houmas house garden tour

• Destinations

Travel Videos

• Statewide Attractions
• Attractions
• Things To Do
• Festivals & Events
• Browse Brochures
• Shopping Cart

Travel Guides

Other Destinations and Travel Brochures you may be interested in that are nearby your selection:

Houmas House Plantation & Gardens

Houmas house plantation & gardens.

Houmas House Plantation & Gardens exhibits the past and present lifestyles  of a wealthy Sugar Baron and known as the “Crown Jewel of the River Road”. The first owners of the plantation were the indigenous Houmas Indians, who were given a land grant to occupy the fertile plain between the Mississippi and Lake Maurepas to the north.  The Houmas sold the land to Maurice Conway and Alexander Latil in the mid 1700's.  The original French Provincial house that Latil erected on the property is situated directly behind the Mansion, adjoined by a carriageway to the grand home.  By the time of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, the plantation was established and producing sugar. In addition to the Mansion and Gardens, history is also reflected in the many antique furnishings and works of art that grace the Houmas House tour. Distinguished by its two Garconierre, the Mansion exudes the warmth of a home (it's the owner's active residence), while proudly portraying its role as a landmark in American history. Houmas House is so much more than just a tour of a grand antebellum estate. Experience the southern splendor of "The Sugar Palace" when you step into 16 rooms filled with period antiques and Louisiana artwork.Stay all day and enjoy 38 lush acres of gardens, ponds and a majestic live oak alley. Relax with a refreshing mint julep, enjoy the breeze off the Mississippi River at your own pace and experience the South the way it was meant to be as a welcomed guest. While visiting, make time to dine in one of the award winning restaurants.  A casual lunch atmosphere is available for day visitors and fine dining available for evening.  Either way, you’ll enjoy local Cajun and Creole cuisine with a twist.  Also offers, meetings facilities, lavish Weddings, Bed & breakfast and a large Gift Shop which offers a wide selection of unique items.  

Video Modal

Travel Destinations

Houmas House Plantation & Gardens Slideshow

Plantation Parade

View Houmas House Plantation & Gardens Slideshow

• Complimentary Planning Assistance
• Destination Wedding Guide Digital Copy
• Elopement Packages
• Marriage License & Legal Essentials
• Welcome Bag Ideas
• Second Lines
• The History of Wedding Umbrellas and More in New Orleans
• Wedding Cake Pulls
• Destination Wedding Guide Printed Copy
• Wedding Inspiration
• Wedding and Event Planners
• Photographers & Videographers
• Transportation
• Beauty, Hair & Makeup
• Spas, Health & Wellness
• Cakes & Bakeries
• Entertainment
• Engagement Photos in New Orleans
• Bridal Shower & Brunch
• Joint Bachelor/ Bachelorette Parties
• Bachelor Parties
• The Ultimate New Orleans Bachelorette Party Guide
• Honeymooning
• LGBTQ Bachelor / Bachelorette Party Itinerary
• Walkable Downtown
• Corporate Group Incentive
• LGBTQ New Orleans
• Convention Center
• Caesars Superdome
• Smoothie King Center
• Special Events Venues
• Hotels with Meeting Space
• Venue Search
• Custom Maps
• Services Directory
• Convention Services Request
• Exhibitor Services Request
• Custom Post Cards & Save the Date
• New Orleans Print Materials Request
• Visitor Guide Request
• Corporate Social Responsibility & Donations
• Emergency Planning
• Meeting Planner Guide
• Transportation Directory
• Transportation & Getting Around
• Promotional Videos & Images
• Stats and facts
• Free Things To Do
• Talk like a New Orleanian
• Local Outreach
• Social Media Resources
• Marketing e-Templates & Ads
• Convention Calendar
• Testimonials
• Submit Your Request for Proposal (RFP)
• Availability Grid
• Coupons Deals
• Group Transportation
• Assistance Request
• Bulk Brochure Request
• Photos & Videos
• Microsite Request
• Itineraries
• Performance Venues
• Motorcoach/Group Transportation
• Educational Opportunities
• Student Itineraries
• voluntourism
• Class Reunions
• Venue & Services
• Hotel Assistance
• Promote Your Reunion
• Family Reunions
• Military Reunions
• Regulations and Maps
• Motorcoach Parking
• Tax Free Shopping
• International Travel Tips
• Consulates in New Orleans
• Maps & Transportation
• Advisor VIP Pass
• Brochure Request
• Photos/Videos
• Cruise Coupons
• Pre-Post Packages
• General Coupons
• Voluntourism
• Group Travel Planner Guide
• Travel Advisor Certification
• International Groups
• Group Travel
• Cruise Lines
• Meet the Team
• Did You Know | New Orleans Facts
• Member Benefits
• Maximize Your Membership
• Application NOT USED
• Membership Policies
• Member Directory
• Company Stats & Facts
• Event Photos
• Member Anniversaries
• New Members
• Member Login
• Media Assistance Request
• What's New in New Orleans
• New Orleans Awards & Accolades
• Image Library
• B-roll Assets
• New Orleans & Company Press Releases
• Hospitality Industry Press Releases
• Image / Video Request
• Communications & PR Contacts

