36 Best Stops Between Lake Charles and Saint Louis
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Wanderlog staff Updated • updatedApr 10, 2023
How long is the drive from Lake Charles to Saint Louis?
The direct drive from Lake Charles to Saint Louis is 790 mi (1,271 km), and should have a drive time of 11 hrs 49 mins in normal traffic.
If you’re going on a road trip from Lake Charles to Saint Louis, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Memphis, Tunica, Vicksburg, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and Jackson, as well as top places to visit like Laura Plantation: Louisiana's Créole Heritage Site and Houmas House Estate and Gardens, or the ever-popular Oak Alley Plantation.
The top cities between Lake Charles and Saint Louis are Memphis, Tunica, Vicksburg, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and Jackson. Memphis is the most popular city on the route. It's 8 hours from Lake Charles and 4 hours from Saint Louis.
Lafayette is a municipality located in the southern part of Louisiana. The center of the city houses the Lafayette Museum, also known as Alexandre Mouton House, which showcases furniture from the 1800s. For art enthusiasts, Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum exhibits Japanese prints, folk art and works by Henry Botkin created during mid-20th century era.
3% as popular as Memphis
4 minutes off the main route, 9% of way to Saint Louis
Baton Rouge, the capital of Louisiana, is situated on the Mississippi River. It boasts antebellum attractions such as Old Louisiana State Capitol, which resembles a castle and currently functions as a museum. Magnolia Mound Plantation features a French Creole house that showcases pre-Civil War history. Additionally, LSU Rural Life Museum contains refurbished structures from the 18th to 19th centuries that depict life during those times.
9% as popular as Memphis
0 minutes off the main route, 17% of way to Saint Louis
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Vicksburg is located in the western region of Mississippi and gained notoriety as a significant battleground during the Civil War. The Siege of Vicksburg is remembered at the expansive Vicksburg National Military Park, which encompasses the restored USS Cairo gunboat and Vicksburg National Cemetery. The Old Court House serves as a landmark with exhibits showcasing artifacts from that era. Additionally, visitors can explore interactive exhibits featuring an aquarium at the Lower Mississippi River Museum.
10% as popular as Memphis
25 minutes off the main route, 37% of way to Saint Louis
The capital of Mississippi is Jackson, which boasts a rich history and many significant sites related to the civil rights movement. The statewide Mississippi Freedom Trail passes through the city, taking in landmarks such as the Medgar Evers Home Museum and Mississippi State Capitol building. In LeFleur's Bluff State Park, visitors can explore nature trails and visit an aquarium at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science.
3% as popular as Memphis
1 minute off the main route, 38% of way to Saint Louis
Tunica, located in Tunica County, Mississippi, is a town near the Mississippi River that has undergone a transformation since the introduction of casino gambling in the early 1990s. Once known as one of the most impoverished places in the United States, it now offers a charming downtown area with boutiques, antique shops, and warm Southern hospitality. Visitors can explore its historic downtown on a self-guided walking tour and pay their respects at the Veterans Memorial at Rivergate Park.
19% as popular as Memphis
30 minutes off the main route, 60% of way to Saint Louis
I'll never travel to Saint Louis without this trip planner again
Located on the Mississippi River in southwest Tennessee, Memphis is a city famous for its rich musical heritage. It is considered as both the "Birthplace of Rock" and "Home of the Blues". Music legends such as Elvis Presley, B.B. King, and Johnny Cash recorded albums at Sun Studio while other music landmarks include Rock 'n' Soul Museum, Blues Hall of Fame, and Stax Museum of American Soul Music.
Most popular city on this route
1 minute off the main route, 64% of way to Saint Louis
Best stops along Lake Charles to Saint Louis drive
The top stops along the way from Lake Charles to Saint Louis (with short detours) are Graceland, Sun Studio, and Oak Alley Plantation. Other popular stops include Houmas House Estate and Gardens, Cajun Pride Swamp Tours, and Laura Plantation: Louisiana's Créole Heritage Site.
Oak Alley Plantation is an attraction in which visitors can learn about the history of sugarcane cultivation and local history. The property is adorned with beautiful oak trees, some over 300 years old, creating a stunning tunnel leading to the home. The guided tours provide insights into both the glamorous and horrific aspects of plantation life, including stories and displays about both wealthy families who owned the plantation and enslaved individuals.
Stunning view of the oak lined boardwalk. We did the tour of the big house and highly recommend it. Anthony was our guide and was full of interesting facts. He did a great job telling all about the house; his original accent really added to the experience. As good as the tour was, the highlight is walking the grounds. Everywhere you go is a great area for a photo shoot. We all really enjoyed the experience. The grounds are beautifully maintained. 5 stars
Daniel Amato — Google review
The tour guide was very knowledgeable. She explained the history and the different families that have owned the property through the years.
Not sure why but you can't take pictures inside the main house. I really would have liked to so I could have different pictures than the website.
Other than the main house the rest is self guided and you can take pictures.
There are signs throughout to explain what you are looking at.
Joe Stilchen — Google review
This was a nice, well kept plantation. The people who worked there were for the most part polite. I’ll say as much as you could expect for it being 100 degrees outside. It had all the stops, food, shirts, drinks, and treats you could want. Nice clean bathrooms. The salve quarters are replicas but filled with plenty of historical facts and items from the era. The grounds and big house were beautiful. The oak alley is a sight. I’m only giving 4 stars because the guide wouldn’t let anyone take photos in the house.
john may — Google review
As you would expect, this is a beautiful place constructed by some of our countries best and most under appreciated craftsmen American chattel slaves. It is a challenging fact to accept what happened here and how American prosperity is not shared equally. The nonprofit foundation has done a great job maintaining and telling the story. It would he been nice to hear from or see Black tour guides. One thing I did notice was our tour guide Jackie spoke about the family that built the home and the enslaved that waited on them almost equally. Again this is a difficult story to tell and we all share insights based on our own experiences so I was grateful for the facts and details shared. I also spoke with Stephen in the slave quarters area and will impressed with his use of technology in his presentation. He had photos and referred me to a specific area of the website to find any details possible about specific persons enslaved. I will come back when the new building is complete. Lastly, the number one thing that made oak alley stand out was the cocktails! I had a mint julep. It was delicious. What a thoughtful, tasty, and refreshing way to navigate a challenging yet rewarding historical experience.
MJ Worldwide — Google review
My only regret at this place was not booking an earlier tour so that my family and I could enjoy the beauty of this place a little more. This is definitely one of the most beautiful plantations I’ve visited. The entire area is very well maintained and preserved. I love being able to tour the house and enjoy the views from atop of the wrap around walkway. The oak trees were so beautiful and stunning to me. I’m not from the South, so seeing these massive Oak trees was absolutely breathtaking. They offer drinks right before the house tour and we ended up getting a spiked lemonade which was delicious! The tour guide was very informative and like I said, the only regret was not booking an earlier tour to give us enough time to really take this place in.
It is about an hour away from New Orleans so if you’re planning on seeing this while there, you’ll have to rent a car or pay for a tour bus to take you.
Laura S — Google review
Loved the tour of the old house and the history of the area. The slave quarters where a nice depiction of what life was like when it was built of the hite owners with the backs of those slaves. Was not happy you could not take pictures of the inside of the house but I am used it now after Europe. Well worth the admission fee and the ground were truly the diamond of the tour!!
Mary Catherine Brady — Google review
Delightful! We loved it! We got there for the earliest tour in the morning and it was just perfect because we had the time to enjoy the beautiful 200 years old oaks and the alley before it got crowdier. We loved the house, it was so well preserved! The tour guide was very nice and she answered to all our questions. Maybe the tour was a little bit too fast (we would have liked to have more time to read about the history of the place, about the artifacts, but while we were doing that the tour guide was already talking in another room so we had to rush). Also, you can’t take pictures on the inside which we would have loved to, but at least we could take pictures on the balcony and it’s definitely a view worth taking pictures of! It was very nice to visit also the slave houses and learn more about the history and evolution of the plantation, it made the whole visit more grounded in the reality. It’s an hour from New Orleans, but if you have the chance, absolutely go and visit it, it’s worth it!
Ruth Cornea — Google review
Being from Baton Rouge, you sometimes forget to be a tourist in your hometown. Oak Alley is beautiful. The tour guide, Amy, was knowledgeable and courteous. I bought a mixed drink after to enjoy while walking around. My friends were concerned it would be too strong for me to drive but it was not. Not really sure they added alcohol really. But it made for a nice time drinking a cool beverage & enjoying the grounds.
Amy Gross — Google review
Such rich history and an amazing view. It’s just too bad it comes with such a horrid past. I did very much enjoy wandering the property and learning about its past. I found it was a great starting point to get interested in visiting and exploring more of the plantations.
Keven Skiles — Google review
My visit to Oak Alley Plantation was a journey back in time to the antebellum South. The majestic oak-lined alley leading to the plantation house was a breathtaking sight. The guided tour provided fascinating insights into the history of the plantation and the lives of those who once lived here. The beautifully preserved grounds and the iconic Greek-revival mansion were a photographer's dream. It's a place that beautifully encapsulates both the grandeur and the somber aspects of Southern history. A must-visit for history enthusiasts and anyone seeking a glimpse into the past.
BadAss Chick — Google review
We booked a guided tour through the house. The guide is related to some big sugarcane-farmers, so she had some interesting insiders from the present.
The history of this whole place is so dramatic but very interesting too.
Even if you're not interested in history and only a Red Dead Redemption Fan, the views from the balcony through the Oak Alley and the surrounding gardens are stunning. I guess it was 30$ per person, but it is so worth!
Simon — Google review
Oak Alley Plantation is an absolute must-visit for anyone exploring the deep South. Stepping onto its grounds feels like stepping back in time to 1899, with its stunning oak-lined avenue and impeccably preserved Big House. The guided tour was both informative and engaging, providing valuable insights into the complexities of plantation life. The beauty of the architecture and surrounding gardens is simply breathtaking. The staff were not friendly, but it enhanced the overall experience. A visit to Oak Alley is an unforgettable journey through history and natural beauty. Highly recommended!
Elliot Breeze — Google review
I recommend getting the big house tour. It’s a different experience to hear the explanation and story from the docent. There were only 4 rooms we visited and can’t take pictures inside. There’s also a display with video about sugarcane industry in a different building.
The lady in the ticket booth was so kind to move our tour up since we came so early after our swamp tour. If you’re hungry, there’s a cafe near the huts. The food is edible but not special.
Dian Nusantari — Google review
It is an amazing plantation, rich in cultural history, incredible architecture, and an intriguing life story behind it! The land around the main home is breathtaking!! The huge trees, and fields as far as you can see. Staff here are so genuinely friendly and helpful. We went in the little store and there are such an interesting variety of gifts, or souvenirs. I enjoyed every moment of this tour!! They also have a bar outside that offers you authentic drinks from the time period this was a working plantation. Mint julep was one!! It's a lot of fun!!
Elizabeth Frazier — Google review
It’s an hour away from the city but worth the money and experience. We toured the Big house which was beautiful inside and filled with lots of heart touching stories most of which are sad. Our tour guide was awesome, couldn’t remember her name though. The Oak trees are itself a beauty. If you need a break from the busy city life then this is the place to go.
Varsha Chipala — Google review
We enjoyed this tour a lot and got lots of great pictures, even though Hurricane Ida removed some foliage from the famous oak trees. It's a nice plantation and the original fan over the table was interesting to learn about. After the tour, we shared a mint julep which was very tasty. We had the original one with bourbon but they also have a non-alcoholic option. The grounds were nice to talk around and they had some educational exhibits in the slave quarters area. The shop has some good merchandise and in looking at the postcards, you can see what Oak Alley used to look like before the hurricane. Overall, it's a nice visit and a great way to spend a few hours.
Jayme Kirchner — Google review
I was so taken aback by my experience on this tour. I took this tour as part of a cultural journey for myself, and wanting to pay homage to my ancestors. I easily forgot that not everyone on the tour was there for the same purpose. I was quickly reminded though by the blatant disregard for the grounds that were being walked. The slave quarters are at the very beginning of the path to the “Big House”, and I watched as nearly every single person walked right past without even glancing in the direction of the slave quarters. What was worse for me was the offering of bed and breakfast cabins. I don’t personally understand, but of course I’m looking through a particular lens on my journey.
On the other hand, the grounds are absolutely picturesque. I certainly understand why it is such a popular place.The main house is a sight to see from any angle on the outside. I ultimately chose not to enter the main house, but I’m sure it was gorgeous. There is a hugely rich and popular history attached to this plantation, and it is interesting to hear. Many a Hollywood film and various music videos, have used this property. I’d recommend a little due diligence before taking this tour. It’s one of the big tours offered, and you should try to get the most from it.
Hope Ogunbamiyo — Google review
Oak Alley is magnificent. I only gave it 4 stars because there is no 'tour' of the grounds, only the house, and no pictures are allowed to be taken inside, which was disappointing. You can walk the grounds on your own. Much of the atmosphere unfortunately is very sanitized and commercial now. The grounds barely remind you of the past. Sugar cauldrons are used as landscaping decoration, and it took me a bit to realize what they were. There are a few cabins left. One cannot get an idea of what plantation life was like. The gardens are only an imagining of what gardens of the eras might be. Of course the oak trees lining the entryways are very grand. The plantation is very well taken care of, but the house and grounds look modern now, and like someone could just be living there today. We went with Cajun Encounters tours and paid one price for the tours of two plantations and transportation, so I'm not sure what a single ticket costs.
Stephanie Harris — Google review
Oak Alley Plantation in New Orleans is an absolute masterpiece. Stepping onto this historic estate is like stepping into a storybook. The iconic oak-lined alley leading to the stunning Greek-revival mansion is a sight to behold.
The guided tours are informative and provide a deep understanding of the plantation's history, including the complex story of slavery in the antebellum South. The guides are knowledgeable and passionate, making the experience even more enriching.
The plantation's well-preserved grounds and gardens are a feast for the eyes. You can feel the weight of history as you explore the various outbuildings and exhibits, including the poignant Slavery Exhibit, which offers a humbling perspective.
The Oak Alley Restaurant is a great place to savor delicious Creole and Cajun cuisine while taking in the breathtaking view of the alley of oaks. It's an experience that combines history, beauty, and culinary delight.
Whether you're a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or someone seeking a deeper understanding of the South's past, Oak Alley Plantation is a must-visit. It's a place that leaves you in awe of its beauty and contemplative about its historical significance. A true five-star destination.
