Houmas House Tours
15 Reviews
Known as the “Crown Jewel” of Louisiana’s River Road, Houmas House is a former sugar plantation-turned-museum. A trip here allows visitors to step into the shoes of a wealthy sugar baron in the 1800s. The impressive house has been restored to its former glory, and there are expansive grounds to enjoy.
The Basics
General Wade Hampton built Houmas House in the 1820s for his wife, Mary Cantey. By the late 1850s, the house and grounds were valued at an incredible $1,000,000, and the plantation employed some 150 slaves. It was owned at the time by John Burnside. Dubbed the “Sugar Prince” for his immense wealth, he presided over the largest sugar empire in the South. The mansion is a popular stop on tours of Louisiana’s River Road plantations. Visit the grounds independently, or join a small-group tour from New Orleans to see the house itself.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get There
Houmas House is located along River Road between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. The street address is 40136 Highway 942, Darrow, LA 70725. Daily bus services pass the house from New Orleans, and guided tours often provide round-trip transport. There is parking on-site for those planning to drive to the plantation.
When to Get There
Houmas House is open seven days a week. Opening hours are 9am–8pm. The first tour of the day departs at 9:30am, and the last tour at 7pm. The most popular times to visit are midmorning through early afternoon, so plan to come later in the day for a quieter experience.
Visit Napoleon House New Orleans
Continue your trip back in time to the Big Easy’s glory days with a stop at Napoleon House in the French Quarter. The house got its name after a plot was hatched to rescue Napoleon from exile and bring him to the city. The emperor died before the plot could happen, but the name stuck. The house is now a popular bar and restaurant serving dishes with a Southern twist.
The Basics
General Wade Hampton built Houmas House in the 1820s for his wife, Mary Cantey. By the late 1850s, the house and grounds were valued at an incredible $1,000,000, and the plantation employed some 150 slaves. It was owned at the time by John Burnside. Dubbed the “Sugar Prince” for his immense wealth, he presided over the largest sugar empire in the South. The mansion is a popular stop on tours of Louisiana’s River Road plantations. Visit the grounds independently, or join a small-group tour from New Orleans to see the house itself.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Entry to Houmas House is by paid ticket.
- There are three restaurants on-site offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Tours of the house are available in both English and French.
- The house is wheelchair accessible.
- Make time for a classic mint julep at the Turtle Bar.
How to Get There
Houmas House is located along River Road between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. The street address is 40136 Highway 942, Darrow, LA 70725. Daily bus services pass the house from New Orleans, and guided tours often provide round-trip transport. There is parking on-site for those planning to drive to the plantation.
When to Get There
Houmas House is open seven days a week. Opening hours are 9am–8pm. The first tour of the day departs at 9:30am, and the last tour at 7pm. The most popular times to visit are midmorning through early afternoon, so plan to come later in the day for a quieter experience.
Visit Napoleon House New Orleans
Continue your trip back in time to the Big Easy’s glory days with a stop at Napoleon House in the French Quarter. The house got its name after a plot was hatched to rescue Napoleon from exile and bring him to the city. The emperor died before the plot could happen, but the name stuck. The house is now a popular bar and restaurant serving dishes with a Southern twist.
Address: 37142 1st St, Darrow, Louisiana 70725, USA
Admission: Varies
8 Tours and Activities to Experience Houmas House
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Houmas House Plantation Walking Tour
184
Discover the grandeur and complex history of New Orleans’ antebellum south on this guided tour of Houmas House Plantation. Experience the authenticity of place as costumed guides narrate the history of this landmark sugar plantation, leading through the mansion’s elegant rooms before you head off for a private stroll through the estate’s stunning gardens.
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From
$28.03
From
$28.03
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
Experience Cajun Country: Swamp Boat Adventure and Plantations Full-Day Tour from New Orleans
917
Go beyond the French Quarter and discover the unique Cajun and Creole cultures of New Orleans during this full-day swamp and plantation tour. Venture deep into the bayous, with a small group limited to 8, to see Cajun living and spot wildlife like alligators and pelicans. Then, admire the beautiful architecture and learn about the history of Houmas House and Laura Plantation. Upgrade your ticket to include a high-speed airboat ride through the bayous.
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From
$194.00
From
$194.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More
Small-Group Louisiana Plantations Tour with Lunch from New Orleans
48
Experience the elegance of New Orleans’ antebellum south on this full-day historical plantation tour. In a small‐group, visit San Francisco Plantation and Houmas House Plantation, where you’ll view stunning architecture, oak‐lined esplanades, and former slave quarters while hearing fascinating – and often somber – pre‐Civil war histories from expert guides. You'll also enjoy a private luncheon, served exclusively for your group at Houmas House.
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From
$169.00
From
$169.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More
Private Destrehan and Houmas House Plantation Tour from New Orleans
Whether you’re nervous of getting lost in New Orleans or prefer to skip the self-drive hassles, take it easy with your own personal driver/guide on this door-to-door trip to two historic plantations. First, visit Destrehan Plantation, established way back in 1787; next, tour 19th-century Houmas House, with 38 acres (15 hectares) of gardens. Travel in a comfortable SUV with space for up to five.
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From
$999.00
per group
From
$999.00
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More
Private Airboat Ride and Plantations Tour from New Orleans
7
See a different side of Louisiana on this ultimate swamp and plantation tour that showcases both Cajun and Creole culture in an all-inclusive package. Enjoy a private airboat ride through cypress swamps with a gator-hunting guide before exploring antebellum history at Houmas House and Laura plantations—two of the region’s best-preserved estates. Extras include a gourmet Cajun lunch at Houmas House and private transport from New Orleans.
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From
$1,840.00
per group
From
$1,840.00
per group
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Learn More
Private Louisiana Plantations Tour with Lunch from New Orleans
3
Visiting Louisiana’s historic plantations provides insight into life in the Antebellum South and one of the most significant periods in US history, and this tour visits two in one day. Experience 19th-century life at the San Francisco Plantation and tour the National Landmark with a guide in period dress. Afterwards, head to Houmas House for a delicious lunch, a tour of the sugar cane plantation, and magnificent views along the Mississippi River.
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From
$1,350.00
per group
From
$1,350.00
per group
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Learn More
The New Orleans Sightseeing Flex Pass: Save Big on 20+ Attractions and Tours
7
Experience the best of the Big Easy at a great value with the New Orleans Sightseeing Pass. With immediate activation, the pass gives you access to your choice of three or five of the city’s top attractions and tours, from Mardi Gras World and paddlewheel cruises to plantation, cemetery, and swamp tours. It’s valid for 30 days, so keep your pass handy and customize your visit on the go with a guidebook listing opening hours, directions, and other helpful info.
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From
$75.90
From
$75.90
The New Orleans Sightseeing Day Pass: 20+ Attractions & Tours in The Big Easy
1
Experience the best of New Orleans on your own schedule and at a discount of up to 50% with the New Orleans Sightseeing Pass. Save big at top attractions like the Audubon Zoo, Mardi Gras World, the WWII History Museum, Houmas House Plantation, and the Cabildo, and get around town hassle free with an included hop-on hop-off bus pass. Choose the pass that fits your plans, with 1- to 5-day options available.
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From
$97.44
From
$97.44
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