• New Orleans Festivals And Events
• French Quarter
• A Guide to New Orleans Nightlife
• Attractions
• Cultural Arts
• Mystical/Haunted New Orleans
• Family-friendly Guide to New Orleans
• Multicultural
• Recreation & Outdoors
• Architecture
• Find Restaurants
• Where to Eat
• Traditional Foods
• Top Chefs In New Orleans
• Restaurant Deals
• Love To Eat Video Series
• Find a Place to Drink
• Where to Drink
• Classic New Orleans Cocktails
• Book a New Orleans Hotel
• Hotel Directory
• Bed And Breakfasts: Hotels - New Orleans & Company
• Saint Charles Avenue Hotels
• Luxury Hotels
• Garden District Hotels
• French Quarter Hotels and Lodging
• Downtown/Central Business District Hotels and Lodging
• Bourbon Street Hotels
• Green Hotels
• Bourbon Street Balcony Hotels - New Orleans & Company
• Haunted Hotels in New Orleans
• Pet-Friendly Hotels
• Historic Hotels
• Upcoming Events
• Ultimate New Orleans Event Calendar
• New Orleans LIVE Music Calendar
• Submit an Event
• Major Events and Festivals in New Orleans
• New Orleans Neighborhood Guide
• Streets to Visit
• Request a Guide
• Deals & Coupons
• Essential New Orleans Three-Day Itinerary
• Bleisure Itinerary
• Monthly Newsletter
• Insider's Blog
• Virtual Tour
• Accessibility
• New Orleans Artist Database
• LOVENOLA.TV 24/7 Broadcast

Houmas House and Gardens

• 40136 Hwy. 942, River Road, Darrow, LA 70725 ( Directions ) | P: (225) 473-9380 | F: (225) 473-7891
• 40136 Hwy. 942, River Road, Darrow, LA 70725 ( Directions ) P: (225) 473-9380 F: (225) 473-7891
• 40136 Hwy. 942, River Road Darrow, LA 70725 ( Directions ) P: (225) 473-9380 F: (225) 473-7891
• Visit Website •
• Neighborhood: Outside Metro Area

Daily 9am-7pm

• Plantations
• Reception Venues
• Ceremony Venues

A unique antebellum experience. The Crown Jewel of Louisiana's River Road features antiques and Louisiana artwork, three award-winning restaurants, gardens, ponds and oaks. Daily tours, 9am-7pm. Available for events.

• Main Gallery

• Convention Center:
• SuperDome/Arena:
• French Quarter:

• Trip Advisor
• Things to Do
• Trip Planning Tools
• Meeting Planners
• Travel Professionals
• Press and Media
• Privacy Policy
• Site Search
• Doing Business in New Orleans
• About NewOrleans.com
• Report Fraud
• Accessibility Options

Sign up for special tips, offers, and info about all the latest happenings around NOLA with our monthly Insider’s Guide, delivered right to your inbox.

This website uses cookies to improve your browsing experience and analyze the use of the website. Learn More

Houmas House Plantation Tickets, Tours and Reviews

This post is a review of Houmas Plantation with info on tickets and tours.

• Tour Highlights
• NOLA Plantation Tours

Considered the “ Crown Jewel ” of Louisiana’s River Road, Houmas House features 8 buildings and one main structure across 38 acres of land.