Sean Doss — Google review
Take a walk around the ground before the main house tour. You get to see where the slave quarter was ( not the original but it has been rebuilt using historical photos). Our guide Mrs Anne was fantastic with the history of oak alley. Reading about the place before visiting will also help to understand how and why it is how it is today.
Michael Abiodun — Google review
A historic place. The main house is not very big compared to some of the huge mansions you can see in other places. They really maintained it well with so much tourism going on. The tours are both educational and insightful. The oak trees are really something else, especially when you just walk out of that door on the second floor. Some of them are more than 300 (or even 500?) years old I believe.
Zhiming Li — Google review
Absolutely wonderful experience!! The oaks were gorgeous and the grounds were very well-maintained. Jackie did our big house tour and did a great job. She was very knowledgeable about the family and house. Overall, I highly, highly recommend visiting Oak Alley Plantation if you’re in the New Orleans area.
Jaimie Just — Google review
A picturesque plantation about an hour from downtown New Orleans. Only guided tour portion is big house where you are not allow to take pictures inside (~30 minutes). There are gardens, slave quarter section, restaurants, spirit house, parking, and gift shop on site. There are adequate signage throughout estate for self-guided tour. Worth a visit to get a glimpse of the past.
Nat T. — Google review
Very disappointing tour. The plantation itself seemed more focused on the opulence of "big house" & French slave owners than how slavery and its abolition changed the course of America. Slavery was presented more as an afterthought. They didn’t even call the slave owners what they were… they instead repeatedly named them “Planters.” Well, I’m pretty sure those slave owners never “planted” a day in their entitled lives. Frankly, it’s modern-day “white-washing” of what this plantation really was. Sad that in 2024, many in the south & the world still deny the atrocities of slavery everywhere it existed & still exists on the planet. We did appreciate the tour guides. The atmosphere around us was full of selfies & jokes, not on the solemnity of the atrocities which occurred there. The slave quarters' remains were not preserved. These are replicas, as they are stated as such in the placards outside.
Bekka Prewitt — Google review
Beautiful Plantation Museum with plenty of displays and information. Nice guided tour inside the house, but photos were not allowed to share.
We had advance tickets with a tour company. Did notice people who just arrived not being able to go in or having a long wait because it was sold out
Dave Stern — Google review
Beautiful and well maintained with the oaks as the stars of the visit. We enjoyed the house tour, but just walking along the oaks was the best. We stopped and people watched for a while in the cool afternoon air. So majestic and scenic!
The Laura Plantation is a significant historic site that showcases Louisiana's rich Creole heritage. Visitors can take guided tours of the property, which includes the main house, grounds, and a slave cabin. The plantation is among several others in the area worth exploring such as Oak Alley Plantation, Houmas House Plantation, Nottoway Plantation and Whitney Plantation.
A must visit. This was by far the highlight of our visit to New Orleans and exceeded all expectations that we had. Visited other plantations but this stands out memorably. Did the tour of the plantation which was led by an amazing guide who brought so much perspective from all sides including the Creole and French aspects which are understated and usually not mentioned. It is a powerful experience that brings to life an era often hard to imagine and place in perspective for our current times. If visiting New Orleans or Louisiana, Laura plantation is a vital stop.
Omar Saleem — Google review
I really love the generation concept that is portrayed in all of their brochures. The property is spectacular, the gifts shope is exactly what I was looking for. There was a great mix of historical and local items for sale. Now for the reason I did not like the Laura. We were told we could take pictures but were "raced" through so quickly there was no opportunity. Pat our guide was extremely well versed in her subject however she seemed bitter about having to show "outsiders" her plantation. She spoke so quickly and stated she would accept questions yet when I asked questions she treated me as if I was stupid. One question was with regards to the dormer window. "People didn't live up there, it's for ventilation." Yes absolutely correct but answered in a way that told me not to ask any more questions. We were not allowed to walk around the property and I understand. But... the entire experience with Pat made me feel as if tourists are not wanted.
Katy Bischoff — Google review
If you want a snapshot into Louisiana history, this is a great place! The plantation’s story follows primarily one family. The ways their family have shaped the area was very interesting to me.
The gift shop is well stocked with decorative items, jewelry, and lots of food items. And our guide, Auguste, did a great job for having such a large group.
But on that note, we were grouped with 20+ people total—far too many for the small rooms. They were short staffed (on a Monday). That was the only downside. Overall I enjoyed the tour!
Hannah Terry — Google review
Beautiful authentic history. Fantastic guided educational tour. Well worth the time and money. We were very lucky to have Olivia as our tour guide. Olivia did an amazing job giving us an educated and factual look into the Creole way of life for all involved in the plantation life. Hope you get lucky enough to get Olivia on your tour.
Amanda Shanahan — Google review
This was such a great and amazing experience, that I truly truly recommend if visiting the New Orleans area. I highly recommend tour guide Lindie. She was super informative and deep vast knowledge of the plantation and just Louisiana slavery made the experience much more enjoyable. I learned things that I never knew and I thought I covered all the bases when it came to that topic. So if you're every in New Orleans, take the 40-50 minutes drive out to Laura Plantation ask for Lindie and have a great informative experience.
Ron H — Google review
Very informative tour guide, he took us around the house, grounds, and slave quarters. Gift shop had helpful and kind staff! Highly recommend.
Melany Smith — Google review
This was a great visit. We learned a lot. If you go to Oak Valley first be prepared for a different experience but not in a bad way. Both are informative and educational. Both give you a guy’s picture of life back then. Both don’t shy away from slavery or the horrible conditions that enslaved people lived in. The difference is in the story of the space owners who lived there and just how different they were. It’s well worth visiting by all means.
Jason Shultz — Google review
This was by far the most informative and engaging tour, I took the most out of this. I can't remember the tour guides name, (young man, from the area, blue eyes) but he was so informative. He talked about life there for everyone, really took note of the groups understanding of history and context during this period of time. He was great with conversation and open dialog. Answered lots of questions and provided accurate information. Would recommend visiting here to everyone.
Amanda Bourgeois — Google review
This was very educational and eye opening. The tour guide was super knowledgeable and I enjoyed all the information and the fact that they’ve tried to keep it all original down to the paint colors that were common to the creole culture.
Angie — Google review
The Laura Plantation itself is wonderful. They allow you to take pictures inside. There is a lot of history preserved there, and the tour guide tells you all of it, it seemed. They approach tours now from the people that lived and worked there point of view, and focus very little - and I mean VERY little, on the place (buildings, grounds) themselves. We stood for a long time in a few different spots, and my feet and legs were tired from standing listening to the tour guide. Yes, she is very knowedgeable, but after telling you generation after generation, and the trauma, and abuse, and literally nothing 'good' about it all, you're left wanting to just get out of there. You can't remember all that geneology in one lesson, and although it's a great history lesson, I would much rather have read it, or at least been given a guide to follow along. I probably wouldn't take another tour there if I go back to New Orleans. I certainly enjoy history, but this is too much standing with no place to sit, and one does get tired. Laura seemed dusty, especially the floors and like it could use a good cleaning.
Stephanie Harris — Google review
This plantation is fantastic. We had a really good guide tour. She went beyond explaining the plantation story which makes it more enjoyable.
Jovianne Mtbl — Google review
When exploring history, context is everything. I had the opportunity to tour the Laura plantation yesterday. Invited by an associate, I must confess I was hesitant. I had an unsatisfactory experience at one well established plantation that didn’t address the history of enslavement and one revolutionary experience at Whitney that solely focuses on enslavement. To me, I had struck out once and witnessed life changing history at the other. I am uncomfortable with the concept of tourism to any plantation that does not encourage anti racism. I reluctantly agreed to go.
Boy, am I glad I did.
It challenged me to explore the complex and often forced community of this particular site. It never glamorized or made the owners of the big house heroic or to be emulated but spoke with direct honesty of their view points and transgressions. It spoke of a woven narrative that explained the integration of the household side by side was not equality.
Due to the matriarchy of this Creole (not American) household there is a narrative offered here with direct sources that gives incredible detail and many specific enslaved individuals. The French records offer insight that often the American records can’t.
The willingness of this organization to hold themselves accountable to this narrative since 1994 means they are version 20 of the tour. Every time they uncover new information about a complexity they return to the drawing board and thoughtfully create a narrative that includes the brilliant craftsmanship of skilled labor and the absolute cruelty of capitalism around enslavement.
I’d like to mention that our tour guide Joseph was an absolute gem of a guide. Even though he primarily guides in French his descriptions in English were crafted with dignity and he wasn’t afraid to challenge pre established concepts. I have rarely seen such skill bridging any history much less one that requires such dexterity.
I now believe that if someone was interested in de-colonization and anti racism the Laura is essential. I think a day trip that would alter your concept of history forever would be Laura, a picnic at Laura after decompressing and then Whitney.
It’s essential to understand that if you visit New Orleans nearly every boutique hotel, every store, every historic house, every public park has a history directly linked to enslavement. At Laura they understand that responsibility.
If you are strong enough to look this history in the eye, you might see yourself reflected. But beyond that reflection is a path forward. But first we must do the work. The work is being done at Laura. And now it’s up to me to do better.
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Houmas House Estate and Gardens
Historical place museum
Sights & Landmarks
Circa-1840 Greek revival mansion & plantation that includes gardens, lodging & elegant restaurants.
The property is beautiful. You could take 2-3 hrs just enjoying the gardens. The house furnishings are amazing and a must see. The tour guide did a great job telling the history and answering our questions. The oak trees are massive and the grounds are covered with these beauties. Walk up to the river to get a good view of what they would have seen before the levee was built. I highly recommend Houmas House and Gardens.
LeAnn Hooper — Google review
Traditional plantation house with full guided tour. Great to hear about the evolved design of the house and the activities of its owners. Landscaped grounds are lovely to walk through. We understand that this house had a good relationship with its slaves and gifted them land when the regime came to an end, therefore there isn't so much on the history of slavery it's very much about the house.
Allow a couple of hours to visit. There is also a cafe. At the time of our visit it closed at 2pm, had assumed it might be open later and this is the only food outlet so keep the timings in mind.
Note the Great River Road museum is not included in the main house ticket price, we decided not to pay the extra.
Sarah Franczak — Google review
Excellent tour! We loved Mrs. Ruby, our tour guide! She was very informative and patient with us and all of our questions.
The cost for two adults is $70 plus tax but that cost includes a self-guided tour of the gardens which are very beautiful!
There's a restaurant and bar here. The bar makes great Bloody Mary's!
While walking around the gardens, be sure to visit the bird. He talks and he loves attention!
Houmas House is where the movie Hush, Hush Sweet Charlotte was filmed and you can see the room Bette Davis stayed in. If you can, watch the movie before visiting. You'll recognize some of the rooms from the movie.
My husband and I have done this your several times and we enjoy it each time! Can't wait to come back!
Robin — Google review
We arrived early and they let us go ahead and do the tour before our scheduled one. Patrick our tour guide was amazing! He took his time and gave everybody the chance to take pictures if they wanted to. He was very knowledgeable and didn’t rush us through the tour. The gardens are very beautiful and picturesque! We absolutely loved the whole experience! Great job Patrick!
Rebecca Allen — Google review
You would be hard pressed to find a more beautiful setting and gardens! The attention to detail is seen everywhere you turn here. The food here is fabulous. The Inn is true luxury. The access to the Mighty Mississippi is a great addition. Watching river traffic with a cocktail is mesmerizing.
Nicole Guidry — Google review
This historical site is just magical! The gardens and mansion is over the top gorgeous! The guide was wonderful. I am really disappointed to have missed the Museum that was built. It sounds amazing. They allowed my little dog on the tour with me. I chose to carry her so she would not have a potty incident. But every little detail was beyond impressive. This is the best of all the plantations to explore!
Joan MILLER — Google review
20240329 Everyone is so nice here. The VIKING Cruise was here today, and there was a tour group. This garden is beautiful! Dogfriendly too!! There is a cost for admissions, but if you eat at the Carriage House, admission is free. We did have lunch there. The food and service were excellent! Walk across the red Bridge from the parking lot will take you closer to the Mississippi River where the VIKING Cruise Ship docked.
Tilly Lo — Google review
This was my first visit to a plantation house and it was very nice. Our guide was a man and I wish I could remember his name. He lad long gray hair and he gave an excellent tour and you could tell he enjoyed giving it. The house was very nice with lots of history. There is much to see in the house. You even get to see one of the dining rooms for Latils Landing restaurant which is an excellent restaurant. The grounds are perfectly manicured and it is very peaceful to wander around and see.
David Hill — Google review
Absolutely gorgeous! The flowers are amazing and I saw some that I've never come across before. Everyone on the grounds and in the shop were just absolutely kind and informative. The different types of gardens were well put together. Definitely recommend to everyone.
Tyson Stumbaugh — Google review
This was an excellent plantation tour. Huge parking lot with ample room. We bought tickets online for a certain time for the tour.
The grounds were impeccable. Beautifully groomed and well cared for. Beautiful lake with swans, geese, and ducks.
We had an excellent tour guy. He knew his stuff. Great historical stories to go along with the facts of the home.
Each room was carefully decorated to the period and some with original furniture.
Very friendly people as well.
Tour took about 1:10. We walked the grounds a bit so the whole visit was about 1:40.
Oh forgot the nice little kitty to greet you when u get there.
Keith Palazzo — Google review
This was our first plantation tour of our week-long trip. Overall, it was a great experience, and our guide, Ruby, was excellent. She was able to answer most of the questions posed to her and did answer all questions related to the estate. We were surprised to learn that the current owner actually lives there and more surprised that he allowed the tour through his private rooms. The gardens were absolutely gorgeous and had a wide variety of plants and wildlife. The admission price was a little steep, but learning the history around that particular piece of property was priceless.
Jenifer Liver — Google review
The grounds are spectacular with many areas to explore and the black swans were a sight to see. The tour of the house was informative and interesting. The trees were amazing, including a 600 year old oak tree. Definitely worth the visit.
Mike Kvintus — Google review
We love this place, we’ve stayed there a few times. Love the rooms, the grounds are beautiful and the food is great ( especially the breakfast). You must do the house tour, and visit the museum, all of the staff are super nice. Last year we went around Christmas time and it was decorated beautifully. We’re going back in December this year. I believe it’s going to be a tradition.
Alva Lamarque — Google review
Houmas House is truly a gem here in Louisiana. The gardens are well manicured and extensive, the restaurants are well-serviced and reasonably priced, and the Turtle Bar is my favorite little spot on the property. I come here often to reflect and relax.
