Felicity Plantation Tour

Exploring Louisiana’s Past at the Felicity Plantation Tour: An Honest Review

If you’re considering a visit to one of Louisiana’s historic sugarcane plantations, the Felicity Plantation Tour offers a compelling glimpse into the region’s complex past. While I haven’t personally experienced this tour, I’ve gathered enough details to give you a practical overview of what it’s like and whether it might fit into your travel plans.

What really draws us to experiences like this are the expert guides who bring the stories to life and the chance to see authentic historic sites that aren’t just cookie-cutter tourist spots. The fact that Felicity has been featured in major productions like 12 Years a Slave and Mudbound adds a layer of cultural significance that’s hard to ignore.

That said, it’s worth mentioning that at $24 per person, this isn’t the cheapest option out there, especially considering there’s an additional fee for the optional guided tour of nearby St. Joseph Plantation. Still, if you’re into history, architecture, or film locations, it’s a solid value. This tour would suit anyone interested in Louisiana’s complicated history, architecture buffs, or those wanting a more meaningful experience rather than just sightseeing.

Key Points

• Affordable yet Insightful: The main guided tour costs $24, offering a budget-friendly entry into Louisiana’s plantation past.
• Expert Guides: Deeply rooted local guides enhance the experience with authentic stories.
• Historic & Cultural Value: Includes a well-preserved plantation house, cabins, and notable filming locations.
• Flexible Options: Self-guided grounds tours are included, and an optional guided tour of St. Joseph Plantation is available for an extra fee.
• Short but Meaningful: The tour lasts about 1.5 hours, making it easy to include in a day’s itinerary.
• Weather Dependent: The experience is impacted by weather — cancellations are fully refundable if poorly timed.

What to Expect from the Felicity Plantation Tour

A Warm Welcome at the Meeting Point

Your adventure begins at 3351 LA-18 in Vacherie, where you’ll redeem your tickets. The location is straightforward, and service animals are allowed, making it accessible for some travelers with specific needs.

The Heart of the Experience: The Felicity House Tour

The highlight of this experience is the guided walk through Felicity House, a beautiful building constructed in the 1840s along the mighty Mississippi River. Here, the guides do a good job of framing the history of the house, its owners, and the lives of the enslaved people who toiled on this land. While the tour isn’t overly long, it’s packed with insightful commentary that helps you understand the social fabric of the era.

Travelers are often struck by the preservation of the house and the grounds, which lend an authentic sense of stepping back in time. Watching the rooms and wandering through the historic grounds, you get a tangible sense of Louisiana’s antebellum architecture and the stories that buildings hold.

Visiting the Historic Cabins

Outside, you’ll find cabins that reflect the realities of plantation life for enslaved individuals. These structures are preserved, providing a stark visual reminder of the hardships endured. Though it’s a somber part of the tour, it’s a crucial element that underscores the importance of confronting this difficult history.

Famous Film Locations and Their Stories

One unique feature of the Felicity Plantation is its role as a filming location. The site has appeared in notable productions like 12 Years a Slave, Roots, Mudbound, and Underground. Guides often point out specific spots where scenes were filmed, adding a layer of pop culture relevance to the visit. If you’re a film buff, this part can be especially engaging.

Grounds and Additional Viewing

The self-guided grounds tour allows visitors to explore additional historic buildings, cabins, and scenic areas at their own pace. Though not included in the main tour fee, it’s a great way to extend your visit if you have extra time or want more context.

The Optional St. Joseph Plantation Tour

For those craving a broader picture, there’s an additional guided tour of St. Joseph Plantation available for $22. This separate experience digs even deeper into the area’s plantation history, but it’s not included in the base price. If you’re interested in a more comprehensive understanding, it’s worth considering.

The Value of the Experience

At just $24, the Felicity Plantation Tour is quite accessible, especially considering the depth of stories and sights you’ll see. The guided tour adds a lot of value because the guides are local, knowledgeable, and passionate—these are the folks who truly bring the history alive.

While the tour lasts about 1.5 hours, the self-guided grounds exploration lets you linger longer if you wish. The inclusion of historic cabins and filming locations makes this experience stand out from more generic plantation visits. It’s not just about architecture; it’s about understanding the people who lived and worked here, including the enslaved laborers whose stories are essential to Louisiana’s history.

The downside? The tour is weather-dependent. Poor weather can lead to cancellations, though you’ll be refunded if that happens. Plus, if you’re particularly interested in the full scope of the plantation’s history, including the lives of enslaved people, be prepared that this might be just a starting point rather than a comprehensive deep dive.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a thoughtful, well-rounded look at Louisiana’s plantation era without feeling overwhelmed. History buffs, film enthusiasts, and architecture lovers will find plenty to appreciate here. It’s also suitable for those who prefer guided experiences over self-led wandering, as the guides are praised for their local knowledge.

If you’re traveling with a serious interest in understanding the social and cultural context of the South’s history, this tour offers a respectful, educational experience. However, if you want a detailed, in-depth exploration of slavery or the full plantation system, this may be more of an overview than a comprehensive study.

The Sum Up

The Felicity Plantation Tour offers a worthwhile, inexpensive way to see and learn about Louisiana’s plantation past. With a knowledgeable guide, the chance to explore historic buildings and filming locations, and the flexibility of self-guided grounds, it provides a balanced experience that educates and captivates.

While it’s not a lengthy tour, its meaningful stories and authentic setting make it a good choice for curious travelers who want to understand the region’s history beyond surface-level sightseeing. It’s especially well-suited for those interested in Louisiana’s architecture, film history, or wanting a respectful look into a painful chapter of American history.

If you’re seeking a tour that’s accessible, well-organized, and rich in storytelling, Felicity Plantation is worth considering. Just keep an eye on the weather forecast and consider adding the St. Joseph Plantation guided tour if you want a broader perspective.

FAQ

Is the Felicity Plantation Tour suitable for children?
While most travelers can participate, the tour covers serious historical topics, including slavery, which may be sensitive for younger children.

How long does the guided house tour last?
The main tour lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, including guided house exploration and grounds viewing.

What is included in the tour price?
Your ticket includes the guided tour of Felicity Plantation, a self-guided grounds tour, and access to the grounds of St. Joseph Plantation.

Can I cancel the tour if the weather is bad?
Yes, the experience is weather-dependent, and cancellations due to poor weather are fully refundable if done at least 24 hours in advance.

Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted.

What’s the additional cost for the St. Joseph guided tour?
It costs $22 per person and is a separate experience from the main Felicity tour.

Is there parking available at the meeting point?
While the data doesn’t specify, the meeting point at LA-18 suggests reasonable accessibility by car.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 6 days ahead, but it’s wise to reserve as early as possible during peak seasons.

How accessible is the tour for people with mobility issues?
The information doesn’t specify, so it’s best to contact the provider for details if accessibility is a concern.

What’s the best way to prepare for the tour?
Bring comfortable shoes for walking, a camera if you want photos, and an open mind to learn about a complex part of American history.

If you’re after a respectful and engaging introduction to Louisiana’s plantation past, the Felicity Plantation Tour strikes a balance between education and sightseeing. It’s a thoughtful stop that can deepen your understanding of this layered history.