The plantation was first established in the 1700s just outside Burnside Louisiana and was originally inhabited by indigenous Houmas Indians.

Notably referred to as “The Sugar Palace”, at its peak the plantation produced a monumental 20 million pounds of sugar each year. There is even a tour that starts from New Orleans .  

After a restoration of the main house and other structures in the 1940s, the property was - and continues to be - used for filming countless movies, television series, and commercials.

The first was in 1964 for Bette Davis’s hit, “Hush… Hush, Sweet Charlotte." 

Movies, TV Shows, and Commercials Filmed Here:

• Hush, Hush Sweet Charlotte, 1964 
• Longstreet, 1971-72
• Moon of the Wolf, 1972
• Mandingo, 1975
• A Closer Walk, 1976
• Big Bob Johnson and His Fantastic Speed Circus, 1978
• A Woman Called Moses, 1979
• All My Children, 1981
• Fletch Lives, 1988
• Snow Wonder, 2006
• K’ville, 2007
• Top Chef, 2009 
• Revenge of the Bridesmaids, 2010
• Love, Marriage, Wedding, 2010
• Wheel of Fortune, 2011
• Budweiser, Virginia Slims, Best Buy, Hibernia Bank commercials

Additional details can be found on the Houmas House Plantation website .

Without Transportation

• $24 – Adults (18 & older)
• $15 – Teens (13 – 17)
• $10 – Children (6 – 12) (children under 6 are free)
• $15 – Adults (18 +) (Garden Tour only)
• $10 – Children (6 – 17) (Garden Tour only)

You can find tickets with the tour included here .

Operating Hours and Tour Times

Tours of Houmas House run daily on the hour and ½ hour mark. 

• Sunday - Monday from 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
• First Tour Starts at 9:30 am
• Last Tour Starts at 7:00 pm

How to Get to Houmas House

Located between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, Houmas is at 40136 Louisiana Highway 942, Darrow, Louisiana .

If you are unable to provide your own transportation the Houmas House staff usually offers the tour with round-trip transit from New Orleans . 

Be prepared to spend between $40 - $60 for this service (in addition to the cost of your tour ticket).

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

This section gives a preview of some features you'll see on a tour of Houmas House.

The Gardens

Houmas House features 5 courtyards over a span of 38 acres that feature varying, stunning plant life all year round.

While the fall is widely considered the best time to visit due to its ideal temperature, each season has something special to offer.

Decorations can be seen throughout during holidays like Christmas and Halloween.

There are plenty of sitting areas to allow visitors to relax and take in the natural beauty of this Louisiana experience.

The House/Architecture

Tour the inside of the main house and marvel in the glory of its 16 rooms. There are antique furnishings and artwork throughout that give perspective to the history of the home.

Your guide will then lead you outside to the many other structures that grace the land.

Here you’ll gain real perspective of the different architectural styles that the plantation has undergone based on its varying owners.

Café Burnside

One of the “Top 20 Restaurants in America,” Café Burnside features a laidback, southern menu. This optional on-site stop is considered a must-do while visiting the plantation.

Back to top

RELATED POSTS:

• Tourist Attraction Discount Passes
• Where to Store Your Luggage
• Things to Do in New Orleans
• Best Plantation Tours

Choose a Destination... I want them all PLUS general travel tips. Amsterdam Berlin Boston Charleston Chicago Dubai Lisbon London Los Angeles Miami Nashville New York City New Orleans Paris Philadelphia Prague Rome San Francisco Washington DC

About The Author

Sarah Hester

North america, united kingdom & ireland, middle east & india, asia & oceania.

Tucked away in the little town of Darrow, Louisiana is a gem of a place called The Houmas House Plantation and Gardens. Known as the “crown jewel of Louisiana’s river road” it is a property that is steeped in historical significance, and has ben restored to reflect the splendor that Southern Plantation homes have long been associated with. Taking a tour of the Houmas House Plantation while walking through this fairy tale setting with my dog at my side and an ice cold drink in my hand was absolutely blissful.

