oakley plantation

A true look back in time. I have to mention I worked here one summer back in the late 1960s and came to love this beautiful plantation. The tour guides give you a wonderful glimpse into life in the early 1800s. I find this home more realistic than the more opulent plantation homes seen throughout the south. The grounds are extensive and make for a great picnic location. You won't be disappointed.

The grounds are expansive and the plantation home is hidden by the Audubon museum even as we approached the tree lined road. We had to use our electronic map resources to find the entrance as it was not well marked with signage. We had a to wait for the next tour that takes place each hour on the hour but it was great to tour the museum with plenty of information for botanists and history buffs concerning the Civil War and slavery. The other benefits were viewing the slave cabins and the peacocks roaming the grounds. There were also a large kitchen and weaving rooms behind the home. During our tour, we enjoyed the explanations given regarding the lack of opulence and minimalist approach to living during those times. Our guide was humorous and she was also open to questions, particularly because we were a small group of 4 since another couple joined us. We walked up 3 floors which may have been difficult for some with ambulatory issues and the stairs were steep and narrow. It was cold and rainy but definitely a worthwhile visit.

Our tour was wonderful, and our tour guide was very knowledgeable and had a passion for Civil War history. The house was built in the late 1700s and was much more functional than ornate. It gives a true window into life in the early 1800s; before the large, extravagant Greek Revival mansions.

I love that the state of Louisiana owns Oakley...that said, I miss the "people" who used to be tour guides. Now it is a "press the button" tour. Still a great place for a picnic & to watch the peacocks.

There is so much history on this property. The tools, slave houses, everything was just incredible to see. My children enjoyed it as well.

My mother and I make a trip touring plantations in South Louisiana each year and I have to say that Oakley Plantation has been the absolute best to date. We have toured at least 35 and this is still my favorite. Funny thing is that when we planned our trip to St. Francisville we had never heard or Oakley house. We were going there for the (over-rated) Myrtles plantation. We stumbled upon this jewel quite by accident. The price for the tour was AMAZING! Tour guide was incredibly friendly and knowledgable. I had my 4 year old daughter with me and she was even kept intrigued. Each and every time I hear of someone going to St. Francisville I suggest taking this tour. Soooo worth it! I will be a return visitor!

Really enjoyed the history. House was nice and the park guy did a great job. The grounds were also beautiful.

Our tour guide was knowledgeable and answered all of our questions easily. The house was beautiful and contained some of Audubon's original prints. Worth the $8 to tour the house and the grounds.

Not your typical idea of a plantation home but still beautiful! My husband I had a good tour and loved touring the property! Will probably go back!

This was a wonderful plantation to visit. Our tour guide was great and really put us back in the time of the plantation. If you are interesting Audubon you should visit. He lived here as a tutor for the family and did some his first sketches in his room in the basement and some of his original prints are on display. We really enjoyed the tour.

Hadn't originally thought about touring this plantation but decided to at the last minute. Very interesting tour guide provided us with a very informative tour.

James Audubon was the tutor to the daughter of the plantation owner and some of his original sketches are there in the house. This house is fairly plain compared to the other plantation homes but it has its own unique history. Good tour.

From the moment we entered this plantation we felt completely welcomed. The lady selling tickets answered every question we had and was so sweet. Not only was the house beautiful, but out tour guide was one of the best I have ever had! He was very knowledgeable and did not make us feel rushed at all like some other places. I loved seeing how an entire plantation would have been set up as well. It was not only the house, but the barn and slave quarters as well, which you could actually go in. One of my favorite places we visited by far!

Oakley Plantation is a part of La. State Park system and is open through Saturday. The museum features a movie about the history of the home and area. The guided tour takes you through the 3 story home which was a working plantation. There is even a peacock which struts around the grounds and acts as a sentry. Come see where John J Audubon painted when he was not tutoring the children.

We got there late so we had just missed the last tour of the day. We took a self-guided tour of the grounds which was very interesting. I enjoyed the gardens and out buildings, the gravel trails.