

The museum exhibits, as well as memorial artwork and beautifully restored historic buildings, offer a unique perspective on the lives of Louisiana's enslaved people. Hundreds of first-person slave narratives add an extra layer of story telling to your journey.

The only way to experience The Whitney Plantation is via a guided tour. During your visit, you will be taken to a number of the key buildings and sites on the property.

The Big House is a focal point, with this French Creole style cottage dating back to the late 18th century. In fact, it's one of the best preserved Creole plantation houses standing on River Road.

You can see the oldest detached kitchen in Louisiana on your tour (pretty amazing to think about!), with this late 18th century, as well as the last surviving French Creole Barn in the entire nation!

There's a blacksmith shop fully equipped with tools of that era so you can really gain an understanding of what life was like all those years ago, and then you experience the sobering slave cabins.

Whitney Plantation used to have 22 slave cabins, but many were torn down, so with just 7 standing today on the site (2 of them are original), you can really sense first hand what life would have been like as an enslaved person.

It's an invaluable lesson for the kids to experience.

A fascinating, moving and highly recommended plantation experience in Louisiana, Whitney Plantation is truly one of the most interesting in the region.