The Houmas House Plantation and Gardens is a property that has roots that go back beyond the Louisiana Purchase and to the Houmas Indians that originally settled this area along the banks of the mighty Mississippi River. Over the course of several hundred years, the property operated as a sugar plantation and changed ownership several times. Sadly though, the sugar industry eventually collapsed, as did the plantation. The plantation and surrounding area hit a low point after a massive flood struck and then was followed by the Great Depression.

The property was purchased in the mid-forties and restored to be used as a summer home by a private owner and eventually became open to tourists. The Houmas House was also featured in the Bette Davis film “Hush, Hush Sweet Charlotte” in the 1960’s  and still has a room dedicated to the occasion. In 2003 the property came under it’s current ownership, and has since been restored to it’s full glory. Interestingly the house is not only a historic landmark, but also the home of proprietor Kevin Kelly. Because of this, the plantation has a few differences that make it incredibly unique.

Because the Houmas House Plantation serves as its owner’s primary residence, it’s home to not only Mr. Kelly but also, his family of lovable Labradors. The matriarch of the dog family is Queen Grace Kelly. She has her title after being crowned queen by the visiting Miss USA Pageant in 2014. Kevin Kelly is such a lover of animals that the property is open to not only dogs, but well behaved animals of all types.

If you’re lucky, you might grab a glimpse of the Queen during your visit to the property as well. She’s always happy to pose for a picture in exchange for love and pets.

Touring the Interior of the Houmas House Plantation

Because of the house’s various owners and restorations, it’s not currently restored to one specific period, but rather furnished and restored to reflect several different time periods that were significant to its history. All of the tours through the house are led by a guide, dressed to reflect the era.

The interior of the home is lavishly appointed and features an impressive collection of furnishings as well as quite a few antiques.

The tour of the Houmas House Plantation also includes access to Mr. Kelly’s private quarters as well as the room that Bette Davis stayed in during her movie filming.

Touring the Gardens at the Houmas House Plantation

The property’s 38 acres have been restored as part of the formal grounds of the mansion and surrounding plantation. The gardens can be roamed freely and feature fantastic displays that are designed to highlight all four seasons. It’s easy to spend time just wandering through the gardens taking it all in, or lounging in one of its many sitting areas.

Dining at the Houmas House Plantation

Unlike most historical homes and plantations, Houmas House Plantation was designed to be more than just a tour. The property is home to several different restaurants. They offer everything from simple cafe fare to fine dining. We ate at the Le Petite Houmas Restaurant, which is open on Sundays for a lovely brunch. The dining area was warm, welcoming, and quite well appointed.

The food however, was the star of the show. With a menu constructed by Chef Jeremy Langlois everything is prepared in house and from scratch. Our meal consisted of traditional southern Louisiana cuisine with a twist. We dined on Seafood Crepes, Fried Eggplant covered in lump crab, and a delectable Crab Cake. The dessert was just as delicious with a delectable creme brulee and a bread pudding that can only be described as divine.

The Houmas House Plantation was a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon. The property has so much to offer visitors it’s easy to spend 3 -4 hours just taking everything in. On top of the tour you can also reserve the property for weddings and special events and they recently opened an Inn that allows visitors to enjoy overnight visits.

You can easily take a tour of the Houmas House Plantation from either New Orleans or Baton Rouge area as it’s only an hour West of NOLA and about 30 minutes South of Baton Rouge.

Details for Houmas House Plantation and Gardens

We’d be honored if you would subscribe to our newsletter or connect with us via social media on Facebook , twitter , +Kenin , tumblr , Pinterest , and YouTube !

Share this:, 2 thoughts on “ taking a tour of the houmas house plantation and gardens ”.

Gorgeous house – and the food? Probably worth the trip just to eat there!

Wow, looks exciting to visit! I have to agree that the food might be worth visiting by itself too! Cute picture of Grace!

Comments are closed.

Everything you need to know about the Houma House Plantation near New Orleans

Nestled amidst the lush landscapes of Louisiana, the Houmas House Plantation stands as a testament to the region’s rich history and grandeur.

The Houmas House has elegant architecture, captivating gardens, and a wealth of attractions, a visit to this enchanting estate offers an immersive journey into the past.

Here’s everything you need to know about Houmas House Plantation.

Disclaimer : We were hosted at the Houmas House but all opinions are our own.

