Houmas House Estate and Gardens - Darrow (LA)

5 /5 Raoul Bukowski: We had a wonderful day here. The tour of the house was educational and enjoyable. The house is filled with original items which is such a rarity for such a location as this. One of the members of our group was is in their 80s and the staff was so helpful, letting them use the elevator in the house to get to the second floor and getting us a golf cart with driver to take us around the garden and to the carriage house restaurant. The carriage house restaurant was wonderful for dinner, a lively dining area yet somehow not overwhelming. The staff were attentive and professional.

5 /5 Michele Unitas: I was out exploring Ascension Parish with my longtime Navy friend and made Houmas House and the Great River Road Museum our historic/educational stop as we always do on our visits. I’ve been learning about things I never knew on this side of the Mississippi over the past 3 years since moving here. I was well-acquainted with the Acadian and prairie side of the Atchafalaya Basin and want to learn more of the roots in my chosen new home. Sharing it with a great friend is the bonus. We stopped and explored the museum and house that was chock full of interesting artifacts and historical accounting. It was interesting to see how many of the original family names still permeate the place names and roads. I discovered some interesting facts about a friend’s family history. I’ve just begun to explore the River Road and its hidden gems. It’s changed so much since 1989 when I first traversed its path. Sadly necessary history (good or bad but needs recounted) is slowly being lost to the ravages of weather and industry, so exploring these gems and the small towns like the historic Donaldsonville (which we visited the day prior) are worth a stop to slow down and pause to reflect on where we’ve been juxtaposed to how far we’ve come and where we’re headed. These places should make you feel something so that we remember and never fall into that mindset again. Humanity is better than its dark past and sadly our shaky present. But only together can we all rise for a better tomorrow.

5 /5 Thomas Quilty: We had time to tour while waiting for an evening flight and found Houmas House (actually a plantation) along the banks of the Mississippi River. It was once a sugar cane plantation, but is now an excellent museum that is well worth your time visiting. The gardens and grounds were amazing. The house tour was excellent and helped give a good perspective on plantation life. The tour is well your time and the entrance fee.

5 /5 Jennifer O: We were in Baton Rouge for Fall Break and came here at the recommendation of friends. This place was fantastic. We paid for the guided tour and it was well worth it. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and it was fantastic to learn so much history about Baton Rouge and this house. I wont elaborate because - no spoilers! If you are in the area, definitely go here and get the guided tour! Also, the grounds are well kept and so beautiful. Make sure to walk around and see them either before or after the tour.

4 /5 Jennifer: Very beautiful grounds to walk around. I was shocked by the high prices though. A 30min house tour and self guided garden tour for one adult and one 10 year old cost us $54! I did a much better plantation tour last year with multiple buildings for under $10! I guess it is because it is privately owned. Overall, I am glad my 10 year old enjoyed it almost as much as I did.