Oak Alley Foundation

Plantation Overview

The historic grounds and exhibits at Oak Alley Plantation reflect the evolution of this National Historic site. Visitors are encouraged to allow a minimum of 2 hours to explore the grounds and exhibits.
 
The Landscape 

From its 28 Oaks to its open spaces, to its hidden nooks and crannies, Oak Alley’s Landscape tells the story of a plantation in its evolution. Wide pastures stand where a Pecan Grove once thrived. A 1920’s formal garden quietly preserves the remains of a 1830’s kitchen hidden under its turf. As a landscape that speaks truthfully of its past with the parts that remain, it offers visitors an unrestricted opportunity to detach, contemplate and imagine. (Insider tip:  Come early before the crowds)

 

The Slavery Exhibit  

Oak Alley as a sugar plantation was built by and relied on enslaved men, women and children. This self-guided exhibit focuses on some of the individuals who were owned and kept on the plantation, their lives and living conditions. It also includes a look into life after emancipation, as laborers continued to live in the increasingly squalid housing until the 20th century. (Insider’s tip: No time restrictions so feel free to allow at least an hour for this exhibit)

 

 
The "Big House"

Plantation mansions were called “Big Houses” referencing their relative difference in stature compared to the enslaved dwellings and other outbuildings that made up the sugar plantation complex. The ‘Big House’ at Oak Alley is no exception. Built with success, prestige and power in mind, the Oak Alley ‘Big House’ commands attention.  (Insider’s tip: if a person in your party is unable to climb stairs, be sure to let your tour guide know. The 2nd floor portion of the tour is available on Ipad for mobility-challenged guests.  Please also note that while photography is not permitted inside the mansion, visitors are encouraged to take photos on the balcony.)     

 
The Sugarcane Exhibit & Theatre
With a 3 dimensional map of the Roman family empire and exhibit detailing how sugarcane was grown and processed—both when Oak Alley was an operating plantation as well as today—this space has lots to offer. (Insider’s Tip: Visit this exhibit before you reach the mansion, it is packed with stories of how the plantation functioned, as well as just how important slavery was to creating the plantation and the mansion you are about to tour.) 
 
 
 
The Blacksmith Shop

This forge is tribute to the enduring legacy of Louisiana craftsmen and shares the history of forging metalwork on plantations.  

 

 
 

 

The Civil War Tent

An Historical Interpreter, in conjunction with a video kiosk, shares the impact the Civil War had on Oak Alley. 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Click map to download in full size.

 
In addition to the exhibits, here are more highlighted points of interest: 
 
  • Stewart Gardens
  • Roman Family Tombstone
  • The People of Oak Alley
  • Stewart Family Graveyard


Photography is welcomed at Oak Alley Plantation, as long as it does not disrupt our tours. Videotaping and video-streaming are prohibited during guided tours.
For safety reasons, the use of "drones" or any aerial photography devices is not permitted.
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