Our Experience at Houma House

My wife and I visited the New Orleans area for our 12 year wedding anniversary and we ended our anniversary adventure at the Houmas House.

Upon arriving at the Houma House we were immediately impressed with the gardens and everything that the Houmas House had to offer.

After a brief look around we checked into one of the cottages on the property of the Houmas House. The cottages here are luxurious and cozy.

After we got all settled in we went for a stroll through the gardens. They are vast and beautiful. It was amazing to see so many different garden areas with a variety of sculptures, water features, plants and historic artifacts.

Some of our favorite parts were the oriental gardens and the sculptures gardens.

After some garden exploring we ate dinner at the Carriage House.

The Carriage House offers fine dining on the property in a beautiful room filled with historical artifacts and decor.

The food was delicious, they offer a mix of New Orleans style food, seafood and more.

We enjoyed our meal, the staff and the ambiance of the restaurant.

After dinner we did more garden exploring and got to do the guided tour through the Mansion.

The Mansion was stunning and filled with so much history. The rooms provided a variety of artifacts across many decades and many styles. Each room was amazing to explore and our guide knew so much about everything.

She did a wonderful job sharing all the history and answering all the questions we had.

After the amazing tour we enjoyed a sunset stroll through the gardens. The Gardens truly are stunning and cover such a vast area. Be sure to plan time to explore them thoroughly.

As the sun started to set we returned to our cozy cottage for some much needed rest.

The next morning we started our our day with breakfast at the Dixie Cafe.

The Dixie Cafe offers a delicious breakfast buffet. We loved the food and the variety of options they offered.

After breakfast we toured the Great River Steamboat Museum.

This Museum is outstanding. The museum provides historical information about life on the Mississippi. The displays were impressive and so well maintained.

The museum has so much to see and learn about be sure to plan to spend a few hours to be able to see everything.

After our museum visit we packed up and took a view of the river before hitting the road home.

Overall we were very impressed with the Houmas House and cannot wait to visit again someday.

FAQ for Houma House

Location: 40136 LA-942, Darrow, Louisiana, USA

Opening Hours: Houmas House Plantation is open daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Tour Times:

• Mansion Tours are offered every 15 minutes and typically last about an hour.
• Garden Tours are available daily at 10:30 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:30 PM, and 3:00 PM.

Cottages at Houmas House:

For those seeking a truly immersive experience, Houmas House offers luxurious cottages for overnight stays. Nestled within the lush gardens, these cottages provide a tranquil escape and a chance to experience the Southern charm of the plantation after hours.

The Museum:

A Glimpse into History: The Houmas House Museum offers a captivating journey through time, immersing visitors in the history and culture of the region. Discover artifacts, documents, and memorabilia that shed light on the lives of the plantation’s former inhabitants, as well as the legacy of those who worked the land.

Dining Experiences: Houmas House Plantation boasts not one, but two, remarkable dining establishments:

• Dixie Cafe: A casual dining experience offering delicious Southern fare. Enjoy a leisurely meal overlooking the beautiful gardens.
• The Carriage House Restaurant: For a more refined dining experience, The Carriage House offers elegant Southern cuisine in a charming setting. It’s perfect for special occasions or simply indulging in culinary delights.

Captivating Gardens:

The gardens at Houmas House are a true feast for the senses. From the stunning collection of azaleas and camellias to the tranquil koi ponds and fountains, the gardens offer a serene escape into nature’s beauty. The lush flora and meticulously designed landscapes create a picturesque setting that is ideal for leisurely strolls and quiet contemplation.

Guided Tours:

Guided tours of the mansion and gardens provide a comprehensive and informative experience. Expert guides share stories of the plantation’s history, architecture, and the lives of the people who once lived and worked there. These tours offer a deeper understanding of the plantation’s significance and its place in Louisiana’s cultural tapestry.

Special Events and Weddings: Houmas House Plantation is also a sought-after venue for special events and weddings. The grandeur of the estate, combined with its picturesque surroundings, makes it a perfect setting for unforgettable celebrations.

Houmas House Prices and Costs:

There are a variety of tour / museum packages and combos.

You can see the latest prices on their official tour page here.

In Conclusion: Houmas House Plantation offers a one of a kind experience that transports visitors back into Louisiana History.

