Great River Road
Baton Rouge to New Orleans
| Departure: | Louisiana State Capitol Complex, Louisiana |
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| Destination: | French Quarter Historic District, Louisiana |
| Time to allow: | 1 day |
Take a tour of the Louisiana Great River Road and enjoy the interesting history of the area. Cross the Mississippi River by way of several bridges and ferry boats, tour the historic old and new state capitols, understand the evolution of river transportation at a restored lock house and dam, ride a bicycle on a scenic part of the 10-state Mississippi River Trail, tour in the splendor of Antebellum plantation homes set on the River, learn of the rural roots of Jazz and Creole lifestyles at the African American Museum, see firsthand how the floodwaters of the mighty Mississippi are managed, and explore New Orleans on a street car, taking in the French Quarter while gaining an appreciation and respect for more than 300 years of international history and local culture all intertwined with a rich natural environment.
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Start: Louisiana State Capitol Complex
The Louisiana State Capitol Complex is the site of the 34-story Art Deco statehouse, the Pentagon Barracks, a former military post, the new State Historical Museum, the State Library, and the beautiful Capitol Gardens. The capitol building will forever be entwined with the political career of Huey Pierce Long. Long wanted to build a new statehouse in 1928 when he was running for governor and he was assassinated in the capitol building and died there on September 10, 1935.
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Stop 1: Old Louisiana State Capitol
Directions from previous place: Depart state capitol on State Capitol Drive (West). Turn left on US 61 and continue to 100 North Blvd.
Distance from Previous Site: 0.8 miles / 1.3 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 2 minutes Suggested Time at This Site: 30 minutes Built in the late 1840s, the old capitol, a distinguished example of Gothic Revival, stands high on a bluff facing the Mississippi River. During the Civil War, Union forces captured the “old gray castle” and used it as a prison and a garrison for African-American troops. While the building caught fire twice, it remained in use until 1932, when it was abandoned for the new state capitol building. Restored in the 1990s, the former capitol is now a museum.
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Stop 2: Mississippi River Trail
Directions from previous place: Depart Old State Capitol on North Blvd (West). Turn LEFT (South) onto S River Rd. Turn RIGHT to stay on S River Rd Turn LEFT (East) onto France St. At 569 LA 30 turn RIGHT (South) onto LA 30 [St Philip St]. Bear RIGHT (South) onto LA 30 [Nicholson Dr]. At 996 LA 30 stay on LA 30 [Nicholson Dr] (South). Turn RIGHT (West) onto W McKinley St. Arrive at River Rd S Parking area.
Travel Time from Previous Site: 5 minutes Suggested Time at This Site: 1 hour While the Mississippi River Trail (MRT) parallels the Great River Road in the ten states adjoining the river, this is particularly effective location to view the Mississippi River, gain a perspective on the many ways the river is valued—transportation of commodities, a natural resource, a setting for recreation, and a place with Louisiana State University in the background. The developed trailhead at this location associated with the earthen river levee provides excellent opportunities for interpretation.
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Stop 3: Plaquemine Ferry Boat
Directions from previous place: Depart parking area for River Rd S (South) Keep STRAIGHT onto LA 327 [River Rd S] Keep STRAIGHT onto LA 327 [River Rd] At River Rd, Sunshine, LA, stay on LA 327 [River Rd] (West) Keep RIGHT onto LA 991 [River Rd] At 944 River Rd, Sunshine, LA, stay on LA 991 [River Rd] (West) Bear RIGHT (South) onto LA 991 [SR-75], then immediately turn RIGHT (South-West) onto LA 75
Distance from Previous Site: 20 miles / 32.0 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 27 minutes Suggested Time at This Site: 15 minutes The stop will be an experience of a life time for many people: crossing the mighty Mississippi on a ferry boat. This gives the traveler a front row seat to experience the power of the water, the wonder of the width and depth of the river and the challenges travelers have faced throughout time navigating this great water highway.
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Stop 4: Plaquemine Lock State Historic Site
Directions from previous place: Depart Ferry boat on LA 75 (West). Turn RIGHT (South-West) onto LA 405 [LA 75], then immediately turn RIGHT (North-West) onto LA 1 [Church St]. Arrive Plaquemine Lock State Historic Site.
