I'll start by saying that you should not miss this plantation tour! I've been to 3 of the homes on River Road, and by far, this one is the best.

Here's the impression that I had: my guide, and another guide that I witnessed -- chose the job because he was knowledgeable and interested in the property and history, rather than just wanting a job. There's a difference.

The tour guide was fantastic, and knowledgeable about the grounds and history of the family that lived at the plantation. He was engaging, and managed to keep a group of 50ish adults, 30ish adults, and my 7 year old nephew entertained by having the nephew be an "assistant tour guide", which basically meant that he was able to stand next to the tour guide and walk with him.

The guide encouraged questions and welcomed group comments as well.

I also observed another group, with another engaging, and clearly well-trained guide.

Those with difficulty walking may want to call ahead to determine whether this is a tour that will work for them as there are steps, as well as some walking between the gift shop/tour start area, main house and around the grounds. I can't be sure that there was a lift/elevator inside the main house.

The house is interesting and contains period furniture. The gift shop is a good stop, even if you skip the house (which you SHOULDN'T!), and contains books and items about the property,as wll as Louisiana, and snacks and "gift-y" items.

There are many buildings/structures on the grounds that you can't go in yet...they haven't been rehabbed. No, not Katrina damage, but renovated! The guide said that that they were working on funding to restore those other buildings. Hope that they get it!

Parking is easy and free. Bathrooms were clean and only in the gift shop/tour start area.

How you might be able to save money:
AAA
Tourist brochures
discount packages with other plantation tours

A plantation with a very knowledgeable staff, great restoration work, and deep history on display. The house is set up so that you can see how it was built and evolved over the past 150 years and every room has plenty to offer the eye and mind. All tours are guided by local adults that have a group passion for the location. There are slave cabins that became sharecropper holdings that are close to the original and have good documentation to the initial population. Family history alone can hold your attention.

Easily the best of all the river plantations as a complete visit and if you are limited to just one, this is the one to do.

An easy and interesting getaway from New Orleans, Laura plantation has done a magnificent job restoring and creating a tour that enlightens the traveler about the Creole way of life. What we found interesting, among many other things, were the existing slave quarters and being able to see how they lived, not just the opulent owners of the time. After touring, we are hungry for more information about the Creole and the owners of this plantation -- and of course, there are books and DVD's to satisfy this hunger. It was a very interesting hour or so drive from New Orleans. The gift shop had some great unique gifts of the region. The tour was an easy 30 minutes or so...and very well done. There are many species of banana on the grounds that are well labeled and interesting to see.

Well worth the visit. I wouldn't have known about it if I hadn't seen it on Trip Advisor, and I'm glad the tour lived up to the positive reviews!

You have to eat at C&B Cajun Restaurant and Seafood Market. That's home cooking!

We were there Oct 2007 and was given the tour by Norman the owner of the plantation. His tour was one of the most enjoyable planation tours that we went on. There is lots to see and there is a story and tale behind everything. If there is one plantation that you have to visit, be sure to visit the Laura Plantation, especially since it's only 2 minutes away from the Oak Alley Plantation were you can enjoy a nice comparison between the two plantation homes.