Whitney Plantation Museum

The Basics

The plantation site, on the National Register of Historic Places since 1992, includes a stately plantation home and a number of historic outbuildings. While the visitors center museum exhibits are self-guided, the other plantation buildings—including the French Creole–style Big House, slave quarters, and a church—can only be visited by 90-minute guided tour, included with admission. The poignant exhibits and memorials help visitors see the stark contrast of the lives of slaves and slave-owners in pre-Civil War Louisiana. Most travelers see the Whitney Plantation as a part of an extensive plantation tour from New Orleans.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Guided tours of the plantation site are included with admission; self-guided tours are not permitted.

• Whitney Plantation tours are 90 minutes long; plan to spend about two hours onsite.

• Dress for the weather, bring water, and wear closed-toe walking shoes.

• Although children under 6 enter for free, some tour material may be unsuitable for kids.

• The visitors center is accessible to those with limited mobility; the second floor of the Big House is not. There are gravel paths throughout the plantation.

How to Get There

The Whitney Plantation is located in Wallace, Louisiana, 46 miles (74 kilometers) northwest of New Orleans. Group and private tours offer round-trip transportation from New Orleans, while ride-sharing applications are not readily available in the area.

When to Get There

The Whitney Plantation is open year-round but closed on Tuesdays and on New Year's Day, Mardi Gras, Easter Sunday, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.

Understanding Louisiana’s Dark History Through Art at the Whitney Plantation

Words and art are used at the Whitney Plantation to honor the lives of the slaves who worked and died there. Throughout the site areThe Children of Whitney, life-sized sculptures of slave children by American artist Woodrow Nash. In the Field of Angels exhibit, the 2,200 children who died under slavery in Louisiana are commemorated, with their names listed on granite. Names of Whitney Plantation slaves are recorded with their ages and skills on the Wall of Honor, and in the AllèesGwendolyn Midlo Hall, the names of all 107,000 people recorded in the Louisiana Slave Database line 18 walls, along with quotes and pictures from the time of slavery.

Ways to explore

The Whitney Plantation, listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1992, offers an in-depth and unvarnished look at the realities of American slavery. The site features a number of historic buildings, as well as educational exhibits. Visitors can take a self-guided tour, which includes everything but the upstairs level of the Big House, or opt for a guided tour—available hourly on a first-come, first-served basis.

Since the museum is outside of New Orleans, booking a tour with round-trip transportation can help simplify your trip.

Accessibility

The Whitney Plantation Museum has limited accessibility, owing to its uneven ground and the historic architecture of its buildings.

Age limits

No strict limits, though the content of tours is best suited to children 10 and over.

What to pack

Sun protection, water bottle, umbrella, bug spray

What to wear

Wear lightweight, loose clothing, especially in the summer; you will be spending some time outdoors.

Not allowed

Flash photography or tripods, taking videos of tours, wedding or engagement photography, disrespectful or disruptive behavior

Amenities

App with audio tour, restrooms, gift shop

Address

The Whitney Plantation Museum is located along the Mississippi River in Wallace, Louisiana, about 45 minutes west of New Orleans. While public transit is limited, you can drive there, book a tour that includes transportation, or opt for a paid shuttle service.

Driving

To drive to the Whitney Plantation Museum from New Orleans, travel west via Highway 3127. Parking is available on-site.

Public transportation

There are limited public transit options from New Orleans to the museum, so it’s best to book a shuttle or a tour that takes you there.

Best times to visit

The Whitney Plantation Museum is open every day except Tuesday, from morning to late afternoon. The last entry is 1.5 hours before closing, but arrive earlier to maximize your time.

Best days to visit

The museum tends to be busiest on the weekends, so consider going on a weekday. Note that the museum is closed Tuesdays and on some holidays.

Best months to visit

If you can, avoid the summer months, when high heat and humidity may make outdoor sightseeing uncomfortable. Winter and spring are good alternatives.

Special events

In addition to its permanent exhibitions, the museum also hosts temporary exhibits—check the website for more information.