Distance from Previous Site: 1.1 miles / 1.8 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 2 minutes Suggested Time at This Site: 30 minutes Built along Bayou Plaquemine--an artery into the Atchafalaya interior—the lock provided a major connection between the Mississippi River and inland waterways. In addition to the lock, the area includes the Gary James Hebert Memorial Lockhouse, which serves as a museum and visitors center. This location is one of the nationally designated Great River Road Interpretive Centers.
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Stop 5: Houmas House Plantation
Directions from previous place: Depart Plaquemine Lock State Historic Site on LA 75. Turn RIGHT (South-West) onto LA 405 [LA 75], then immediately turn RIGHT (North-West) onto LA 1 [Church St]. At LA 1, Plaquemine, LA 70764, stay on LA 1 (West). Turn LEFT (South) onto Local road(s). Bear LEFT (East) onto LA 1. Turn LEFT (North-East) onto LA 75 [Belleview Rd]. Road name changes to LA 405 [LA 75]. Turn LEFT (North-West) onto LA 75. Take LA 75 (North). Bear RIGHT (East) onto LA 75 [River Rd]. At 1285 River Rd, Sunshine, stay on LA 75 [River Rd] (East). Keep STRAIGHT onto LA 75. At 2063 LA 75, Sunshine, LA, stay on LA 75 (East). At 4361 LA 75, St Gabriel, LA, stay on LA 75 (South). At 5572 LA 75, Carville, LA, stay on LA 75 (South). Turn LEFT to stay on LA 75. At 6234 LA 75, Carville, LA , stay on LA 75 (East). At LA 75, Darrow, LA, stay on LA 75 (South-East).
Distance from Previous Site: 30 miles / 48.0 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 54 minutes Suggested Time at This Site: 1 hour Houmas House dates to about 1840 and is a stunning home; it represents the power and wealth of its owners. The present owner has completely remodeled the home and grounds for tours and special events.
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Stop 6: Donaldsonville Downtown
Directions from previous place: Depart Houmas House Plantation on LA 942 (East). Bear RIGHT (South) onto LA 44. Take Ramp (LEFT) onto LA 70. Turn LEFT (South) onto Frontage St. Turn LEFT (North) onto LA 18. At LA 18, stay on LA 18 (North). Bear RIGHT (West) onto LA 18 [Mississippi St]. Turn RIGHT (North-East) onto Local road(s). At LA 18, return South-West on Local road(s). Turn RIGHT (North-West) onto LA 18 [Mississippi St].
Distance from Previous Site: 14 miles / 22.4 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 25 minutes Suggested Time at This Site: 30 minutes Discover Donaldsonville’s rich art and craft heritage at the numerous art galleries and shops. Visit one of the area’s historic attractions. Explore downtown Donaldsonville’s eclectic shops and unique restaurants. Or take a leisurely stroll through the second largest historic district in the State of Louisiana. There are also several events, festivals and Louisiana-style entertainment to spice up your visit.
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Stop 7: River Road African American Museum
Directions from previous place: In Donaldsonville, Turn LEFT (South) onto Railroad Ave. Arrive at Charles St, Donaldsonville.
Distance from Previous Site: 0.25 miles / 0.4 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 1 minute Suggested Time at This Site: 1 hour A strong African American middle class flourished in Donaldsonville, and the museum recaptures much of its history, including the rural roots of jazz and the Creole lifestyle.
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Stop 8: Oak Alley Plantation
Directions from previous place: Depart Charles St, Donaldsonville, LA on Railroad Ave (North). Turn RIGHT (East) onto LA 18 [Mississippi St]. Bear LEFT (East) onto LA 18. Arrive at Oak Alley Plantation.
Distance from Previous Site: 23 miles / 36.8 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 31 minutes Suggested Time at This Site: 2 hours Oak Alley is one of the grandest and most photographed plantations along the River Road. It was finished in the late 1830s for the Roman family, and reflected the Neo-Classical influences of the era. The quarter-mile canopy of giant live oak trees, believed to be nearly 300 years old, forms an impressive avenue leading to the classic Greek-revival style antebellum home. Oak Alley Plantation has been called the “Grande Dame of the Great River Road”.
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Stop 9: Laura: A Creole Plantation
Directions from previous place: Depart Oak Alley Plantation on LA 18 (East). Arrive Laura Plantation.
