Plantations in Donaldsonville Louisiana

Louisiana's plantations offer a fascinating look at lifestyles of the past and a crucial period in the history of the United States. Many of the state's amazing antebellum mansions remain intact, and are meticulously maintained and furnished with beautiful period pieces. Tour these majestic marvels and their manicured gardens along the Great River Road, and across south and central Louisiana, and learn more about life during an incredible era leading up to the Civil War. You can spend your day touring and even stay overnight at many of the properties. The experience is one you won't forget!

After a long day of touring plantations, nothing could be more satisfying than setting up camp in Donaldsonville and sitting down to a nice meal, well-paired with a glass of wine. Here’s where world-renowned Chef John Folse's manufacturing plant is located along with his Bittersweet Plantation and Lafitte’s Landing restaurant. Donaldsonville is known not only for its place in Louisiana culinary lore but also for its political significance. It served as the state capital in 1830 when the seat of power was first moved from New Orleans – because the more countrified legislators had become scandalized by the Crescent City’s laissez-faire approach to moral conduct. Though the capital ultimately moved to Baton Rouge, Donaldsonville has maintained the quiet, small-town appeal that first inspired Louisiana legislators to move there. Indeed, the state has designated Donaldsonville as one of its Main Street communities, and it is also home to the intriguing River Road African American Museum.