Visit Houmas House on Your Next Louisiana Road Trip
Louisiana is a great pick for a road trip, as Interstate 10 traverses the southern part of the state and crosses over rivers, lakes and even a swamp. Although this highway is a utilitarian route, there are plenty of spots along the way where you can hop off and discover some of the hidden treasures of the Pelican State. And Houmas House (houmashouse.com) is one of those coveted finds. Not only does this former plantation offer a glimpse into the Antebellum and Victorian Eras, but it also serves up some traditional Louisiana fare at their onsite eateries.
The Sugar Palace
Nicknamed the Sugar Palace, the palatial estate is one of the many sugar plantations that lined the Great Mississippi River Road. It’s pretty easy to find, and the drive is quite pleasant too. Just take exit 179 off Interstate 10, then go south on Highway 44 to Highway 942. Make a right on Highway 942, and drive another half-mile. The stately home will be on your right — you can’t miss it. All in All it’s just a half-hour drive from Baton Rouge.
The home dates back to 1710, and in the 1860s the plantation was the largest sugar producer in the United States. Today, access upgrades have been added, so now everyone can enjoy this historic property. There’s plenty of accessible parking on site, with level access over to the gift shop where you can buy mansion tour tickets.
The mansion tour is excellent, and with tour guides that dress in period dress it almost brings the past back to life. The mansion boasts ramp access, barrier-free pathways and an elevator. And everywhere you turn there’s something unique; from the massive three-story spiral staircase, to a clock once owned by Marie Antoinette. And if that isn’t enough, the plantation even served as the filming location for Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte; and the preserved room where Betty Davis stayed is also included on the tour.
Save some time to tour the 38-acre botanical garden on your own after the mansion tour. It’s filled with ponds, sculptures and massive old oak tress, with level cement pathways to most areas. And there are plenty of spots to sit down and rest, and just enjoy Mother Nature.
The Great River Road Steamboat Museum
One of the newer additions to the Sugar Palace — The Great River Road Steamboat Museum — is also worth a stop while you’re in the area. Opened in 2020 this 35,000 square-foot museum was originally slated to be built on the river side of the levee, with a commanding view of the waterway. Unfortunately the US Army Corps of Engineers nixed that site, and the museum was then built on the same side of River Road as Houmas House. That said, there’s a wheelchair-accessible bridge that leads across River Road, to a levee viewpoint, so visitors can still get a gander at the Mighty Mississippi.
There’s also good wheelchair access to the museum, which offers a variety of exhibits about the history, folklore and even the music of the lower Mississippi River. And it presents this historical overview from a variety of perspectives — from the wealthy plantation owners to the slaves that worked the land. Additionally, since the culture of the lower Mississippi became a fusion of all the foreign cultures that settled there, the exhibits reflect this ethnic and cultural diversity. All and all the museum presents a balanced synopsis of early life on the lower Mississippi River.
Houmas House Eateries
And if all this sightseeing has worked up your appetite, there are two lunch time restaurant options, both of which are wheelchair-accessible. The newest offering — the Dixie Cafe — is located inside the Great River Road Museum. Try some authentic Louisiana dishes from their buffet which includes gumbo, fried catfish, crawfish etouffee and red beans and rice; or order some soup, salad, a burger or a panini from the menu. Either way, you won’t go away hungry.
If you’d prefer to enjoy your repast in more elegant surroundings, then the Carriage House Restaurant is an excellent pick. Menu choices range from chicken and andouille gumbo and turkey soup, to a seafood po boy, shrimp pesto pasta and even a nice juicy steak. If you can’t decide what to order, go with one of the daily specials, as they are always yummy. And although reservations are not required, they are accepted at lunch time; so plan ahead to avoid disappointment. Lunch at the Carriage House Restaurant is an excellent way to top off any Houmas House visit.