Distance from Previous Site: 3 miles / 4.8 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 3 minutes Suggested Time at This Site: 2 hours This Creole-style plantation is not as elaborate as those from the late antebellum period. The owners have done an excellent job of recreating the Creole worldview and way of life for visitors.
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Stop 10: Bonnet Carre Spillway
Directions from previous place: Depart Laura Plantation on LA 18 (East). Keep STRAIGHT onto LA 18. Take Ramp (RIGHT) onto LA 3213. Bear LEFT (West) onto Local road(s). Take Ramp onto LA 3213. Turn LEFT (East) onto LA 44 [E Jefferson Hwy]. At LA 44, Gramercy, LA stay on LA 44 [E Jefferson Hwy] (East). Bear RIGHT (Southeast) onto LA 44 [River Rd]. Keep RIGHT onto LA 636 3 [W 2nd St]. Road name changes to Cardinal Dr. Turn RIGHT (South) onto LA 628. Keep STRAIGHT onto LA 628 [River Rd]. Bear LEFT (North) onto LA 628 [CCC Rd]. Arrive 987 CCC Rd and the Bonnet Carre Spillway.
Distance from Previous Site: 26 miles / 41.6 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 37 minutes Suggested Time at This Site: 15 minutes The Bonnet Carre Spillway is a flood control operation in the Lower Mississippi Valley. Located in St. Charles Parish, Louisiana - about 12 miles west of New Orleans - it allows floodwaters from the Mississippi River to flow into Lake Pontchartrain and thence into the Gulf of Mexico.
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Stop 11: Destrehan Plantation
Directions from previous place: Depart Bonnet Carre Spillway on LA 628 [CCC Rd] (South). Turn LEFT (North-East) onto Powerland St [River Rd]. Road name changes to River Rd [Spillway Rd]. Bear RIGHT (South) onto River Rd. Keep STRAIGHT onto LA 48 [River Rd]. Arrive at Destrehan Plantation.
Distance from Previous Site: 6 miles / 9.6 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 11 minutes Suggested Time at This Site: 1 hour Destrehan dates to the 1780s and is in the Creole style. It served as a site for the summary court convened to try captives from the 1811 slave revolt, a number of whom were then executed.
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Stop 12: Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and Preserve
Directions from previous place: Depart Destrehan Plantation on LA 48 [River Rd] (South). Bear RIGHT (East) onto LA 48 [W 3rd St]. Turn LEFT (North-East) onto River Bend Dr. At River Bend Dr return South-West on River Bend Dr. Turn LEFT (South) onto LA 48 [Jefferson Hwy]. Turn RIGHT (South-East) onto Hickory Ave. Turn LEFT (North-East) onto River Rd. Road name changes to LA 611 1 [River Rd]. Road name changes to Oak St. Bear RIGHT (South) onto Leake Ave. Bear LEFT (South-East) onto St. Charles Ave. At Lee Circle roundabout, take the FIRST exit onto Andrew Higgins Dr. Turn LEFT (North) onto Camp St. Road name changes to Chartres St. Turn RIGHT (South-East) onto Toulouse St, then immediately turn RIGHT (South-West) onto Decatur St. Arrive at Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and Preserve Visitor Center.
Distance from Previous Site: 27 miles / 43.2 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 1 hour Suggested Time at This Site: 1 hour The six sites of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve represent a treasure trove of south Louisiana’s historical and cultural riches. People from nearly every country, ethnic group, language, and religion have come to the lower Mississippi River delta and left traces of their passing. The French Quarter Visitor Center and the Chalmette Battlefield and National Cemetery are located on the Great River Road.
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End: French Quarter Historic District
Directions from previous place: Depart Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and Preserve Visitor Center on Decatur St (South-West). Turn LEFT (South-East) onto Conti St, then immediately turn LEFT (North) onto N Peters St. Bear RIGHT (North-East) onto Decatur St. Turn LEFT (North-West) onto Local road(s). Arrive Jackson Square.
Distance from Previous Site: 0.25 miles / 0.4 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 3 minutes The world-renowned French Quarter is almost indescribable in its uniqueness. A compact collection of important architecture, cultural qualities, museums, and historic landmarks, it has a distinct European feel unparalleled in the United States.
