My family (two adults and two children--ages 9 and 4) toured the Laura Plantation in February 2008 and we all thoroughly enjoyed it. Based on the reviews I read here, we made sure to plan to visit this location, in addition to touring Nottoway and stopping to see the outside of Oak Alley.

I lived in New Orleans from 1979-1990, so I had seen many of the plantations on tours in that decade, but the Laura tour was by far the best of any that I had yet been on.

In anticipation of this tour, I ordered the book containing Laura's memoirs in advance and read it *before* going on this tour, which I highly recommend. You can enjoy the tour without reading the book, of course. But having already read the book, I felt I knew the people and the place even before I arrived. Also, I got the book second hand on Amazon and paid much less than I would have if I had waited until I was at Laura to get it.

My four-year-old got a little bored, but he is four and is bored by anything that isn't animated! The rest of us loved it, and particularly enjoyed seeing the slave quarters and the grounds. We were all so glad that we went to this place. It was excellent!

Please don't miss this wonderful, historical tour if you are in the area!

I toured Laura Plantation because it appeared to be heavy on the history side, whereas other plantation tours talk mostly about their cool original doorknobs and whatnot. I was not disappointed. I'm sure it helped that our tour was led by the owner, who is absolutely dedicated to exploring the history of creole plantation life. If you just want a fancy house, go to Oak Alley. But if you like history (and can get anyone like the tour guide we did), go to Laura.

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.