Brooke Sweedar — Google review
Houmas House Estate and Gardens was beautiful. The grounds were amazing and the restaurant buffet was delicious!!! I had no idea it was such a large garden area. Beautiful and well kept.
Christine Graham — Google review
My visit to Houmas House and Gardens was a delightful escape into the charm of the Old South. The lush gardens surrounding the antebellum mansion were a sight to behold, offering a serene and picturesque backdrop. The guided tour through the mansion was informative and gave a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the era.
What sets this plantation apart is the attention to detail and the dedication to preserving its history. The cuisine at the on-site restaurant was exquisite, offering a taste of Southern culinary traditions. Whether you're interested in history, architecture, or just a peaceful day out, Houmas House and Gardens is a lovely destination to explore and enjoy.
BadAss Chick — Google review
After moving away from Ascension Parish nearly 25 years ago, I wanted to share memories from my childhood with my husband when we returned home this Christmas. Houmas House did not disappoint!! It was better than I remembered. It is obvious the current owner Kevin has invested time and resources into the house and grounds, not to mention the addition of the amazing museum and restaurants! We have toured homes around the world and to see this jewel a few miles from my childhood home was incredible. It was also heartwarming to hear that the beautiful murals in the main foyer are the work of Craig Black, the caretaker from the
'80s that is a very accomplished artist.
Ruby was our tour guide today, very informative and personable. She gave the perfect mix of past and present to the tour.
We look forward to stopping in on our next Visit home.
James Carpenter — Google review
Wow, what a great experience, we stayed one night, but need at least 3 to do justice in seeing... the best grounds to get lost in, breakfast was beyond words, rooms quaint, nice people working, and tour of Mansion is one of the best, if not the best we toured up the Mississippi.
Michael Venning — Google review
Our tour of Houmas Plantation was exceptional. The grounds are breathtaking and are beautifully maintained. Our tour guide was one of the best we have ever experienced. He spoke clearly and was not hurried in his approach. He was able to answer all questions asked. We highly recommend this plantation.
Sally McCall — Google review
A definite must-do if you’re visiting Louisiana. We learned so much about the history of the home and the people during the tour. While we waited for the tour we were able to roam the land.
The Whitney Plantation is a historical museum in Louisiana that is dedicated to preserving the history of slavery. Unlike other plantation tours, Whitney Plantation does not focus on the mansion and its previous owners but instead educates visitors about the lives of slaves who worked on the plantation. The restored buildings and guided tours provide an insight into this dark chapter of American history. Proceeds from ticket sales are directed towards supporting descendants of slaves.
Amazing Experience. The only plantation tour focused on the slaves. This tour is a great look into the life of slaves here in Louisiana. The tour is self guided with an audio program you listen along you as you walk through the property. I highly recommend this tour if you want to really learn what it was like to be a slave and learn about their histories.
Clinton McDonald — Google review
The only plantation tour that tells the slave's story. it actually gives honor and record of the salves how purchased to be on this plantation. they have records of the ones that died also. This is a must see. you will learn a lot about sugar plantations and get to see the land they slaves had to work. you will have an audio tour which makes it even easier. you will get a great untold history lesson also.
Mr. Branham — Google review
One of a kind museum and tribute to the memory of early American Plantation Life. Great architecture, history and sculpture gardens. Many original structures from nearby plantations have made their way to Whitney. Grounds are shady and cool with an interior gift shop for sweet tea and break from the heat. Must see for the history buffs and people who choose not to erase our nation's past however unfortunate. RIP to the 100's of thousands of formerly chained souls, may ye be free.
Riain Rising — Google review
Most depressing thing I've done in a very long time. I'm emotional and cried through the entire experience. Sad realization to what African Americans experienced in slavery. I'm broken. I will say it's a humbling experience. Makes me realize how fortunate I am and regardless of my struggles, I am free. My children are free. Having said that I needed to experience the south. For the richness in heritage and blast to the past. I loved the experience. The Whitney Plantation helps you understand from beginning to end what the plantations were about and how slavery changed the face of America.
Mayra Garcia — Google review
WELL worth the visit. Recommend the audio tour. Takes about 2 hours to complete. Plus the small museum, looking at about a 2.5-3 hour visit. Best for adults and kids in middle school and above. Any younger and they’ll be bored pretty quickly. Leaves you with a healthy respect for what happened here, not angry or ashamed. Very, very well done tour. Highly recommended.
Andrew R — Google review
Tour is self guided using either an app or an audio recording they provide. This is my first plantation I’ve ever been to and I enjoyed the educational aspect of it. The tour is informative and told and shows/explains the issues of the past and slavery, primarily why I chose this plantation as my first since I was interested in the plantation’s slave past rather than just the owners, i heard other plantations do focuses on that.
Brandon Garcia — Google review
An Enlightening tour of one of the best plantations offered. There was so much history shared that my party and I were in awe. If you go to New Orleans you owe it too yourself and your loved ones to take this tour.
If you are of African descent, you definitely need to see this historical place on a tour that is given from the slaves perspective. I highly recommend it and commend those who make this possible and are preserving as well as protecting this priceless property.
Jesse R. Brown — Google review
This historic site tells the how much slaves built so much of this land. The Whitney Plantation gave a more realistic view of the daily life of enslaved people in comparison to other plantations we have visited. We recently visited a famous plantation in Savannah, GA….but it only dedicated a small plaque to the slaves and the family still resided at the residence holding events and weddings. The Whitney Plantation handled this so much better. My children learned so much on their visit and know they are their ancestors dreams.
T&T Powell — Google review
Amazing tour. Very educational. Amber was an amazing tour guide. I learned so much. Would highly recommend Whitney Plantation as a must do while visiting Louisiana.
Monica Hugley — Google review
Such a moving and emotional experience.
The Whitney Plantation truly tells things as they were and shines light on how enslaved people lived and were treated. While it is not easy to hear and see, we must not ever forget or whitewash our past so that we learn from it and do better.
The grounds are well-kept, the staff are kind and very knowledgeable, and the subject matter and history is clearly shared here.
This is the only plantation tour that people should be making and I was so thankful to learn that they do not allow weddings or other such events to occur here because this is no place of celebration. Very well done.
Sydney — Google review
Seriously the best plantation tour you can go on. Tour guides are incredibly knowledgeable and well versed in the local area. They go deeply into complexities of what slave life was like and how they were traded/forced to work. I would recommend this tour to everyone who really wants to understand what the slaves went through.
John DiGiovanni — Google review
What amazing detail went into ensuring the history has been preserved. I recommend you download their app and have ear buds for this self guided listening tour. If you do not don't worry, they have listening devices to borrow.
Also, bring snacks for yourself. It's a 60 minute drive from New Orleans plus 2 hours on the actual tour. You'll get hungry.
C McMillian — Google review
I just visited the Whitney Plantation and I have to say, it was an incredibly emotional and contemplative experience. The dedication to preserving and sharing the history of slavery is evident in every aspect of the site. Walking through the grounds, seeing the restored buildings, and hearing the stories of the enslaved individuals left a lasting impact on me. The commitment to giving names and voices to those who were once silenced is truly commendable. If you're near New Orleans, a visit to this site is a must for all Americans.
Christine Alcalay — Google review
humbling, haunting tragic and interesting. very mindful curation and museum experience. their intentions are pure and realistic with the times. excellent guide (recommended the guided tour vs self guided tour). the stories we read have been in my mind every day since. no glorification, only truth and reality being shown and told.
McIntosh Gallery — Google review
I took my kids on Martin Luther King Day to show them the perils of not so long ago. It gave weight to what everyone before us fought for and why the fight continues. The tour, though on your own, was actually better than I thought. With the headphones and remote synched with each stop along the trail, it helped humanize the plantation. It brought up emotions, for sure, as I listened to the stories of those who had been interviewed. It was a lot to take in but an undeniable time for those who lived it everyday. I'm not sure how I would have survived. Our ancestors are amazing! Thanks to those who work to preserve Whitney Plantation. I plan to make this tour again.
Brendia Ercolini — Google review
A heavy and remarkably humbling experience. This self-guided tour (using headphones with prerecorded commentary) walked us through the entirety of the plantation, structure by structure, and allowed us to go at our own pace - which I found to be very important as parts did become quite emotional.
We got to empathize and appreciate some of the history, stories, and encounters of enslaved people. Also got to admire their skills and achievements.
Would highly recommend for anyone visiting Louisiana.
Jamie Oakland — Google review
I booked this plantation over Oak Alley and Laura Plantation because of its focus on slavery. As someone who studied African American literature, I'm familiar with slave narratives and stories so I was bracing myself for a very emotional experience based on the reviews. I actually left feeling underwhelmed and unfazed.
To start, our guide was very knowledgeable and respectable. She was eager to answer any questions our group asked, and did a great job explaining all the sites, exhibitions, and the process of harvesting sugar cane with respect to the slaves. The memorials they built to the side are very interesting and reading the quotes of slaves gave more insight into their day-to-day lives. It was also pretty surreal to walk inside the cabins, jail, kitchen, the house and be able to touch those walls.
There are two reasons I'm giving this tour four stars. The first reason is because of their lack of customer service. I made the mistake of booking a guided tour before reading that Ubers/Lyfts don't operate in that area. I sent an email a week before asking if they can assist me with coordinating transportation and never got a response. I called them when they were open and no one picked up and I never got a call back. This is unacceptable for a museum that's very isolated from the city. Thankfully, I coordinated a private ride with a previous Uber driver.
The second reason I'm giving it four stars is because of the organization's choice to clear out all the furniture from the main house to not perpetuate showcasing the wealth of the plantation owners. I understand they made that decision out of respect to the slaves, but I still would've liked to see how the house looked during its time, even if the furniture was borrowed from other plantations or museums. I believe history should be presented in its entirety, and walking through the empty house was very anti-climactic and actually detracted from the experience as it was the finale of the tour.
Overall, I was underwhelmed, but I respect the effort the organization is making to prioritize the slaves who lived there. I still recommend everyone do this tour because it’s very informative and explains the sobering, important, and dismal history of our nation and humanity in general. However, I think one would get a well-rounded experience if you paired a visit to Whitney with Laura and/or Oak Alley, despite being known to whitewash their exhibits.
Alex Orta — Google review
This site is phenomenal! It’s very informal! We did the self guided tour with the headsets where we could hear first hand account stories from former slaves. The site is beautiful and has been preserved really well! It’s one thing to hear about the transatlantic slave trade, but it’s another thing to be on the same land the slaves built, worked and lived on.
Amanda Hall — Google review
This tour is very emotional. It discloses everything, warts and all. The building's the art, the statues, and graphics, so well put together. There are various guides situated throughout, for any questions. One guide at the church, a lady named Cheryle, was a wealth oh information. It's really worth the visit.
Michael-lyn Monks — Google review
I brought my children, and my cousins here back in June 2023. I came here the year before in April of 2022 with my sister and 2 friends. Then, they weren't doing live tours for regular folk that wasnt with a special group, so we had to listen to the tour on headphones. We also couldnt visit the church or go inside the slave shack or upstairs inside the big house due to the hurricane making things unstable at that time.
We rode the bus from New Orleans from one of those tour companies from off the street. They were great too, because they gave us the history of NOLA, and the area we were traveling to visit the plantation. They even told us about the other plantations along the way.
However, this particular time in June of this year, we drove our car, bought tickets at the door, and were able to get the live tour, and visit all the places we werent able to go into the first time.
OMG! It was amazing! The first time was great as well. But I loved being able to ask questions n get clarity from the tour guide. It was beautiful learning more about my ancestors, and offering my children n cousins the opportunity to experience this place. Even the founder was on the land at the time of our visit, so we got to meet n talk to him.
He's not black, but he did an amazing job honoring the people kidnapped n enslaved here.
I recommend this place to anyone who plans to visit a plantation. Skip them other ones, they don't water down the truth at this one.
**I tried to share photos that didn't have anybody or many people in them.
Tee McC — Google review
It was a very moving experience to visit this place. I could almost feel the terror and horrors that were perpetrated here by the slave-owners. The self-guided tour was excellent, the staff was very nice, and the entire grounds are very well kept. Visiting the main house, and then the slaves' quarters, was especially jarring and painful. Contemplation in the Antioch church after touring the grounds is a must-do. Before touring the grounds, definitely walk through the exhibit in the main building. It gives vital info that is necessary to create context and understanding. A visit here is definitely recommended for all Americans. Never forget the horrors that occurred here not long ago. Vestiges of such oppression, hate, and subjugation remain to this day. Stay aware of them and treat ALL people with respect and love.
10S Lover — Google review
The museum is will kept. Great attention was taking to the historic storytelling of the ancestors. The audio tour is done well, easy to follow, but the information was not compromised. Thank you.
Fullbloom Lily — Google review
Very interesting stories and statues. Loved the buildings and period furniture. Location wise it is out in the middle of no where,which is kind of nice. No hustle and bustle. Was very busy for a weekday but we got in and did our own tour which was nice.
Sunshine Killingsworth — Google review
Incredible experience! Our tour guide, James Kelly, was a walking talking wealth of information; dates, authors, facts and more. Cannot recommend this type enough+
Cheryl Lundgren — Google review
A truly fascinating place to visit. An absolute must if in the area; so important to ensure that what happened at places such as this are never forgotten.
The audio tour is really worth doing, it provides so much information at a really good pace. The information provided through the audio tour and exhibits really do stick with you.
Matthew Wakefield — Google review
Most humbling and educational experience of my life. My husband and I left in shock. Thank you Whitney for such an important tour and explanation of our history. I didn’t leave angry, just full of empathy, compassion and hope.
Mary Rodriguez — Google review
The Whitney plantation is amazing! Such a powerful museum (?) of history that teaches about how slavery, the south, and New Orleans all came together in every way…how we got there and how the indelible imprint continues to shape our world today despite the passage of time.
This place is beautiful and challenging. The buildings, land, and artifacts are lovingly preserved and very accessible. The stories and information are touching, stunning, shocking, and humbling. You could spend a half to full day here there is so much to experience and learn.
This is an excellent place to visit to learn about the tragedy and travesty of the pain, suffering, strength, cruelty, and hope of this era of American history
Aj Sue — Google review
This was my inspiration to visit new orleans. They've done a tasteful and meaningful job of telling the story from the perspective of the enslaved. I would love to learn more about the inspiration for the museum and the process for gathering the information. I did the self guided audio tour. The sculptures of children were moving. I thought the lanyards with stories on them was a powerful touch.
John Andru — Google review
The young sister with the long locks and glasses. I felt bad I couldn't leave her a tip because we did not travel with cash on us. she was absolutely amazing though. Hearing young people be so knowledgeable about their heritage gives me hope for our future. I hope she see this knowing we appreciate her teachings.