With its historic mansion, enchanting gardens, educational museum, delightful dining options, and even the opportunity to stay overnight, it’s a destination that caters to a wide range of interests.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, a food connoisseur, or simply seeking an escape from the ordinary, Houmas House Plantation promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Louisiana’s heritage.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and site URL in my browser for next time I post a comment.

CAPTCHA Code *

Sign me up for the newsletter!

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Southern Hospitality

Adventures in Decorating, Thrifting, Cooking, Fashion & Gardening

Houmas House & Garden Tour in LA: Part 2 The House

March 12, 2023 By Rhoda 6 Comments

Tour Houmas House and Gardens, one of the many sugar cane plantations that dot the Mississippi River in Louisiana. It’s like stepping back in time to antebellum times. Today we will visit the inside of the house, which is filled with period antiques and memorabilia. 

Sitting on a curve of the Mississippi River, the Houmas House and Gardens dates back 240 years. This iconic sugar cane plantation has seen a lot of history over the years, so join me on this tour of this stunning Classical Revival house that is still there on the grounds. The plantation is left with 38 acres, down from the hundreds of acres that it started with. The Sugar Cane barons of the 18th century lived along the river and there were hundreds of plantations. The Houmas House is named after the Houmas indians who were natives of the area back in the 1700’s, when this land was settled. You can read all about the history of Houmas House  on the History page of their website.

If you missed Part 1 of the Houmas House & Gardens, be sure and click over to tour the garden tour of this magnificent plantation home.

About the Houmas House

As I mentioned last week, the well-known movie, Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte, had many scenes filmed at the house. I had never seen the movie, so we watched it that night when we got back to my sister’s house. It was scary and we all enjoyed it and seeing the exterior of the plantation in the movie. We also watched Whatever Happened to Baby Jane and Strait Jacket while we were visiting and they were all good. I had never seen any of those. The knew how to use a scare factor in those old movies! You can see all the movies & TV shows filmed here which is really interesting.

About the house, from the website, the original French cottage was built in the 1700’s and later on a new center hall cottage was built in front of the 1700’s house, which was then the original Donaldson Cottage was renovated and turned into the Classical Revival Mansion that stands today. There’s a lot of history on these grounds. I also shared the slavery story on Part 1 of the home and garden tour, so be sure and read that and follow the links for the story on that subject.

From the website: It was during the 1890’s that the Miles Family enlarged the mansion by connecting the 1829 mansion to the French House, to the rear. The carriageway was created between the two buildings and two additional bedrooms and a center hall were added to the 2nd floor of the mansion. 

Houmas House has an Inn on the grounds, as well as 3 restaurants you can choose from. I read that events and weddings are held here and I can see why. The beauty of the grounds is remarkable.

Current Look at Houmas House

The house has been through many renovations over it’s 250 year history on this property and the inside has been meticulously perfected with beautiful antiques and artifacts of the age. The house definitely looks the part of a Southern plantation.

As I mentioned in Part 1, the current owner is New Orleans businessman, Kevin Kelly, who purchased and did an extensive renovation to the home and gardens in 2003, when it was then opened again to the public for tours. The home owner still lives here, but allows tours of the home.

Stepping inside the entry hall, you get a good look at the expansiveness of this beautiful plantation home.

The walls have a hand painted mural depicting sugar cane fields, appropriate for this home of a Sugar Baron.

Look at this stunning ceiling mural.

This old map was found in the house and framed for display.

Our tour guide was very informative, sharing life on the plantation in the house, sharing stories of many of the things seen around the home. We really enjoyed this one hour tour of the house.

Notice the piano music sitting on the piano.

Billiard room

I do not recall all the things we heard on the tour about the inside of the house, but you can enjoy all the beautiful pics and read more on the website I’ve linked above. The pictures are very enjoyable to look at.

Upstairs hallway

A unique book table.

Bette Davis memorabilia is in this room, where she is said to have stayed during the filming of Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte.

Upstairs wrap around porch of the estate home. You can see the oak alley from here.

The house houses a lot of old and interesting antique pieces, like this old horse tricycle.

An early baby walker, so pretty.

And an antique high chair.

