Destrehan Plantation Haunted Night Tour

If you’re visiting New Orleans and you’re curious about its haunted past and mysterious stories, the Destrehan Plantation Haunted Night Tour might just pique your interest. We’ve looked into this experience to help you decide if it’s worth your time and money. It promises a mixture of history, ghost stories, and a touch of voodoo magic—all under the cloak of night.

What we love about this tour is how it combines educational storytelling with an atmospheric setting — the plantation at night really does add an extra layer of spooky ambiance. Plus, the presence of knowledgeable guides and interactive elements like ghost-hunting devices create a more engaging experience.

One possible consideration is the length and transportation logistics. The tour involves a 30-minute drive to the plantation and about two hours exploring the grounds, which might feel a bit long for those with tight schedules or traveling with very young kids.

This experience is best suited for history buffs, ghost enthusiasts, or anyone looking for a unique, slightly eerie evening activity in New Orleans. It’s also a solid pick if you’re interested in learning about the different cultural influences that have shaped Louisiana’s past.

Key Points

• Unique Nighttime Visit: This is the only tour that visits Destrehan Plantation after dark, creating a memorable atmosphere.
• Rich storytelling: Guides are praised for their knowledge and engaging storytelling, especially about spirits and historical events.
• Interactive elements: Use of ghost-hunting tools and opportunities to take photos enhance the fun.
• Comfortable pickup: Transportation from a central meeting point makes logistics easier, though parking is limited.
• Cultural insights: You’ll learn about the diverse groups that shaped Louisiana’s history, including enslaved Africans, creoles of color, and Native Americans.
• Good reviews: Overall ratings are high, with many travelers highlighting the ambiance and guides as particular highlights.

A Detailed Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Logistics
The tour begins at the Voodoo Tavern and PoBoys on Decatur Street, right in the heart of the French Quarter. This location is convenient, especially if you’re staying nearby or exploring the French Quarter beforehand. The tour includes pickup and drop-off in a comfortable vehicle, which is a plus when it’s dark outside, and you want to avoid late-night wandering or parking hassles. Keep in mind, parking near the meeting spot can be limited, so public transit or ride-sharing might be best options.

The Drive and Atmosphere
The trip to Destrehan takes about 30 minutes, giving you a chance to get into the mood and listen to some local tales from your driver. Several reviews note that the bus driver isn’t the tour guide, which can be a bit confusing—so don’t expect to learn about the plantation during the ride. Still, most guests appreciated the smooth transfer and the scenic drive out of the city.

The Plantation at Night
Arriving at Destrehan after dark is a highlight in itself. Guests have described the grounds as misty and shrouded by live oaks, creating a perfect setting for a spooky evening. One reviewer mentioned, “The ambiance of the plantation at night is amazing,” and many others appreciated the beautiful views and haunting vibe that only nighttime can deliver.

Guided Tour in the Main House
Once inside, a historian or storyteller will guide you into the main house, sharing stories that are as chilling as they are fascinating. You’ll hear about the 1811 slave revolt, with spirits said to still linger, and explore the mysteries surrounding voodoo in South Louisiana. Guests often comment on the guide’s ability to balance history with ghost stories, making the experience both educational and spooky.

Ghosts and Paranormal Activity
Many guests report seeing full-body apparitions or experiencing strange vibes during the tour. The guide may show pictures of ghostly figures captured on phones, which adds a fun and slightly uncanny element. Several reviews mention the ghost-hunting devices, such as energy meters and dowsing rods—these tools make the experience more interactive and fun, especially if you’re curious about paranormal activity.

Ground Exploration and Free Time
After the guided portion, there’s often some free time to wander the grounds, take photos, or just soak in the creepy yet beautiful scenery. Several visitors appreciated this balance of guided storytelling and independent exploration, with many praising the opportunity to ask questions and take pictures.

Duration and Overall Value
The entire experience lasts around 3 hours, including transportation and the tour itself. At $69 per person, most agree it’s a reasonable price considering the depth of storytelling, the ambiance, and the interactive elements. The reviews suggest that if you’re into history, ghost stories, or just looking for a different night activity, you’ll find this tour worthwhile.

What People Are Saying

Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable guides and the eerie atmosphere. One reviewer called Trish “the best tour guide,” noting she was “fun and super knowledgeable.” Others appreciated how the tour brought history to life with detailed stories and photos of ghosts. The setting is described as beautiful and spooky at night, with some saying it’s a “definite must-do” in New Orleans.

However, not everything is perfect. A few reviews point out minor issues like poor communication from the bus driver or limited time at the gift shop — mostly related to timing and logistics. Still, these seem like small inconveniences compared to the overall positive experience.

The Value Perspective

At $69, this tour offers a lot—a well-rounded mix of history, ghost stories, and cultural insights in a striking nighttime setting. The small group size (up to 56 travelers) ensures a more intimate experience, and the ability to take photos and use ghost-hunting tools makes it engaging.

While it’s not a cheap activity, the price is justified by the quality of narration and the unique atmosphere of exploring a historic plantation after dark. If you love stories about spirits or are curious about Louisiana’s diverse cultural past, this tour adds a memorable layer to your trip.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience truly appeals to those who enjoy a mix of history and haunting tales, especially if you’re open to a little spooky fun. It’s perfect for travelers who appreciate storytelling, beautiful settings, and interactive elements. If you’re traveling with older children or teens interested in ghost stories, they’ll probably enjoy it too, but keep in mind that the experience involves walking around uneven grounds and some spooky themes.

It’s best suited for visitors who want a unique evening activity, aren’t too squeamish about ghosts, and are eager to learn about Louisiana’s diverse cultures in a fun, atmospheric way.

The Sum Up

The Destrehan Plantation Haunted Night Tour offers a compelling blend of history, folklore, and paranormal intrigue. Its nighttime setting, engaging guides, and interactive ghost-hunting add a special charm that daytime tours can’t match. For anyone interested in Louisiana’s haunted past or simply looking for a captivating evening activity, this tour provides a memorable experience at a fair price point.

If you’re into history with a touch of spooky, enjoy storytelling, and want to see a beautiful plantation at night, this experience is well worth considering. Just be prepared for the drive and some uneven walking terrain, and you’ll likely walk away with a few ghost stories of your own.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?
It begins at the Voodoo Tavern and PoBoys at 1140 Decatur Street, in the heart of the French Quarter.

Is there parking nearby?
Parking is limited near the meeting point, so it’s best to walk, use public transit, or opt for a ride-share service like Uber or Lyft.

Can I use public transportation to get there?
Yes, the departure location is close to public transit options, including the Ursulines Trolley Station, making it easy to reach.

What should I wear?
Casual attire works perfectly. Since you’ll be walking around uneven ground, wear comfortable shoes.

Can I take photos or videos?
Absolutely, but note that flash photography or videos might be restricted in some locations. Your guide will advise you.

How long is the touring part at Destrehan?
The core tour at the plantation lasts about 2 hours, with additional time for transportation and exploration.

Is this tour family-friendly?
Yes, it’s suitable for guests ages 6 and above, making it a fun and educational activity for older kids and teens interested in history and ghost stories.

If you’re after a spooky night out that mixes history with a ghostly vibe, the Destrehan Plantation Haunted Night Tour just might be the perfect addition to your New Orleans adventure.