BigPit306 — Google review
I really hate to say that I’m a little disappointed but I am. Just be aware that if you’re the first group of the day, they do not let you in to use the bathroom or checkin until 9:30 on the dot - even though about 2 dozen people were waiting - and they started the tour within 5 min of the doors being open so it was a rush to use the bathroom and checkin - so no need to be 15 minutes early as the confirmation email says. The front desk staff was pretty rude about it and actually laughed at me 😂 Our tour didn’t take us to even half of the spots on the property and it was up to us to explore at our leisure at the end of the tour (although our guide was great!) I’d say save the few extra $ and do the self guided tour.
Private swamp refuge offering narrated boat tours with alligators & other wildlife sightings.
Incredible tour through and through.
Starting with the pick-up in New Orleans, our bus driver, Byron, did an incredible job entertaining and educating us the entire ride, pointing out local landmarks.
Then throughout the boat portion, our tour guide, Bishop, provided humorous stories, interesting facts, and fed the alligators twice (so both sides of the boat could enjoy the feeding frenzy).
He passed around an alligator head, osteoderms of turtles, and even let us hold a live 2.5 year baby alligator.
This was my first swamp tour in Louisiana, and I enjoyed the entire journey through and through. Would highly recommend!
James Wang — Google review
Such a wonderful experience for the whole family! Our captain, Tom, was so fun and full of wisdom. He cheerfully shared his wealth of knowledge and answered everyone’s questions, no matter how silly. We saw plenty of gators, raccoons, birds, & turtles. No wild hogs this time but the captain said they were seen the day before our tour. Their gift shop was full of unique items not seen in other area gift shops and the staff are all very warm & friendly. Plenty of space for large groups and small groups alike, lots of shaded areas with picnic tables and seating (with industrial size fan to help keep everyone cool), clean facilities and grounds, and they’re working on constructing a new, much larger building that when done, will make this place even more spectacular. We had a great time and highly recommend doing your tours here!
Deadly Mynxx83 — Google review
Took a trip to New Orleans to do something different and weather was really bad downtown, but clear outside of town, last minute found Cajun pride swamp tours online gave them a call and they said if we could make it there in time we’d have a ride to get on…. It takes a little longer to get to them on Highway 10 then the map shows but all in all it’s super easy to find and make it to their parking lot. Everyone there was super nice and it was fun to get out on the boat relax for a little bit and watch them talk about the gators. Weather was a bit cooler so some of the bigger gators were not out but we still had fun running around the swamp and seeing some of the midsize gators come to the boat to get fed. It did sprinkle a little while we were out there but the boat has a top on it which is probably great in the full sun and it kept the rain off. Fun trip and guide was really good with everyone. Fun to hold the baby gator. They are rebuilding their facilities that were destroyed during a hurricane so they use a temporary building for the gift shop and check in areas but the land is owned by them so you’re not competing with other boats out there on the property. Would recommend as a fun stop.
Chad Thomas — Google review
Staff was very nice and accommodating. Capt Dustin was extremely nice as well. This is well worth the $$ spent. Tour is roughly 1.5 hours and features alligators, wild pigs, raccoons, soft shelled turtles and more. This is pretty touristy and commercialized. I deducted 1 star, like others have stated, they feed the animals marshmallows and such, so they don’t act like totally wild animals, instead of being spooked by the boats and humans, they chase the boat. I get it, they have to have the draw to get people excited about coming, no hate from me on it, but I would have rather seen the tour with the animals acting like they normally would. (Doubt we would have seen the wild pigs though). Great job guys and I would recommend to others.
Kevin McKinney — Google review
From the beginning to the end of this adventure, everything was perfect. Very entertaining, and we had the opportunity to touch/carry a baby gator! Pretty cool!
I would recommend to bring a mosquito spray, pants and long sleeve. Just because there is so many mosquitoes.
Ryo Shigemitsu — Google review
Informative and something different to do. It was a cloudy cool day so beware that gators this time of year, end of Nov, are not out moving much or at all. We were lucky in that we saw 4 on the noon excursion. Guide was great and down with the reality of not seeing much.
Kevin Stewart — Google review
I gave them five stars even though we didn't see many alligators. I was there as part of a tour group. We had gone to Mardi Gras parades the day before and it's still cool outside this time of year and the alligators are just starting to come out of hibernation. So, of course that is not something the tour company can control. But it was a beautiful sunny day which made the boat ride pleasant. Tom was our guide and he was humorous and knowledgeable.
Marla Salyer — Google review
This tour was fun and informative! The driver and the tour guide both did a great job of keeping up the energy of the group and keeping us entertained during the drive to the plantation. The swamp tour was full of wildlife and I'm talking up close and personal! Alligators, wild pigs, raccoons and turtles all within a few yards. We were even able to hold a baby gator! The best way to spend a day in New Orleans!!!
Glenn Cornelisse — Google review
It's been a few years, actually, but better late than never I suppose.
Went on the tour with my wife and a close friend. We had a boat to ourselves, but the guide gave us an enthusiastic ride nonetheless. A fantastic way to spend an afternoon - entertaining and educational. Very highly recommended!
Greg Zillgitt — Google review
A great time. The captain was so informative and made sure everyone saw plenty of gators before we went back in. All the people that worked there were very friendly. Kids really enjoyed it too and got to hold a baby gator on the boat. Price was reasonable for the length of the boat ride. Will definitely come back if we are in the area.
Emily Lynch — Google review
This was one of the best Swamp Tours I've been on lots of gators and what I really wanted to see were the wild boars and I got to see them. Our entire group loved it. I definitely recommend. BTW They also offer $30 RT Transportation. That was a tour in itself.
Michael Daniels — Google review
Captain Tom took us on an incredible tour of the swamps of Louisiana!! You get way up close and personal with all the wildlife including alligators. wild boars, raccoons, and birdlife. Captain Tom has spent 40 years chasing the dream, and he shares his experiences in an exciting way. it is way fun for the whole family!!!
Scott Jones — Google review
I would highly recommend doing the Swamp Tour with Cajun Encounters when in New Orleans. My girlfriends and I had a fun time and our swamp tour guide, Captain Pat was such a delight. Very informative and also fun, wouldn't have picked anyone else. We got to see a lot of wildlife such as many different alligators, birds, raccoons & wild boars. I think our time at the swamp was well used up very well & it was entertaining the whole entire time, super friendly staff as well at the gift shop and in general. 10/10.!
Jeannie Chong — Google review
What an awesome experience. Our tour guide was easy-going, informative, funny, and a blast to hang out with. His banter during the tour was a bigger highlight than the gators. If you’re in New Orleans, spend a day with these people. You won’t regret it.
Glen Hallock — Google review
We had a great time! The captain was a great guide and was very knowledgeable. He had some great stories to! We saw lots of gators and other wildlife. It was a beautiful ride! At the end of the ride we got to hold a baby gator. Would definitely recommend! Plus this tour is a lot cheaper than the tours in New Orleans.
Kinzetta Harris — Google review
Amazing tour. The captain was informative and funny. They have a zip line and transportation to take you to the swamp and back to your hotel. We also held a baby alligator which was the highlight of the tour. Definitely worth it. 👌. Would recommend the morning tour. And shout out to our amazing bus driver. He was funny and informative as well.
Forgot to add they have swamp camp for kids too. That was interesting.
oranzhevyyptitsa alou — Google review
We enjoyed our Cajun Pride Swamp Tour very much! The guide was affable and filled the tour with humor. We saw about 25 alligators and learned there are no crocodiles in the US. We also saw raccoons and wild hogs.
We came during the heatwave but fortunately it rained just before our tour so it was cooler than the rest of the day. This is a great way to get a taste of the swamp while visiting New Orleans or Baton Rouge.
Benswing Rich (Ben Rich - Electric Biker) — Google review
Amazing experience in August! We visited Whitney Plantation in the morning and the we had swamp tour in the afternoon, they're very near. Our captain easy very funny and kind. A real exiting way to experience the Louisiana Bayou and see alligators and racoon.
Claudia Schiattone — Google review
Taking a trip with Capt Tom is a great experience. He’s knowledgeable about the eco system and can explain it very well. Since it’s gotten cold the big gators are not very mobile so that was a bummer but He’s got a tank and has 3-4 baby alligators so he brings them along and you get to hold the. A very cool experience! We saw lots of wild Pigs and even 3 piglets less than a month old. Lots of Raccoons you get to see how they all jockey for the feed he throws out. He explained the difference in how you make money with selling hides which requires a license. They bought the swamp land and manage it themselves. Mention AAA get a few dollars off. I had done the plantation tour many years ago skipping it this time.
T. R. — Google review
This swamp tour focuses on the history of the area (like they all usually do) and they tell the story of the town of Frenier that was wiped off the map. There was a lot to look at. Racoons and alligators were the main attraction, but wild hogs did make an appearance which was delightful. This place seems to get a lot of tours, and busses come out brimming with people, so there must be some deal going on there.
Andrea F — Google review
Absolutely captivating swamp tour in the bayou of New Orleans! The thrill of encountering wild animals in their natural habitat was unmatched. Knowledgeable guides provided fascinating insights, making it an educational adventure. From alligators to raccoons, the diverse wildlife sightings were a photographer's dream. A must-do experience for nature enthusiasts and those seeking an authentic taste of Louisiana's untamed beauty.
Hev — Google review
Dived into the heart of Louisiana with Cajun Pride Swamp Tours and let me tell you, it was a wild ride minus the seatbelts! This isn’t your grandma’s boat trip unless she’s into gators, tales taller than the trees, and Captain Brandon’s legendary swamp wisdom. The man’s a swamp whisperer, cracking jokes while casually pointing out critters that’d make a grown man squeal. Comfortable boat? Check. Nature’s untamed beauty on full display? Double check. Learning something new without realizing it because you're too busy being entertained? Triple check.
If you're itching for adventure or just want to see if alligators are real, book a tour and ask for Captain Brandon. It's half education, half entertainment, and all unforgettable. Cajun Pride Swamp Tours isn’t just a 5-star experience—it’s a “why isn’t this everywhere?” kind of good.
Robert W — Google review
Really close to the Highway. Super easy to get to. The parking lot is big enough for a tractor trailer and several tour buses. We called ahead and were told to pay over the phone. When we got there, a pair of really nice ladies greeted us in the gift shop and gave us our colored tickets, which they stated corresponded with colored flag on the boat we would be riding. There were alligators in the water near the shore before the tour even left. They chopped up some chicken and we loaded onto the boats and took off. There was some nice shade that covered the waiting area. Now, we went on just the right day....Cloudy and 70 degrees. They stated that there are no alligators to be seen during the winter hibernation months....December, January and February. The water is too cold and they go into hibernation mode where their heart beats only once every 4 minutes. Conversly, if you go when it is too hot, you may not see alot of alligators because they dig deep into the cool mud in the dhade.l amd do not always come out.The alligators are trained to come around the boats because they get corn, marshmallows, and chicken. There are a ton on bird feeders that attract a ton of birds although I did not see any rare or exotic birds. The boat is covered and has gasoline outboard motors that are very quiet. Now, when you get on the boat, make sure you sit on the outer seat at the front (the side opposite the driver where the entry ramp is) Sitting in the front gives you the best vantage point to view all of the wildlife at the landings. The tour was about 1.5 hours long and the excitement began to wear off on some of the riders. There were about 40 people on the boat with us. We were the 2:15 tour on a Saturday. (busy) The driver was personable and knowledgeable and gave some intersection facts. Definitely recommend!
Joshua Steele — Google review
I felt my “cityness” melt as Captain Tom regaled us with stories of each gator we met. Pigs. Raccoons. Turtles. It was amazing scenery, but Tom really helped me shift away from my preciousness and embrace the raw joy of the bayou. It was the best, I hope I get to come back some day.
Blue Bayou Water Park is a popular all-ages water park located about a 20-minute drive southeast of Baton Rouge. With 20 attractions to choose from, including a kids-only area and multistory water slides, this park is perfect for visitors of all ages. The lazy river, water play area, wave pool, and amusement park at Dixie Landing are also popular attractions.
Wow! First day this season and I’m completely impressed. Every slide is open. Staff everywhere. Fresh paint on most areas. Food is good. Especially the chicken tenders! ❤️! I’ve been coming yearly since Covid and this is the best year yet! Great job, Blue Bayou!
Ann Turner — Google review
I had a great time but it was shut down because of weather but it wasn't their fault but I still had a great time and we got free passes for our inconvenience for our next vist
Lee Weston — Google review
Horrible! Arrived to the park with my family to buy tickets, attendant was not friendly and stressed out stating that they were severely short staffed today and only 2 slides and the wave pool was open. Also stated that as staff come to work, more attractions would open. Charged $25 per person due to only 5 attractions available. The park appearance is old and run down and definitely in need of renovations! Most of the park is shut down. After waiting 20 minutes in line to ride 1 of the two slides that was open the ground supervision shut the slides down without explanation. I mean it was terrible. Blue Bayou was a waste of time & money. I would like to have my money reimbursed due to extremely low level customer service and misleading advertising! I would not recommend this place to anyone. #disappointed
Soni Bee — Google review
Before they open for 2023, I’d like to warn those that are excited .DO NOT get a season pass right out the gate . In 2021, post COVID, we attempted to get season passes as we were excited to get back to Blue Bayou . It was so understaffed (rumor is that the owners have always been cheap, therefore there is no staff) most of the entire park was shut down all year and a select few rides were up Every. Single. Time. We went . Fast forward to 2022, we tried them again; and again most of the park was not functioning . Call before you make the drive to see what is up and running . We paid for season passes for the whole family and blue bayou is just not what it used to be, definitely not worth the money . We were very disappointed . I hope they make some changes soon, or idk how they will stay in business . I enjoyed Blue Bayou as a child so much! I wanted the same for my children.. They have to do better than what they’ve been doing .
Michaelyn Shantel — Google review
Welp, half of the original park is shutdown (Dixie Landing). So you can forget about roller coasters. Blue Bayou is ok. Needs a serious face-lift, though. Looks old. All the colors of the plastics are faded. The double-headed snake slide has a few rough spots, scuffing up your back on the way out. The food is not good here and very expensive. But, the slides with rafts are very fun. Fits 4 people. Wave pool is nice. Weak waves. More like swells. Ground feels like its on 🔥. Wear flip flops or crocs. No food or beverages are allowed through the entry gate. You have to buy their stuff. $10 locker fee. Smoking deck area for smokers. All in all, it's totally worth coming!