Photo of the original oak alley at Houmas House. Back then it went almost to the river and there was no levee of course.

Map of the plantation houses along the river.

Beautiful old shutters on the upstairs porch.

It was a beautiful day to tour.

What is left of the oak alley, it’s still beautiful.

This part of the tour was the original 1700’s French house that was later connected to the big house.

Restaurants at Houmas House

This is the Latil’s Landing Restaurant (dinner only, fine dining), which is one of 3 restaurants on the grounds. This one is a really upscale fine dining experience, which would be really fun. The other 2 restaurants are the Dixie Cafe (Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, buffet available) and The Carriage House Restaurant, open for Lunch and Dinner.. It’s a wonderful place for a day outing or overnight experience at the Inn.

You can see the carriageway here added on in the 1890’s to connect the original French cottage to the main house. It’s so picturesque and pretty. Just look at those huge green arched doors. Horses and carriages were brought in here to deliver guests.

This part of the original 1700’s home and just off the carriageway, housed a lot of historic kitchen memorabilia.

The grounds have been updated and really make a gorgeous backdrop to this magnificent house.

The buildings all have functions in running this huge estate as event and wedding venues, as well as the restaurants.

We had lunch at the Dixie Cafe and enjoyed it. It’s in the building where the museum is located.

Turkey panini with sweet potato fries.

There’s a multi-level pedestrian bridge (which I didn’t get a pic of) that brings you up and over the road so that guests can see the Mississippi River over the levee. This is looking back at the house through the trees.

And on top of the levee looking at the grand old Mississippi River.

What a lot of history housed in this beautiful historic plantation home. We sure did enjoy our visit and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys historic homes, architecture and gardens. This was a beautiful piece of history to take in! I hope you enjoyed going on the tour with us.

Reader Interactions

March 12, 2023 at 10:05 am

Thanks for sharing! Beautiful pictures. Now I am ready to return!

March 12, 2023 at 10:55 am

So beautiful! Can’t imagine the number of people it takes to keep it in shape and operating, from gardeners to restaurant staff, etc. We toured Rosalie, in Natchez, MS, a couple of weeks ago, and I have really caught the bug to visit all these beautiful old plantation homes along the Mississippi! Thanks for sharing your trip to the Houmas plantation with us.

March 12, 2023 at 2:11 pm

Hi Rhoda, We toured Houma House 15 years ago and loved it! We have a map of the plantation houses along the river almost identical to the one in your post. We visited almost every single one of them. One of our most favorite vacations! We’ve always wanted to go back. You must visit the others on that map. Full of history. Thanks for sharing.

March 12, 2023 at 2:30 pm

Thanks for taking us along to see this historic house. Loved seeing all the colors in the various rooms. Jax, FL

March 13, 2023 at 10:02 am

Beautiful home and grounds. I’m glad that it is used for weddings, and that people can access this beautiful estate for meals as well.

March 23, 2024 at 1:34 pm

Thank you so much for the beautiful armchair tour of this piece of our history!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

Copyright © 2024 · Southern Hospitality · Blog Design by Little Blue Deer Privacy Policy

Houmas House and Gardens

Top ways to experience Houmas House and Gardens and nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Houmas House and Gardens - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Great River Road Museum and Gardens Tour

Quick Details

• User Ages: All Ages
• Hour Glass Duration: 8 Hours

Visit The Great River Road Steamboat Museum in Darrow, LA!

This expansive museum educates visitors about life on the Mississippi, exploring the culture, commerce, folklore, and music. Once you’ve completed this attraction, save time to walk across the bridge located in the parking lot to enjoy sweeping views of the Mississippi River and the surrounding landscape. Allow at least 4 hours for this visit to both Houmas House and The Great River Road Museum.

More Information

• Chevron down What to Wear

We suggest that you wear comfortable shoes. High heels are not recommended as the property is quite expensive. In the summer months, our climate is very warm. We suggest cool, comfortable clothes. Our winters are mild, but occasionally it does get cold, so please be prepared. The mansion, restaurants, gift shop, and museum are all centrally air-conditioned and heated.

Related Activities

• Hour Glass 8 Hours
• User Ages 6+

Self-Guided Garden Tour

A self-paced outdoor experience to enjoy our beautiful gardens!