Audubon State Historic Site, Home of Oakley Plantation

Oakley Plantation - Photo by Vinson Mouser

We finally got some decent weather here with sunny skies and highs in the upper 50’s. I decided it was time for a trip. After consulting the internet and family we decided to go and see the Louisiana Audubon State Historic Site which is the home of the Oakley Plantation.

To say the least, I was impressed. The Oakley Plantation was established in 1797 by the Gray family. 

Our first stop was in the visitor center which has a museum, gift shop and restrooms. We learned a guided tour of the Oakley Plantation was about to start so we hurried down a gravel trail about 50 yards to the plantation home.

Garden Flowers - Photo by Lucrecia Mouser

We were greeted by a tour guide who walked us through the plantation home. He explained every detail and answered all of our questions.  We learned a great deal of history about the plantation as well as tidbits of information about plantation life, furniture, and fire protection in the late 1700’s and early 1800’s.

It was during the tour that we learned, in 1821, the Pirries family had hired John Audubon to be a tutor for their daughter. It was at the Oakley Plantation that he had drawn many of his famous paintings of birds.

Following the tour we exited the plantation home to start a self-guided tour of the grounds. We visited the outdoor kitchen, formal gardens, slave cabins, a barn, and more. 

The grounds were well kept and it was easy to walk around. It was nice to see the moss covered oak trees and watch the birds and squirrels.

Pieces of eight - Photo by Vinson Mouser

There are three shorting hiking/nature trails. We took the short 1/10 of a mile turtle pond trail which passed a small pond. There were signs along the way describing the wildlife that could be seen in the area. 

In addition to the Turtle Pond Trail there are two other trails; Cardinal Loop Trail ½ mile and Blue Jay Loop Trail, also ½ mile. All three trails can be combined, as they interconnect to make a 1 and 1/10 mile hike.

There are also dozens of picnic areas with barbeque pits so this is one historic site a person could spend a good part of the day visiting.

Bed in slave cabin - Photo by Vinson Mouser

This tour was highly educational, fun, and very enjoyable. Whether you’re looking to expand your knowledge of Louisiana history, enjoy a stroll through the beautiful grounds, stop for a picnic, or just pass a little time, the Audubon State Historic site comes highly recommended from me.

The Audubon State Historic Site is located just outside of Historic St. Francisville, LA at 11788 Highway 965. The phone number is 225-635-3739 or 888-677-2838 toll free.

Below is a video tour of the Oakley Plantation and grounds! 

 Warning – The Oakley Plantation home is three stories high with narrow stairways. There are exits off of each story but you have to use the stairs.