Brandon Boss — Google review
I haven’t been here since 2013 but I remembered that this place kept a 50 y/o chimp in a really small enclosure, without proper bedding and space for years until it died recently. I also knew a few people who worked here and they were very underpaid …. The owner really just needs to retire
Faith Griffin — Google review
This is the same deplorable place that kept a lone chimpanzee named Candy in a corn-cob pen for decades. Despite the pleas of countless people to the owner to move this despondent, keenly intelligent, self-aware chimpanzee to a lush sanctuary, the owner refused. Candy died without the comfort of other chimpanzees. My family wouldn't step foot in this place.
jen ocon — Google review
Don’t go here .. half the rides were closed all summer (‘22) yet the prices are the same. The ones that are open you can hardly use because no one is working that ride at the time, so you’re just standing there. They don’t tell you anything until after you pay. Pretty sure they plan to shut down for good, very soon, but figure they may as well take what money they can get, no matter how the customers are treated. Doesn’t matter if we don’t return or weren’t satisfied because they will be closed and they’ve already taken our money 🤷🏻♀️
J.A. Jones — Google review
Absolutely horrible customer service. Every manager I spoke to was disgustingly rude and they completely ignored the situation. We came early in the day but there was rain and we were told to come back. When we did, we paid the 200 for the four of us and went inside. We were at the park for 10 minutes before they shut down again and we were refused any sort of refund. They literally stole 200 dollars from us on my girlfriends BIRTHDAY. They offered us four tickets to come back but they were only valid for THEEE HOURS. We live an hour away so it would be completely useless. Not to mention the money they stole was worth an entire day not only three hours! Absolutely disgusting business.
Rhyvyr Moon — Google review
$50 Tickets when only 7 slides are open and no dixie landin is a complete joke; don’t even waste your time. you’d think if they didn’t have staff to cover the entire park they’d at least have a discount on ticket prices. this park used to be so good i don’t know how they went downhill so fast
Patrick Dunn — Google review
Most of the attractions were close so we got a small discount. The kids part was fun. It sucks you can only go around the lazy river once unless you purchase a floater. Which they were out.
Krystal Garrett — Google review
Great water park, lots to do, fun for all ages. I went opening day this year, credit card machine was down but they got us through! Only recommendation is that they put some cover over the eye bolts sticking out of the ground in the first sled slide area. Food lines could use some assistance.
Matthew Glover — Google review
We Love our weekly trip to Blue Bayou!!! They are very accommodating and allow us to bring in fruit and veggies for us to have healthy snacks too! They have plenty of places to have lunch at and they staff are very friendly. I do wish that they had more bathrooms at the front of the park but that’s ok. My kid loves the rides and even said that he enjoys them almost as much as Disney rides;) the park is Very clean. The water is clean.
Amanda okayestMOMever — Google review
Pretty big water park. The lazy river is a little too shallow. You can only go around once with the park provided tubes. And you have to ride in/on the tube. No free swimmers. The wave pool was being worked on and closed. It had some nasty brown stuff all in the shallow end and some workers were trying to suck some stuff out of the deep end. That’s kind of a disappointment. We came down from Jackson, MS with a Girl Scout troop. No way to get your group inside until all are there. Seems like you could have some sort of will call to help speed this part along.
We read the lemonade was good so we got some. And yes it’s good. Cost 4 tickets (4 dollars). But seems reasonable for park food.
Dave Thornton — Google review
We were there yesterday until 5:30P all the way from NOLA (Westwego, LA). 2 of us out of 4 enjoyed the water park rides, the food was good, and we also enjoyed the wave pool. But my main recommendations are having all your concession stands or food restaurants should consider giving receipts of the items purchased via customers email. This way we can save the energy, the trees for the habitats and for our oxygen, the atmosphere, and pollution. And all the rides stairs are getting cracked (need to repaired), need fresh paint job on the stairs, railings, and the water rides itself. Also the race ride with the black number sign (see picture below)- the red color circle is in the picture is what I'm talking about (that circled sign needs to be repaired and make it work). The tickets for the food (sno-cones, and etc.), it needs to stopped! That's a lot of paper being wasted and all. Something that will not waste paper should be taken place to buy snow cones and what not.
Lake Pontchartrain is an estuary and one of the largest inland saltwater bodies in the United States. It is ringed with parks and provides habitat for numerous species of animals and plants. The lake is famous for its long, straight bridge over water, which connects it to the Gulf of Mexico.
Really cool place to visit especially during the summer because of the breeze
Anton Makov — Google review
Lake Pontchartrain is supposedly the longest bridge in the US. It’s only a 30 minute drive across, but it’s just a bridge.
It’s worth coming if you’re in the area, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to come here.
Courtney P — Google review
Lake Pontchartrain is simply breathtaking, a fantastic prodigy of nature. Very calming and awesome journeying over the lake.
Sena Oriku — Google review
Huge the bridge is a marvel! Fantastic crossed it as a child. Now a 61 year old lot has changed. Easy drive!
Kimberly Fox — Google review
I absolutely LOVE Lake Pontchartrain!!!! It really is something special. It looks just like I’m at the ocean! It is one of the most beautiful places in NOLA. I usually grab some gator bites and a burger from one of the restaurants on Lakeshore, and sit for hours…just being. It is a great place for fishing, running, walking, jet skiing, boating, reading, gathering…ANYTHING!! Most tourists miss out on this place when they are in New Orleans…that’s probably a good thing. It’s a really cool place. I had never seen an estuary this large…WOW!! A cool bit of information I learned about Lake Pontchartrain: any life in the Gulf of Mexico can be potentially be found in the water, and it is only about 14 feet at its deepest. Go hang out, you will love it!!!!
Hope Ogunbamiyo — Google review
Beautiful lake.
Jason Thomas — Google review
I enjoyed the drive across the bridge I think everyone should experience it at least once 🥰
Carmelita Ethridge — Google review
We drove over this amazing lake going to New Orleans and it was BREATHTAKING!! I’ve never seen a lake this big. It reminded me of driving over international waters going to the beach!!
Lisa Cole — Google review
Geographically speaking, Abita and Chafunkta are “across the pond”, making travel to these breweries from NOLA either prohibitively uber expensive or requiring a rental car – maybe a bus if those exist. We did zero research on the bus thing. I’m sure you’re thinking, it’s just a pond or a lake and there’s a road right through it! That is Lake Pontchartrain.
Lake Pontchartrain is a large, brackish estuary located in southeastern Louisiana. It is not a true lake, but rather a tidal basin that is connected to the Gulf of Mexico. Lake Pontchartrain is also one of the largest wetlands in the United States!
The bridge you see on Google maps is the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway. Which is one of the longest bridges in the world at 24 miles long! Quite the feat of engineering in our humble opinion. Driving 24 miles, in what can only be described as open water, is just as daunting as driving the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Also if you have to pee, well, you’re SOL on that front because with the exception of emergency pull overs, there is no where to stop.
Beer Venturers — Google review
Beautiful, but scary at the same time. It is spectacularly gorgeous, so much water for miles, but had to visit. My pretty lady and I stopped and took some awesome pictures. The Lord can make such beautiful things with his hands yo...
NY — Google review
Beautiful waters!! We found a secluded beach area where we stopped and barbecued and swam a bit in the water. It was gorgeous weather and perfect to be on the water in the boat! 😎
Jenn Kerwin — Google review
Pushed my step-brother in, now I'm level 99 and 1/2
Funex Oculus — Google review
Gigantic lake...so wide, you cant see the other side from the shore! Lots of shelters surrounding it for gatherings and picnics, plus a nice walking walk and nice paved roads for bike riding with several restaurants nearby on the Metairie side.
The neatest thing was taking a car across the causeway, especially when its slightly foggy, it's like driving thru a cloud. Just make sure you're not on an empty tank! Worth a detour!
Bo_Decahedron — Google review
Had to share these sunset pictures of Lake PONTCHARTRAIN, crossing the twin spans. So much beauty right in our back yards in Southern Louisiana.
Jamie Ziglar — Google review
Always love being on the water in my boat. Lots of open water and hide away beaches. After a long day at the shop, being on the boat after work is just what I need.
Justin Kerwin — Google review
4.6
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4.0
(310)
Louisiana, USA
8
Kliebert & Son’s Gator Tours
Animal park
Sights & Landmarks
Farms
Wow! I am blown away at the experience my family received. This place was magical to someone who lives in the northern part of the country. The hospitality we received was second to none. Mike and Frankie were some of the nicest people we have ever met. She was knowledgeable and comfortable with all the animals. They were happy to answer questions about the show and the animals. I could spend all day being able to get that close to animals I have never seen before. Thank you for the amazing experience. We will be back for sure!
Anthony Balma — Google review
They are the nicest most down to earth people. We enjoyed the pictures and the tour. Also their children are so respectful and the sweetest!
Christina Stewart — Google review
Our family came just after a large group of 100+ just finished their visit, so the owner took us on our own personal tour. He was very knowledgeable & answered all of our questions. He explained that some of the enclosures were undergoing expansion & rearranging to better accommodate all their animals. We especially loved our up close visit being able to hold & pet all the super friendly animals. My daughter wanted to spend the rest of the day there. We never felt rushed & truly had a great time. We also liked that this is a family owned business that has every member of Kliebert family helping care for the animals.😊
Amy Mueller — Google review
Had a great time, loved watching kids in the group interacting with the animals. TMike was extremely knowledgeable and really cares about the animals. Each animal's care, personality, and temperament is considered during handling and before allowing guests to handle the animals.
Terri Stowell — Google review
Our guide was amazing! Felt like we were walking through our friends back yard. Got an amazing deal on groupon but would have been worth the price they ask as well. Would definitely recommend to a friend!
JJ Budd — Google review
A must stop and do!!! Very personable establishment. The family and staff are accommodating and knowledgeable. We enjoyed the tour around the different animals and reptiles. The alligator turtle was a treat. The alligators of all sizes were very cool! Feeding the animals was fun!:). We bought a sulcata turtle and have named him Sheldon. Thank you Kliebert & Son's Gator tours for the fun time and new family member. Kind regards
Joli Stevens — Google review
My husband and I had a wonderful time on the tour here. Our tour guide, Katy, was absolutely amazing and very knowledgeable. It made our traveling through Louisiana experience one to remember and we would definitely recommend this place to any family.
Faye Valentine — Google review
We took the kids today and it was fun for all of us! Our kids are 16, 8, and 6 and all of us learned something we didn’t know! Kate and Robert were the absolute best tour guides. They were so nice. Even when my youngest was asking a ton of random questions they were patient and you can tell they love what they do! We will definitely be back and recommend going if you’re in the area!
ashlyn cockerham — Google review
Loved holding the pet alligator, Minnie. Everyone was very friendly and eager to answer questions about the Swamp People show. Our tour group was a little large and that made it more difficult to hear our guide.
Kathy Robinson — Google review
This is our families WE HAVE TO GO !!! spot on our yearly trip. Last year was our first time and we fell in LOVE ❤️❤️❤️ Was so awesome to come back to the same people and animals. Just a great experience. Can't wait till next year when they are in their new spot.
Dillon Pieffer — Google review
Katie was absolutely amazing with giving the tour and answering any questions we had. We got there mid-tour so joined the tour she was currently giving and then walked around on our own afterwards. I purchased a stuffed animal and then turns out my son put it back so I called her and we stopped back by to retrieve it.
Also, props for this place also being kid-friendly. My 4 year old son had an absolute BLAST!
Randi Harris — Google review
I love this place!! Thanks to everyone who made this place exist! Special thanks to Dustin - he made my time there soooo interesting and informative!! If you’ll have a chance being here - don’t miss it🐢🐊🖤
Niko S — Google review
Awesome tour. The guide Daniel was so friendly and worked well with the kids. My husband kissed an alligator and a little girl held 6 snakes at once! Definitely got some memories!
Sarah Noland — Google review
What an amazing experience! The owner took his time showing us all the animals and we were able to spend time getting pictures and feeding the various critters. What a great time! Highly suggest you make this a stop.
McKynzie Pell — Google review
4.6
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4.5
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40511 W E Interstate 55 Service Rd, Ponchatoula, LA 70454, USA
2,800-acre park on Lake Pontchartrain with a beach, nature trails, campgrounds & cabins.
Beautiful views, nice campsites, well maintained facilities. But the bathrooms by the beach are closed so they put some porta potties out there. The splash pad wasn't open when we went. We did see a baby snake on the main path to the beach. People just went around it pointing. It was windy and a little chilly but a very nice experience. The park ranger told us he had about 2000 people in and out that day which was a Monday! But we didn't see that many people even in the parking lot and we were there a long time. Lots of grass cutters there all day seemed to be going over the same spots. They keep it real clean cut.
Brandi WL — Google review
We stayed in this beautiful park for a week in January and couldn’t have been more happy. It is so beautiful. Trees surround the wide paved sites and the sites were spacious. My girls loved traipsing through the streams and looking out for deer. We went to the beach at the lake nearly every day. The bathhouse was clean and very nice for a state park. Water pressure and cell service was great! We hope to return to this park if we are ever in the area again!
Jen & Gary Coleman — Google review
I’m not sure why google says this place is a hotel, unless there is a hotel located somewhere near by, but whatever.. it’s a state park.. it’s absolutely stunning. You can take lots of videos and pictures. The shower/bath-house was closed due to being under construction from the store than went through. The alligator marsh was also closed off due to the storm ripping the bridge apart. Hope it’ll be fixed soon! We absolutely love this place and visit at least once or twice a year. It’s well worth the drive. It’s only $3 per person for a day visit. There’s camping spots, it’s quiet, peaceful and gorgeous… they do have plenty of bathrooms around the whole park. The waves and pelicans were singing beautifully!
Courtney Rutland — Google review
Love this park, you even have a little crabbing area there. Bring a pot if you plan on doing a little boil. We enjoyed our stay. We went in a camper, they do have some rental cabins also. The cabins looked very nice and right on the water.
Elois ambrosia — Google review
Enjoyed walking through park. Ruins of a sugar plantation remain and it was fascinating touring the grounds. There was a short trail, a pier, and a splash pad for kids. Listened to a cover band playing while I was here. Recall that they also have cabins available for rental.
Michael Hess — Google review
Beautiful State Park, especially the beach area! Entrance is $3/person. The alligator marsh boardwalk was closed due to damages from previous hurricanes. Trails are nice, might be a bit muddy at some points.
Definitely worth it!
Many photos shooting happening. Great spot for family pictures!
