Craving antebellum charm and rich Cajun culture? Visit Vacherie! This small Louisiana town along the Mississippi River is famous for its stunning plantation homes, Creole cuisine, and Southern hospitality. It's a must-stop on any Great River Road adventure.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Vacherie is in spring or fall (March–May or October–November). Pleasant temperatures make it ideal for touring historic plantations and enjoying local food festivals.
How to Get There
- By Car: Located along River Road (LA Highway 18), Vacherie is about 1 hour from both New Orleans and Baton Rouge.
- By Air: The closest airport is Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), just under an hour’s drive away.
- By Tour: Many guided day trips from New Orleans include stops at Vacherie’s historic plantations.
Where to Stay
- Oak Alley Plantation B&B – Stay in a charming cottage on the grounds of one of Louisiana’s most iconic plantations.
- Laura Plantation Guest Cottages – Cozy, rustic-style accommodations just steps from the historic Laura Plantation.
- Nearby Hotels in LaPlace or Thibodaux – More lodging options just 20–30 minutes from Vacherie.
Top Attractions
⮕ Wander Under Ancient Oaks at Oak Alley Plantation
Located on the left bank of the Mississippi River, the Oak Alley Plantation was established in the 1830’s as a sugar plantation. The historic property is named for the very impressive canopied path which is formed by a double row of southern live oak trees which was planted in the early 18th century. A beautiful Greek Revival mansion was constructed on the property in late 1830’s, built entirely by slave labor. Today visitors can explore the massive 28-acre estate at their leisure on a self-guided tour (groups can arrange guided tours of the Mansion). Besides the impressive house there is also a lovely formal garden and the avenue of oaks to admire.
Oak Alley Plantation, 3645 Highway 18, Vacherie, LA 70090, Phone: 225-265-2151
⮕ Discover Creole Stories at Laura Plantation: Louisiana’s Heritage Site
Laura Plantation is another of Louisiana’s beautifully restored heritage sites. The plantation lies on the west bank of the Mississippi, close to Vacherie, where it is famously home to a very early Creole-style mansion house which is raised above ground level. There are also a handful of surviving outbuildings and two slave quarters. Prior to the Civil War, the property had at least 69 slave cabins, a communal kitchen and an infirmary to house the many slaves who toiled on the enormous sugarcane plantations. Today you can spend a few fascinating hours learning all about Louisiana’s Creole heritage and culture on a fully guided historic tour of the plantation.
Laura Plantation, 2247 Highway 18, Vacherie, LA 70090, Phone: 225-265-7690
⮕ Step Back in Time at St. Joseph and Felicity Plantations
Built by a large team of slaves in 1830, the St. Joseph Plantation was established by the Scioneaux family before it was sold on to one of the wealthiest families in the south. The beautiful antebellum manor house boasts 16 rooms furnished with many original period antiques. You can explore the mansion on a fully guided tour of the property. The plantation is open to the public 7 days a week and guided tours are offered on the hour from 10.00am to 3.00pm. St. Joseph Plantation is still an active sugar cane farm, covering over 2500 acres of land. The cane is harvested and processed in November each year.
St. Joseph Plantation, 3535 Highway 18, Vacherie, LA 70090, Phone: 225-265-4078
Where to Eat
⮕ If You Want to Cook Like a Cajun, Join Spuddy’s Cajun Cooking Experience
Visitors to Louisiana who would like to take home more than just a memory and a handful of photos should consider attending a Cajun Cooking Experience in a real Cajun Restaurant Kitchen. Chef Spuddy was the first person to open an eat-in restaurant in Vacherie in 1993 and later purchased an adjacent property where he started making traditional Cajun specialties like andouille, gumbo and jambalaya. Everything is made with excellent quality produce and no added nasties or fillers. When you enroll in one of his Cajun Cooking Experiences you will get hands-on in the kitchen, learning all the little secrets. Afterwards you get to feast on the meal you have prepared.
Spuddy’s Cajun Cooking Experience, 2644 LA-20, Vacherie, LA 70090, Phone: 225-265-4013
Top Attractions
- River Road Scenic Drive – Take in picturesque views of the Mississippi River and Louisiana’s plantation country.
- Vacherie Historic District – Discover small-town charm and local history in this riverside community.
More Places to Eat
- B&C Seafood Market & Cajun Restaurant – Local favorite for gumbo, étouffée, po’boys, and all things Cajun.
- Oak Alley Restaurant – Southern comfort food served on the scenic plantation grounds.
- Nobile’s Restaurant & Bar (Nearby in Lutcher) – Classic Creole dishes in a historic 1890s building just minutes away.
Local Events
- Fall Harvest Days (October) – Seasonal tours and demonstrations at local plantations.
- Bonfires on the Levee (December) – A beloved holiday tradition featuring massive wooden bonfires along the Mississippi River levee.
- Vacherie Mardi Gras Parade – A family-friendly local parade filled with music, beads, and community fun.
Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of Vacherie, Louisiana
- Lutcher (10–15 min) – Visit during the holidays to see the famous Christmas bonfires along the Mississippi River levee.
- Gramercy (15–20 min) – Enjoy small-town charm and learn about the region’s sugarcane industry and levee history.
- Wallace (5–10 min) – A nearby community that’s home to Whitney Plantation, a powerful museum dedicated to the history of slavery.
- Whitney Plantation (10 min) – Take a moving, educational tour focusing on the lives of enslaved people in Louisiana.
- Edgard (15–20 min) – Explore historic river road sites and cross the scenic ferry to access the west bank of the Mississippi River.
- Donaldsonville (25–30 min) – Walk the historic district, visit the River Road African American Museum, and enjoy Creole cuisine.
- LaPlace (30 min) – Shop local, dine on Cajun specialties, or explore wetlands via swamp tour operators nearby.
FAQ
-
Where is Vacherie located?
- The peaceful little town of Vacherie is situated on the west bank of the Mississippi River, about midway between Baton Rouge and New Orleans.
-
What cultural influences shape Vacherie?
- The town is an ideal place to uncover the essence of Louisiana Creole heritage, which blends French, Spanish, Native American, and West African cultures.
-
What historical sites can visitors explore in Vacherie?
- The most noteworthy attractions are three historic sugar-cane plantations, all built by enslaved people.
- These plantations feature impressively restored historic mansions and gardens, making them well worth a visit.
-
Where can visitors experience authentic Cajun food in Vacherie?
- Experience some of the best Cajun food in Vacherie by joining one of the famed Spuddy’s Cajun Cooking Experiences and take the tastes of Louisiana home with you.
Plan Your Trip