Planning a trip to Louisiana and interested in exploring one of the state’s most intriguing sites? The Myrtles Plantation Daytime Historical Tour offers a unique blend of history, architecture, and a touch of mystery. It’s a solid choice for history buffs, architecture fans, and anyone curious about the stories that make this plantation famous.
What really caught our eye about this tour is how accessible it is—offering both guided and self-guided options—and the chance to peek behind the scenes of a property that’s been called one of the most haunted homes in America. Plus, at just $20 per person, it’s quite budget-friendly considering the depth of history and atmosphere you get.
But, a word of caution: some visitors have found the tour a little brief and focused heavily on furniture, while others felt questions about darker aspects like slavery weren’t fully addressed during the guided experience. That might be worth keeping in mind if you’re particularly interested in the more complex or darker stories of the site.
This tour fits well for those who enjoy historic homes, want a relaxed introduction to Louisiana’s antebellum past, or are simply curious about ghost stories and legends. It’s not overly commercialized, and the intimate group size (max 15 travelers) keeps things personal and manageable.
Key Points
- Affordable and accessible: At $20, it offers good value for a 45-minute deep dive into the plantation’s history.
- Flexible tour options: Choose between self-guided or guided, with evening haunted tours also available.
- Rich setting: The plantation’s architecture and surroundings set a scenic, peaceful backdrop by day.
- Authentic guides: Visitors praise knowledgeable and friendly guides, enhancing the experience.
- Historical focus: The daytime tour emphasizes the plantation’s history, architecture, and intrigue.
- Potential limitations: Some reviews highlight that the tour might be brief and focus more on furniture than complex stories.
What to Expect from the Tour
The Myrtles Plantation Daytime Tour offers a look at this historic estate that dates back to 1796. Sitting high on a hill in St. Francisville, Louisiana, the mansion is surrounded by gorgeous live oak trees, which instantly evoke a sense of tranquility and history. The setting alone makes this tour worth considering, even if you aren’t a history buff or ghost enthusiast.
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The Itinerary: What’s Included
The tour lasts about 45 minutes, making it quite manageable whether you’re pressed for time or just want a taste of plantation life. You can opt for a self-guided audio tour or a guided tour led by knowledgeable staff. Both options focus on the history, architecture, and stories of the house and grounds.
The main attraction is the house itself, which has been well preserved and offers insight into antebellum architecture. Expect to walk through rooms filled with period furniture—some visitors found this focus a bit shallow, as one reviewer noted, but it’s still a chance to appreciate the craftsmanship and elegance of the era.
The Surroundings and Grounds
One of the tour’s highlights is the setting. Surrounded by towering live oaks and lush greenery, the grounds provide a peaceful backdrop that’s a stark contrast to the haunted reputation that emerges when the sun sets. The plantation’s location also adds a layer of historical context, giving you a sense of what life was like in Louisiana during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
The Guides and Stories
Visitors frequently mention the guides’ knowledge and friendliness as a major plus. Even if the tour is brief, a good guide can make all the difference, providing insights that bring the house’s stories to life. However, some reviews mention that questions about the darker or more complex aspects—like slavery—are sometimes brushed off or deferred to the evening haunted tours.
An Optional Haunted Experience
For those drawn to ghost stories, the evening haunted house tours on Fridays and Saturdays are available as an upgrade. These are more immersive and focus more on the ghostly legends that have earned the plantation its haunted reputation. Keep in mind, though, that the daytime tour doesn’t cover this mystical element, so if that’s your main interest, you might want to plan accordingly.
Is It Worth the Price?
At $20, this tour is quite reasonable, especially given the intimate group size and the chance to explore both the house and its grounds. You’re paying primarily for the historical insights and the gorgeous setting, rather than a lengthy or overly commercialized experience. It’s a good way to sample Louisiana’s antebellum past without breaking the bank.
While some may find the 45-minute length a little quick, it’s enough time to get a solid overview without feeling overwhelmed. Plus, with the option of a guided or self-guided tour, you can tailor the experience to your preference.
Additional Options: Transportation and Extras
If you’re staying in Baton Rouge, you can upgrade to include transportation, making this a convenient day trip. There’s also a gift shop and on-site restaurant and coffee shop where you can grab a snack or souvenir after your visit.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This experience works well for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, or anyone curious about Louisiana’s antebellum era. It’s also suitable for those interested in ghost stories, especially if you plan to join the evening haunted tours.
If you’re short on time but want a meaningful taste of Louisiana’s plantation heritage, this tour fits the bill. However, if you’re looking for a lengthy or deeply layered exploration of plantation life—including the darker aspects—you might find it somewhat limited.
Final Thoughts
The Myrtles Plantation Daytime Historical Tour offers a charming, accessible window into Louisiana’s past, wrapped in a beautiful setting. The knowledgeable guides and variety of tour options make it a flexible choice for many travelers. While the experience is relatively brief and sometimes focuses more on furnishings than complex history, it still provides an engaging introduction to one of America’s most historic homes.
This tour is particularly good for those who want a straightforward, reasonably priced way to experience antebellum architecture and history without the heavy commitment of longer tours. For ghost enthusiasts, the evening haunted tour might be the better pick, but the daytime experience remains a solid, informative visit.
Myrtles Plantation Daytime Historical Tour
“The tour guide was very knowledgeable and very friendly. It was very interesting! I do wish however that I had gone on the evening tour.”
FAQ About the Myrtles Plantation Daytime Tour
Is the tour suitable for children?
While the tour is family-friendly, the focus is mainly on history and architecture. Keep in mind that some stories or questions about slavery might not be fully addressed during the daytime tour.
How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 45 minutes, making it easy to fit into a day of sightseeing.
Can I do the tour on my own?
Yes, you can choose the self-guided audio tour option, which allows you to explore at your own pace.
Are there guided tours available?
Absolutely, and visitors have praised the guides’ knowledge and friendliness, enhancing the experience.
What’s included in the price?
The ticket includes the guided or self-guided tour of the house and grounds, as well as access to the gift shop.
Are food and drinks available?
Yes, there are options available for purchase at the on-site restaurant and coffee shop.
Is transportation included?
Transportation from Baton Rouge can be added as an upgrade if you prefer not to drive yourself.
Are evening haunted tours an option?
Yes, you can upgrade to join the Friday or Saturday evening haunted house tours for a spooky twist.
What if I want a more detailed or darker history?
The daytime tour tends to focus more on architecture and lighter stories. For darker or more complex history, the evening haunted tours or other experiences might be better.
Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time, allowing for flexible planning.
If you’re into historic homes, enjoy a peaceful scenic setting, and are curious about ghost stories, the Myrtles Plantation Daytime Tour can be a worthwhile addition to your Louisiana trip. Just keep in mind its limited depth on some darker topics if that’s what really interests you.