Adeline CHAUTARD — Google review
It was raining when we were here but the place looks like it would be gorgeous in better weather. Beautiful beach! Lots of bike trails & nice, paved, camping sites with fire pits & built in outdoor grills. In the summertime there is a splash pad for children that looked nice. The price on the weekend was rather steep - considering it is off season! I think I paid $40+ for a 30 AMP site on a Saturday in November 2022.
Nona Willet Bellware — Google review
We didn’t stay the night, but I brought my kids out there and we had them play in the beach and the water playground. The trees are beautiful and the scenery tin the park is really special. However, the welcome center is closed and in disrepair. So is the building near the water front. The folks at the gate were really nice and we loved the day trip to the park. Would have like to have seen what the welcome center had.
Jordan Hill — Google review
I recently had the pleasure of visiting this state park, and it truly exceeded my expectations. The park offers a unique blend of history and tranquility. The remains of an old sugar factory add an intriguing touch, and the pottery course and sugar mill history tour were engaging experiences.
The park's ambiance is incredibly peaceful, making it an ideal getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The cabins and camps provided comfortable accommodations, and the meeting space was well-equipped for team building events. I particularly enjoyed the Spanish moss delicately draping over the ancient oak trees, creating a magical atmosphere.
The meeting space was practical with tables, chairs, and a kitchenette that included a full-size refrigerator. What impressed me the most was the option to conduct meetings either inside the building or outside under the shade of picnic tables.
However, I did notice one area for improvement: adding electrical outlets to the pavilions by the beach. With the growing number of remote workers, this addition could attract even more visitors to the park. Many people, myself included, prefer working with a nice view rather than being confined to a Starbucks. Providing charging ports would make it much more convenient.
Considering the reasonable $3 entrance fee, the park offers excellent value for money. The cabins and lodges are not only cost-effective but also spacious enough to accommodate large groups if needed.
In conclusion, I highly recommend this state park to anyone seeking a peaceful retreat with a touch of history and ample recreational opportunities. It's a hidden gem worth exploring, and with the addition of charging ports, it has the potential to attract even more visitors.
Oh... And there's a splash pad for the youngins.
Jennifer Munguia — Google review
Clean park and bathrooms facilities. The natural landscaping is beautiful. Lots of mossy oak trees! Watching the sunset at the lake was breathtaking. I rode the Tammany Trace into Mandeville for the afternoon. Very easy and peaceful ride there and back. I did have some raccoons come visit me for dinner. But thankfully they didn't stay and eat.
Jennifer — Google review
This state park is a treasure. A huge, brick pool house stands as an reminder of the state's history . Reportedly the park once had a public swimming pool, but filled it in response to desegregation . Now there is an odd span of grass and no swimming pool. Still it's a nice place to watch for birds (gulls, kites, eagles...) and stroll through the woods. It has lots of photogenic Old Oaks with Spanish moss. The small Beach is nice for summer.
Deidra Petty — Google review
This state park is situated on the north Bank of Lake Pontchartrain. The Campground is not on the Lake, but rather back in the low, swampy areas. We reserved an improved site (81,) which has a perfectly level pad, but the area around the pad is muddy with standing water from recent rains. Bathhouse is nice, clean, with great water pressure and hot water. Very good since there are no sewer hookups. Lots of bike trails and close to shopping. Great place to stay for proximity to NOLA while still enjoying outdoor activities.
Update after 2 week stay: it rained pretty good and we ended up with swamp front property. Thankfully we were on an improved site with a raised concrete pad so we only lost our fire pit to the swamp. Other sites were underwater for a day or more.
M Dowd — Google review
A great place for all ages! All campsites, primitive and improved, are well kept and spacious. Plenty of things to do and all park staff are very friendly and knowledgeable. One of the best state parks in South Louisiana
Sara Easley — Google review
We camped here in July and found it to be completely empty. Almost frighteningly so. Obviously, the heat of midsummer is not the ideal time for this area, but the beach was nice and the location close to a cute town and the causeway was great. The bathhouse closest to us was very outdated. However, there were other more modern bathhouses in the park with AC, laundry facilities, and clean showers. If you are looking to call somewhere in the New Orleans area, this is a great spot.
Patrick Maguire — Google review
This Park is my personal haven for witnessing nature’s most breathtaking sunsets. It offers a front row seat to the sun’s descent beyond Lake Pontchartrain’s horizon. The park provides multiple spots for both relaxation and photography. It never fails to inspire.
Virender Ajmani — Google review
October is definitely the best time of year to go fishing. Just make sure that you keep an eye on the size fish, and if you're going to catch and release like my boys did take lots of pictures, they had a great time, and these are some of the biggest fish they've ever caught from the pier, just using shrimp and cut Bait. Big drum were hitting them like crazy. They even came home with a few Nice red fish. My voice go fishing about 2 to 3 nights a week. And have been sharing pictures with, like the ones shared here. Go out and get you some.
Shannon Ochoa — Google review
This is one of the best state parks we have camped in so far. The crew is super friendly and helpful. The batrooms are in very good condition and are being cleaned daily - have sent worst bathrooms on commercial campgrounds. Overall campground and park are very well-kept.
Rafal Brzegowy — Google review
Great state Park. Quite a few mosquitos, to be expected, you're in a swamp. Saw a lot of deer when we pulled in. Some of the sites don't have water, but there are clean bathrooms with showers and laundry available. The volunteer at check in was great, the state employee could use a little more training.
Back Stage — Google review
This is a beautiful and clean park. The staff is very nice and helpful. Above and beyond anything I have seen. It has been a great camping experience. Can’t wait to come back someday. Thanks to everyone here at the park!!
James Allen — Google review
This park is one of my favorites! I love camping here or just enjoying a beach day. We most recently went to do an engagement video shoot and it was so lovely! We got to see about 8 deer running around and playing together on our way out.
Holly Eve Chapman — Google review
Absolutely beautiful park with breathtaking live oak trees and a nice short nature trail. $3 entry fee. Plenty of parking. Did not see the visitor center as it was closed on holiday but the whole park is very well kept. Can’t wait til the alligator marsh boardwalk reopens— will definitely be back
Emily Haile — Google review
bathrooms are nice, park is really nice. i love how you get in free with america the beautiful pass. great place to visit if yiu havent been. bring sand toys, snacks, and chairs
Festive craft brewery producing several signature & seasonal beers plus offering tours & tastings.
Absolutely enjoyed our visit to Abita brewery. We met some very kind and helpful staff members that helped us find the right Abita beers to our liking. I enjoyed the purple haze the most. The cleanliness of the area was outstanding and the atmosphere was perfect. It was a busy place but still well kept. They also have guided and self guided tours. We enjoyed our visit and hope to back soon. I forgot to add, they also have a very large parking lot.
P.J. Sylvia — Google review
Passed through Louisiana and wanted to stop by a brewery. The outdoor seating area was large and great if your bringing a dog. The beer selection was great I loved that they had small special batches to try.
Jennie Johnson — Google review
Great time at Abita Brew Co. today. Have been looking forward to stopping by here ever since we moved to LA about 4 years ago. In addition to great beers and service, the taproom manager Alex went above and beyond for me and made the experience truly personal. Can’t wait to come back here again. If you’re coming around the area, take the detour and go have a beer or two. Promise it won’t disappoint.
Dakota Unruh — Google review
Abita Brewery is a Gem! We stopped for the night on our way to Alabama. Harvest Host has them on their list. Great parking area. Very quiet. Beautiful grounds. Fun karaoke night. But the best part was their beer. Huge production and so many great ones!!! If you find their brand in stores, buy it. If you're in Covington LA stop by. They are worth a stop. People are so nice too. Two thumbs up.
Michelle Harrington — Google review
The tap room employees are the best and so is the freshness of the beer. They have a bunch of pilot beers on tap that you can't try anywhere else. The pilots are hit and miss but mostly hits. If you like Abita beers then chances are you'll like something on the pilot taps even more. One thing to mention is that there is no food there unless they bring in a food truck. It's an enjoyable nice place.
Dan Whalen — Google review
Huge place! There was a seafood boil outside since there’s no food inside. Pick up whatever you want to eat and bring it. All the beers on tap, lots of merchandise, and most of the beers in the fridge to bring home. Nice outdoor space to compliment the indoor bar, games provided, dog park and picnic tables too, ample parking
Amanda Burau — Google review
Went by on Saturday for something to do, and there was a craft fair going on across the street. There were also a few food trucks out front and a great crowd inside. We had a couple of beers and even took the 2:00 tour. JD did a great job showing us around and teaching us the history of the brewery. Was absolutely blown away by how big the operation was and the quality of the equipment behind the scenes. Totally worth taking the time to learn a little about the beer we were drinking.
Sarah Ellison — Google review
The brewery was pretty small and clean. Tour was great for $10, and you will get a pint or flight after the tour. There's outdoor space as well.
Cristina Jeong — Google review
Edit: I am now adding a fifth star as a representative from their customer service team reached out to me and listened to what I had to say. I felt understood and appreciated. Thank you so much Heidi! You are amazing!
It was difficult to find the entrance to the parking lot when coming in. Once parked, walk in and check in at the bar and get four doubloons to get beer after the tour. Walk to where the gift shop is and wait. The tour was nice. I like how they are intentional with their recycling and power usage. When the tour was over, I asked about getting the beverages to go and there was only the offer of open containers, which I didn't really want since I live about an hour away and came to the tour by myself. If I had been pulled over with four open containers, that would not have been a good look. They were also out of root beer in the gift shop, which is one thing that I knew I wanted and no one was around to ask for help. A female bartender said they were too busy to help with the gift shop questions. The tour is five stars, the bar and gift shop are one star.
Andrea F — Google review
We had a fun and informative tour. Our tour guide did a wonderful job explaining the process as well as what makes Abita different.
My wife and I did tasting flights afterwards. Great beer! Keep an eye out for the beers currently on test runs. Give them feedback. It could become their next regular brew.
Chris Flanigan — Google review
Abita is known for their use of local ingredients, commitment to sustainability and of course Purple Haze – one of the most popular raspberry brews in the US. Unfortunately for us, we landed on a day without tours, bummer. Even without a tour, we looked forward to getting our hands on beers outside our general distribution. In this case, the AndyGator, Strawgator and Bourbon Street Barrel Aged Imperial Stout ended up on our flight alongside a fresh Purple Haze.
Bourbon Street BA is 100% the beer to get your hands on. BSBA is insanely smooth and delicious, also it was aged in Pappy Van Winkle barrels. For those of you who don’t know Pappy, that’s kind of a big deal.
We had a great time kayaking, it was very fun and the boats were in great condition. Where we were there was no one else kayaking so it was nice to feel so secluded in the swamp. Jessica was amazing in keeping my daughter calm when she freaked out after getting herself stuck in a tree, which we really appreciated. Would definitely do this again if we are in town.
Shaun Smith — Google review
This was such a great way to start our time in New Orleans! Jess, the owner and our guide was super kind, accommodating and very knowledgeable. My wife and I were thrilled to find a tour that was locally run and committed to conservation rather than focused on feeding alligators. The cypress swamp is so beautiful and unlike any other landscape and it was absolutely filled with all kinds of animals. Jess was knowledgeable about each organism and shared her expertise in an engaging way. It’s clear she has a great passion for wildlife and the community and is a local expert in the field.
We booked the trip a little last minute and Jess was still able to pick us up and drop us off from our downtown hotel for a reasonable fee which we really appreciated (about a 40 minute drive each way). She was a responsible driver and shared lots of her local knowledge and her own stories along the way. I would definitely recommend this to anyone interested in seeing the real deal of the local swamps. Thank you!
Katie Dell — Google review
Highly recommend this tour if you want to have a most excellent adventure in the Honey Island Swamp region of Louisiana. Jessica was very knowledgeable and absolutely entertaining. Loved her enthusiasm about birding - huge plus for us as avid bird lovers ourselves! She also gave us tips on maneuvering our kayaks in and around the swampy Pearl River area. We had so much fun and made a beautiful memory with my dear friend from Missouri!
Thank you Jessica!!
Dawn Fletcher — Google review
There can be only one! Jess was phenomenal! My wife and 5 kids (ages 12 through 18) contacted Jess about a night kayak. She is happy to customize a trip for you, and the night paddle is spectular. We left during the day (we left 3pm), paddled through an incredible cypress forest (water was low when we went last night exposing more of the trees and roots whick was even better). We then went winding through the swamp to a medium sized lake where we saw some houseboats as the sun completed going down and we paddled back in the dark (what a way to take out distractions and connect with the swamp, almost spiritual) with just some dim red headlamps to light the way, arriving back around 6pm. Mike, Jess's partner, was in the back to ensure nobody gets lost.
Jess is almost a cypress tree herself...growing up on a houseboat in the swamps, boating since she was 5 years old, she knows the area almost to the extent she could boat it blindfolded. She is full of local knowledge delivered in a humble fashion not making anything up but fact based (ask about the tree with the hive on top struck by lightning!). She has partnered with ecologists such as coring the oldest cyprus (over 400yrs old!).
Jess knows customer service and really made the experience smooth as silk. Life jackets, dry bags, headlamps, brining you in/out of the water so you stay dry...she will take care of you from the beginning to the end. Both tandem and single kayaks are similarly fun.
The kayaks are incredibly stable, you'd have to really try of you want to tip over. Apparantely the alligators are afraid of people so you can even swim in the water! We went in late December, so the gators were hybernating and we didn't see any, but on the other hand the weater was fantastic and there were no bugs...a worthwhile tradeoff. In theory though, if you go during gator season and happen to be fortunate, your headlamps can turn gator eyes silver for an chillling experience (but surprisingly safe).
This was the highlight of our trip, I can't recommend it enough. Water levels, season, and other factors I am sure will give everyone a different experience. But that's outside your control--what is in your control is getting the VERY best guide to take care of you and your family...this is the clear choice....contact Jess and hope she has availability.
Chaim White — Google review
We had an amazing afternoon with Jessica and Mike paddling around the beautiful waterways just outside New Orleans. Great communication and genuinely wonderful people. Jessica is very knowledgeable about the fauna and flora and history of the area and created a warm atmosphere where 8 strangers felt like a group of friends exploring the bayou. They were also very flexible and created a new tour for us to work with our schedule. Highly recommend.
David Lavis — Google review
Jess and Mike run a fabulous trip. We saw turtles, snakes, osprey, and herons. We learned some history and some random facts (floating soap works as catfish bait around here) and just generally enjoyed our trip around the swamp area.
Heather Kilpatrick — Google review
Fantastic tour! Our guide was knowledgeable and super helpful. She even got out of her kayak into the swamp to get us unstuck from a cypress knee 🤣
She found a cute baby soft shelled turtle to show us! And pointed out a rare orchid.
I highly recommend this tour if you want some great information about the swap ecosystem. No feeding marshmallows to racoons!!
Wendy Firestone — Google review
Fantastic tour! Jessica is so knowledgeable and created a fun and relaxed environment for everyone. Both Jessica and Mike are passionate about what they do and it's great to spend time amongst the Cypress. Logistics were clear and easy, perfect for beginners or experienced kayakers alike, great activity for all!
Laura Scott — Google review
Amazing tour! Worth every cent. Jessica was so knowledgeable, kind and charming and we enjoyed every moment of the beautiful kayak tour. The kayaking was easy - very stable boats and quiet and still waters.
We had Jessica all to ourselves (three people) and her husband helped us get into the water and back on land. Amazing value for money.
Thank you Jessica!
Margot Igland Skarpeteig — Google review
Highly recommend, we had a wonderful time! This was a very unique way to experience a swamp, and it was really cool to paddle up close to all the exposed tree roots and knobs (we were there during low waters in early Oct). Jess was very communicative both before and during the tour. It was just the two of us that day and we had a great time talking with Jess, who is very friendly. It felt like the best of both worlds of getting a eco-tour from a knowledgeable guide and also hanging out and getting to know someone. It's clear that Jess loves nature, and she really loves sharing the swamp with others - thank you Jess!
Della Fok — Google review
This tour was incredible. Highly recommend for anyone who is looking for an intimate, beautiful tour of swamps from someone who knows them inside and out.
Jess went above and beyond, even coming back for us to help when our car got stuck in the mud later that day after the tour was well over. Talk about hospitality! If you're looking for a swamp tour that genuinely cares about the swamp ecosystem and isn't just interested in making money by feeding alligators, look no further!
Bex Kwan — Google review
The best tour I’ve ever taken, by far. Jessica, and her family were so friendly, welcoming, knowledgeable and safety oriented. I learned so much about the this pocket of swamp. Jessica knows her stuff, genuinely loves what she does and goes the extra mile to ensure it’s a great experience. Cannot recommend highly enough.
Kumar Jensen — Google review
3 Guides, 4 Guests, Rolls-Royce Service: We had the great good fortune to book the very first Honey Island Kayak Tours tour of the season. Veteran guide Nick was showing two other guides, River and Stephanie, the route paddling off the Pearl River and into a labyrinth of five convoluted waterways traversing the swamps. Nick is a friendly, low-key, extremely knowledgeable guide teaching us about the swamps foundation trees, the Tupolos and the Bald Cypress. He put us on look out for the various types of woodpeckers knocking their heads out above us, and dropped other nuggets of wisdom such as the oldest dated cypress is 3,600 years old, the largest in the area has a circumference of 56' and so forth. River and Stephanie added in all sorts of local lore. Stephanie taught my daughter how to turn the kayak on a dime from the front paddling position. It was an absolutely fabulous 2 hours and 20 minutes spend in the swamp. Great guides, comfortable kayaks, very reasonable price.
Markus Robinson — Google review
A must go-and-see tour thats like a historic expedition in Louisiana! Jess, our tour guide, is a knowledable nature enthusiast who is not only a local to the area but a nature conservationist who is passionate about perserving the ecosystem. She devotes her time to her business and the livelihood of the swamp. Every year, Jess and the community will volunteer to clean the whole swamp area that threatens the wellbeing of the Cypress trees and wildlife. A tour guide with a heart of gold! If you are a nature lover or looking for a getaway educational tour, come check out this swamp kayak tour. You will not regret it.
Monie — Google review
If I could give a million stars I would. Jessica was so engaging in her tour. She has incredible knowledge of the ecosystem and is deeply engaged with its conservation. She is a great storyteller and has a wealth of information. You can't help but love the swamp after your tour. She and her partner, Mike, went above and beyond to share their little slice of paradise. Would go again in a heartbeat.
Deidre Khes-Kovacs — Google review
Gorgeous swamp with an informative tour guide and an eco-friendly tour methods. We did the 2.5 hour tour of the Honey Island Swamp, and it was easy kayaking, a completely different type of forest than I'm used to seeing, and learned lots about the local ecosystem from our tour guide, Jessica. Bird enthusiasts on our tour were excited about some rare birds we saw, and I enjoyed the 400 & 700 year old cypress trees. I appreciated that this tour didn't feed the wildlife, which as a biologist I've seen cause many problems for the wildlife and the tourists. I also appreciated that the tour was led by a local whose family has lived in the area for generations and is actively spearheading restoration efforts, reforesting, and river clean ups. Since we didn't have a car on our trip, it was so helpful to be able to be picked up in town! Would definitely recommend this tour over other swamp tour companies!
Michelle H — Google review
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Boat Launch, 65583 Pump slough rd Old, 65583 Pump Slough Rd, Pearl River, LA 70452, USA
Giraffe, zebras, camels & other free-roaming wildlife on a preserve that offers safari tours.
Tori was an amazing guide! We had so much fun seeing and feeding those precious animals. It was so amazing to see them in open space rather than the typical zoo experience. I definitely recommend the private tour!! So worth the additional cost!!
Lisa Hardwick — Google review
Super cool experience.
Giraffes are my favorite animal on earth, and I’ve fed them a few times, but never quite as up close as this. I’ve never been able to pet them before. It was surreal.
My family had fun. There was a diverse mix of animals on the tour, and while some were hidden or resting, the animal we got to see up close were amazing.
Our tour guides were knowledgeable and kind. One person lost their hat, and they stopped to help him retrieve it.
For less than $150, 6 of us enjoyed a couple of hours experiencing something fun, educational, and unusual from the daily grind.
Anthony (Beer Chronicle) Gorrity — Google review
What an amazing experience! Most of the animals come right up to you and eat out of your hand. The tour guides were all very knowledgeable and the ride was just the right amount of time. Bring water though, it’s hot out there, even with the shade of the covered wagons. The family feed was enough for 2-3 people to make it through the entire loop. Watching the animals run and having them eat out of your hand was the highlight of the trip!
Geena Fiorucci — Google review
Highly recommend! Family enjoyed this trip. We decided to do the private pinzer tour and it did not disappoint. We were able to go wherever the animals were as most of them were of the road a little bit. I would recommend buying 2 buckets of feed if you do the private tour. You will need it!
Brian Hicks — Google review
We enjoyed our Saturday trip to Global Life Safari. We loved seeing the animals roam freely. They gathered quickly at the wagons when we stopped. During this time you are encouraged to interact and fed the animals. We were informed that feeding the Zebras would be against the rules prior to starting the tour. Believe what they say…DO NOT FEED THE ZEBRAS. We purchased a bucket thinking it would be enough for a family of four. We were wrong! We were so excited about feeding and interacting with the animals that we ran out of food about halfway. We plan to purchase a sack or bin on our next visit. Our wonderful experience made up for the two hour drive time.
Freneau Hardges — Google review
Very family oriented loved personal tour by Marissa. This center offers you a unique way of interacting with animals, feeding them, and touching them.... The experience of feeding a giraffe inches from you and petting it to feel that connection with man and animal is priceless, i also got to feed and pet lamas, buffalo. Antalope, cows, tiny ponies, and so many more!!! Book a private trip today!! You won't regret it. Thank you to all the hard working staff who keep this place alive for the animals to have safe and fun environment.
nikki w — Google review
This is an awesome facility. I first visited here decades ago as a field trip and was so happy to be able to share the experience with my family recently. The drive up to the check-in facility gives you a good taste of what's to come. It is great that you can buy tickets online now too. Check-in was a breeze and every staff member was very friendly. Our tour guide (wish I could remember his name!) had full tour worked the crowd of people & animals well. The private tours are great, but you won't be disappointed with the larger group ones either--the animals don't discriminate!
Will Hennegan — Google review
Excellent upgrade after all the hurricanes last few years. The staff,grounds,cleanliness,bathrooms,all 5 star. Thank you so much. Please everyone come visit this place. We missed the Zebra's were on the do not feed list...but they get fed 3 times a day. They were the life of the party last time we came about 5 years ago. Must be because they are food aggressive. Appreciate all of the staff. Job well done. See you again next year.
Suz Ratkovcic — Google review
We always have a Great time at Global Wildlife Center. The facility is clean and well organized. The staff is friendly and helpful. It's a unique experience that the entire family can enjoy together. Highly Recommended. Definitely get your tickets in advance and arrive early.
Larry Clark — Google review
It was a nice trip for the kids. They really enjoyed being able to be around the wildlife & getting to feed some. They didn't start on time...which took away time from our reserve viewing time. I booked for 2p.m didn't start until 2:40 and finished an hr later. But we enjoyed it. The phone says you have to book online but I'm sure you can also buy tickets in their booth. We got the $35 dollar bucket of food and last us the whole way. Someone got a sack and finished it real quick. It all matters how you distribute the animals food through out the ride. Wish they had hippos or more diverse grass eating mammals. Go try it out, the wagon ride for adult cost 19..Kids over 2yrs 13. And infants is free.
Erica Ramirez — Google review
This place is really cool! Take a wagon ride on an adventure feeding many types of animals. My favorite is the giraffes feeding them or watching them run. I have been here 2 times so I have experienced both. It's a great little adventure to take with family.
stacey clark — Google review
Our tour guide was so sweet. I highly suggest Gabby!!! We all had such a great time. We bought private tour tickets so we were able to go all over the park. Can't wait to go back!
Renee Colombel — Google review
We absolutely loved this place! Best time to go is 9am! It's breakfast time. Even though it's hot in Louisiana, still the best time to go. My little girl loved being able to feed and pet the animals from the wagon!
Kayla Danielle — Google review
We had a wonderful time!! Definitely get the bucket of food vs the cup! I loved the Watusi's and the Buffalo! So fun feeding them! The giraffes were amazingly beautiful! Our guide Carlie was great, and has all the puns and jokes ready for ya!❤️
Michelle Morgan — Google review
Wish we fed more animals directly, but we were at the end of the wagon... get the front wagons for more animal traffic.
Lovely hostess! Decent prices for the invaluable experience of feeding well cared for animals on this beautiful conservancy.
Price Payne — Google review
This was really nice. I didn't know what to expect. It is about a 1:15 long ride around a nature preserve with hundreds/thousands of animals. We bought a family bucket of feed which worked well with the 2 kids we had with us. It was an enjoyable experience. Maybe this is appropriately priced, but I thought just a tad high - maybe I'm cheap.
Papa J — Google review
Our tour guide was great. It was a cold day so not all the animals were out. It was still a fun time and worth it. The 9 year Olds favorite was feeding the red deer from Germany.
Melinda Hooper — Google review
Really nice family fun. very clean a lot of stuff to do very professional animals are well taken care of. This place is a must do have all different types of animals.
Hunter Walsingham — Google review
Great idea for kids super safe ride isn’t long by the time it’s over the kids are ready to go so it’s perfect! Haha animals come in herds but the giraffes are a little hard to feed due to them being skittish but we got lucky! Highly recommend
Amanda Clontz — Google review
We had a fantastic time my daughter got the private tour for us and it was definitely worth the money. Our tour guide was one of a kind she was full of information and taught us a lot! You won't be disappointed it's a one of a kind experience
Entertainment destination featuring a 90,000-sq.-ft. casino & hotel, plus a spa, eateries & a pool.
I always find myself having a great time at Golden Moon Silver Star in Pearl River I always enjoy the friendly staff The Establishment and the large variety of slots and card tables available they offer so much more than other casinos that I've been around that's around here and as long as they will have me I will continue coming to Pearl River and enjoy playing at the Silver Star or at the golden and the food there is always a great feature at many of their restaurants inside the casino. I actually enjoyed a nice dinner at the buffet this past time and hope to try all the different places they have to offer. Thanks and hope to see tall soon.
Jeremy DeLay — Google review
I have enjoyed my stay! The room was very nice! I'm from Texas, I Loved the Food at the Golden Moon! That might not be the right name of the place, we had to go to another building to get their and use the sky walks, or escalators , but the walk was well worth it ! I must say!
Rhonda Hawkins — Google review
Good, clean, friendly environment. Music loud enough but not too loud. Waitresses came by often offering drinks, food is good, machines pay out alright. The catwalk is nice with flat escalades. I always enjoy going.
Alicia Hodge — Google review
False fire alarm at midnight. Woke all the kids and no apology or explanation. AC sucked in room. Room was small and outdated. Food was great in restaurant and slots were hitting pretty good. Bonus bets have been lowered and are way too low compared to money put in. Kids had fun at the pool and cabanas were nice.
Allison Allen — Google review
Didn't stay overnight.
But the last time I did the room was nice.
Nice atmosphere ,
Only bad part of my day was they didn't let me win.
But I had a good day anyway.
Ronny Bateman — Google review
We stopped by here before heading over to the Golden moon with $200. Our goto was the playboy machines betting max. Sadly I think we should of let the truck stay on, the $200 went quick, the bonus rounds do not pay much I think we where winning more from just spinning outside the bonus rounds. Just walking around you don't see too many people winning over $100 regardless of what they are betting so that prompt us to try the golden moon out. Decent service on the drinks outside of that I wouldn't expect your money to last long here.
Ericson Johnne — Google review
I am a sufferer of an obsessive compulsive disorder, so I need my bathroom clean daily, and I know that as a result of the pandemic, some places aren't doing this. But even after contacting them and stating that we needed the bathroom service, if nothing else, it took almost 8 hours to get someone there.
And then I had an incident in the bistro restaurant in which I had been standing there for 15 minutes waiting to have someone come out and take a to-go order and one of the servers ask me what I needed I answered her and instead she took another person in front of me who had just walked out of the restaurant dining area.
When I questioned her on this, her response was it is easier to check out someone than to take an order. That makes no sense to me whatsoever because it ended up taking her 10 minutes while they were trying to figure out how to work out a discount when my order took two minutes. I am an avid gambler who likes to go around the country to different casinos, but I will not be going back there ever again. That was my first trip and definitely my last. Disrespect I would never tolerate.
LaTonya Blount — Google review
I love this place as far as the machines. But the rooms should be updated and give you more options. The town is small, but if they put more shops and restaurants in the casino people would come there more. They need to bring the Arcade back for the kids.
Cynthia Parr — Google review
We have been coming to this property with our friends who live nearby. Mostly for tournaments and see our friends. People are very nice and helpful. Rooms are upgraded since the first time we stayed here. We were happy with our vacation all together
Dilsad Meraler — Google review
Sadly this hotel and casino are not what they used to be. While the employees were mostly very nice, they are Very understaffed, few dining choices, the pool area is a disaster and of course my room looked right at it. No open gaming tables. There were not many people there which may have some bearing on the sad changes. I probably won't be going back.
Lori Covington-Strouss — Google review
The best hotel rooms around my husband and I had a 2 bed suite and it was everything I would love to come back and get another 2 bed suite
carolyn hutchinson — Google review
Fun slot games....Good payouts if you are lucky enough to sit at right machine and the right time ........ Smoking is a big negative. Should be at the very least a separated area/room for non smoking.
Staff was great.
Tar Heel — Google review
Dinner at Phillip M was amazing, room was super nice, and the staff is super helpful. It felt like such a bargain, we left a donation in the casino. Overall great time
Michele Bowling — Google review
My family went to see the band playing. The bands name is "No Idea". There from New Orleans. They play a variety of songs that are sure to please. We had a great time and we will be back in November to see them again.
Cynthia Williams — Google review
It was my birthday and the person next to me won continuously while I lost lol. But seriously I still haven't received any perks and I've been a member for a few years. I'm moving out of state
Armani Jackson — Google review
Always clean and peaceful atmosphere. Staff is somewhat friendly. I love the bands and food. Several valet employees are very ude. But overall, I enjoy Silver Star.
Tabatha Jones — Google review
Well..... after going here 6 to 7 times a year I think it may be time to find another place to go gamble. There table games service is horrible. Dealers seem to have attitude toward players, if you hate your job then find another one. Rooms cleanliness has went down. Bar food has went down. Seeing folks hit anything at all has went down. If things don't change this Casino will be thing of the past within next 10 years. Also the hot water in the rooms has been brown the past 3 trips. Something going on with water pipes. Rust?
Jason amberson — Google review
We love Golden Moon. Only place we stay when we visit. The only things I wish they'd fix is the lamps in the rooms. Mine had USB ports that were not usable as they'd been pushed all the way in (broken).
But as usual, the beds were so comfortable!!! The room was clean, but the sofa has bad stains that make you raise eyebrows to what they may be. At least they fixed the toilet where the hot water wasn't going into the bowl giving me a hot flash experience! Lol! (You could've make coffee with it as it was scalding hot!!) But this visit was nicer. Thank you Mr. Plumber!
The staff, we dearly LOVE! From Anthony (with bands), Sondra [with slots) to the waitresses.. Krystal, Tracy, Dora and Dot on the floor. And can't forget the awesome Darlene and Velma at the Bistro 34. Amy in Security... and Liz... as well as some of the young men... they're so nice! The parking attendees and bellhop are super sweet! Too many to name! These are the ones that keep us coming back! Of course, our Host, AJ, is THE BEST!
I met Mary at Silverstar in player services, and she was most helpful! The young lady at the Logo Shop and Bonnie's were so gracious and kind!
Let's just say, if you don't enjoy your trip and stay there, it's your own fault. If you ha e issues, tell them kindly and it will be rectified promptly!
They have hard jobs and deserve our respect. Some folks can be so mean. To them and it's unnecessary.
Kudos to PRR for making my solo trip Easter weekend so very special! I was well taken care of! Can't wait until my hubby and I can visit again together soon! FIVE out of Fiive stars!
Gail Esch — Google review
Have stayed the night and eaten dinner there twice. Staff in the restaurant, STATS, make your stay feel difficult if you have multiple parties dining together (they hate splitting checks) Went on the casino floor once, and the staff don't seem the friendliest. We did not feel comfortable staying longer than 20 minutes.
Haley Cole — Google review
Everything was great. The girl at the front desk Laquita Hines was the best of the best. Smile on her face, pleasant to speak with. Made us feel like we were wanted as friends not just gamblers. Thank you so much for your kindness. Job well done. Rooms very clean. No complaints. Enjoyed our three days.
Patricia Martin — Google review
Rooms were clean, and the bed was comfortable. Shower had good pressure. The seafood buffet as actually pretty good as well, usually not a fan of a buffet.
Not a big gambler, but the band they had playing, Aces Wild, was very good.
I'd stay here again when I'm back in town.
richey orman — Google review
Rooms are clean, all the employees are very helpful and polite.
If your not used to cigarette smoking indoors, it takes some getting used to. The smoking is the only thing that I found I didn't like.
B.B. King Museum & Delta Interpretive Center - B.B. King grave
Museum
Specialty Museums
Museum tracing the life of blues musician B.B. King & the Delta music culture, with guitars & more.
Closed out 2021 with a visit to the master of the Blues. Great part of the Blues Trail, so must-visit if you’re doing that. They had a nice mix of music and reading, and they did a great job of telling BB King’s story and the context around him.
Alex Demas — Google review
The BB King Museum is a must visit museum if you’re in the Mississippi Delta! I was able to find a Groupon for my group of 4. It also included a credit for the gift store, and I purchased a nice t-shirt along with some other items. Note that the museum does not allow you to take pictures once you’re in the actual exhibits. The grounds are beautiful so you’ll be able to take some nice pictures outside. I suggest going in a cooler month because it will be too hot to enjoy the grounds in the late spring/summer.
Alicia M. — Google review
We have always heard about B.B. King, but it was such a great visit to the museum dedicated to honoring the King of the Blues. Obviously, his music talents took the world by storm. People from all walks of life love his music. Upon entering the museum, there is a cafe to the left named after all of his guitars, Lucille. You can buy souvenirs, get a cup of coffee and chat with the staff. The first stop was to see a short video/film of B.B. himself. After that, we walked down the hall that had "everything" B.B. King. It's nice to know he didn't blow all of his earnings on useless stuff like cars, jewelry, etc. There were two cars and his tour bus on display. The Grammy Awards and other achievements are displayed. B.B. King was truly a big part of "The Blues" music.
Kao Saephan — Google review
I've been to alot Delta Blues museums - the BB King museum ranks as a must see. To go through the museum and indulge - plan on spending two to three hours.
Mark Dezuba — Google review
This place is awesome. We loved it. People are the best. You can feel BB King experience in his museum. You must make this a stop if ever in Indianola. Be sure to check out the gift shop.
Jackie Jackson — Google review
Excellent museum presentation.
Lovely gift shop with cups of coffee available for $1.75.
Great for big groups - lunch with live music for provided.
Lucy Mirando — Google review
This was very informative about the life of BB kimg. The host was very knowledgeable about BB King aslo. The exhibit is layed out nice and very clean and kept up.
David Dent — Google review
I don't even know where to begin! If you have not visited this historical museum, it should definitely be on your "things to do list". This museum is absolutely beautiful and full of such great history about BB King, the cotton gin where he worked, original artifacts, his original tour bus and cars he actually owned and drove. I visited from IL and it is worth every penny and moment of your time. My husband's family is from Indianola MS and I love listening to them tell the history of it. My sister in law is actually a tour guider at the museum. Although I didn't know Mr King personally, it was emotional just seeing and touching his actual grave site (he is buried at his museum). I think this is a trip all should come to see and experience....PRICELESS!!!
Ty Johnson — Google review
Nice museum for BB King. We were passing Mississippi and decided to visit this place. Not much too see in Indianola MS other than the museum itself
Dani Waworuntu — Google review
I learned alot about the man and his music, and his journey from abject poverty to the pinnacle of success. He, the "king of the Blues" walked amongst other kings and queens. If his story doesn't inspire someone to walk by "Faith and not by Sight" I don't know what will.
ANDREW SMITH — Google review
Great historic blues museum, a must see for sure. I learned so much about BB King and the history of the blues. He is buried there and they built such a nice tribute to him
Dave Cope — Google review
It was very interesting, I could have spent 2 hours in there just reading and watching videos... Give yourself ample time. I am going to take another trip there when I have unlimited time to enjoy all the displays... I loved it!!
Audrina Holdren — Google review
Great museum!! Well organized with lots of great history, information, and memorabilia.
Jon — Google review
Had a blast! The staff was warm and inviting. Very informative about B.B. King museum. Love the museum and everything in it. Last time I was in Indianola, Mississippi. It was closed, and have a sad story to add. My father has transition on to be with the Lord. June 3, 2016 was his farewell tour in Indianola, Mississippi where he was born. Our family was able to send my father back home to be lay to rest next to his mother and father. I was not able to find the cemetery my father was laid to rest in. However, my father still sent me to your museum and for that am blessed and thankful for. Thank you again! B.B. King.
Great University for learning agriculture, mechanical engineering, Aerospace Engineering, computer science, electrical engineering and many more degrees. The more time you spend here and the surrounding areas the more you will love it. #hailstate
SP3CT3R — Google review
The BEST college campus ever. It’s so clean, beautiful, and the people here are so friendly. The traditions are amazing and sporting events are awesome! Hail State!
Leah Brewer — Google review
Real disappointed at this time with not helping or lack of concern for freshman students that are having a problem with a class. When you go to orientation they harp on helping the freshman students. When the professor sees a student struggling they should help or guide them to someone who can instead of letting them fail. Very upset and disappointed!
Tammy Boyd — Google review
Literally the greediest school. Msu will make you pay for anything possible, from parking(which you can never even park in bc they oversell) to transcripts(they don’t have unofficial transcripts that you can send) which is $20. Not to even mention that the pods prices are a third more than average. Get your education elsewhere!!!
Elizabeth R — Google review
Hail State!! There's not enough room here to write about how great this university really is!! Very friendly, great campus, so many opportunities to explore!! Whatever your interest in life, this place has something for it. And you would be hard pressed to find better faculty anywhere else than Mississippi State. Keep up the the great work MSU!! Go Bulldogs!!
Jeff Wilegus — Google review
HAIL STATE most of my family went here so I intend to as well
Very beautiful campus and such nice students!!!!
Yayo — Google review
Beautiful campus. The drill field is amazing. It's a great place for students to gather.
Samuel Keaton — Google review
One of the best college campuses out there! I went there for graduate school (for geosciences) and highly recommend the university! The sports are entertaining (especially games at Davis Wade!!), the amenities are fantastic, the food is good, the traditions are so special, and the overall atmosphere is very chill. Hail State!
Alexis Carden — Google review
This campus is so beautiful and clean.
Remi Jones — Google review
Great academic university. Very friendly campus and student body!
Diann Lewis — Google review
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75 B. S. Hood Rd, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA
The best time I've had in years. I grew up in Clarksdale but I was to young to know anything about Red's. We had an amazing time. We danced with Ellis and Luscious Spiller was the highlight of the night.
Vida Weekly — Google review
The music is what it's about. Don't expect luxury or fancy anything (that recliner's reserved for Red!). Come with cash if you want something to drink. Drinks are whatever's in the cooler.
Shanti Lall — Google review
Great band, great venue, Charles/bartender was nice, and Red was very accommodating. Thank you Red for helping keep Blues alive.
Roy Thetford — Google review
Funky grungy beautiful dirty and awesome real juke joint for some real music and blues!!
be bryan — Google review
Truly iconic. Do not miss this original juke joint when you visit Clarksdale.
Lauren — Google review
Want real authentic Delta Blues…. RUN HERE!!!! But don’t tell everyone…. That’s why it’s the best!!! Skip all the others!!!!
Candy Robinson — Google review
The place is decaying. Get past that and immerse yourself in experiencing real blues in the home of delta blues. It’s true that most of the audience for our night with Lucious Spiller were people like us, travellers exploring the rich heritage and difficult recent history of the region. But Reds represented a window into a world that I had only read about before, and an experience that certainly enriched our trip down the Delta.
Richard Feil — Google review
Absolutely wonderful experience tonight. Wonderful people, super friendly and welcoming. We felt right at home. Fantastic band, true juke joint experience and real blues music!! Worth every penny!
Terri Block — Google review
Filthy, dirty, smelly and filled with garbage
Music was unremarkable, chairs were broken , seat cushion torn, ripped and filthy , tables sticky , garbage around the bar - looked like an episode of the HOARDERS. - Health department should shut it down . Smell was horrible - Bathrooms indescribable
Kim Keene — Google review
Great Juke Joint were you can listen to the REAL BLUES. $10 cover charge. One artist a night. The place is quite dilapidated, which adds to the ambiance in my opinion.
Marion Sansing — Google review
Best blues club experience I've ever had!!!!!!!! A true Mississippi juke joint.
Jon — Google review
The most authentic blues joint you will ever find. The people and the music are top notch. If you love the blues, you gotta go to reds
Museum set in a landmarked train depot celebrates the blues with exhibits, programs & performances.
Incredible place. I'm making a trip around the USA in tribute to my father who initiated me to bless music, and this is a place he would have love for sure.
geoffrey MADER — Google review
A packed place of information, but the bleeding sound of music and voice from various exhibits was difficult on the ears. Also, no photographs. I'm not really sure that stuff is that protected. It would have been nice to be able to take more pictures inside
Aaron Spicker — Google review
Very informative museum. Features a life size replica of Muddy Water’s childhood home. Lots of neat artifacts and works of art. Clean space and friendly staff. Would love more tshirt options. Ran by the state.
MJ Worldwide — Google review
Came here while doing the Blues trail and thoroughly enjoyed it. I just had no idea Clarksdale played such a role in the Blues. So many legends came from here! It’s like it was Clarksdale that made a deal with the devil, not Robert Johnson. The first room of the museum is a little unorganized, but the back two are really well done, especially the one focusing on Muddy Waters. After you’re done, go for a walk around downtown Clarksdale and see the other markers!
Alex Demas — Google review
The exhibits are informative and interesting. A key stop for anyone that enjoys Blues history.
Brian Anderson — Google review
I didn’t have to pay to enter this museum: Washington, DC—The National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families (BSF) are pleased to announce that museums across the nation will be participating in the 14th summer of the Blue Star Museums program. From Saturday, May 20, 2023, Armed Forces Day, to Monday, September 4, 2023, Labor Day, active duty military families can enjoy free admission to participating museums in all 50 states, District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
Wanted to share that information in case other museums are visited. I’m not active duty but most will also allow Veterans free entrance.
This museums has tons of information. You could really feel overwhelmed and it’s a pretty large museum. I didn’t have enough time to properly view. I highly recommend allowing at least 2-3 hours to tour. You are not allowed to take photos or videos. This part I didn’t like!!
The home of Muddy Waters is in museum. Actually it’s one room, the others were destroyed in tornado. There is a lot of written information about him on display in that area.
There are so many artist on display, it seems like they didn’t leave anyone out!
Ike Turner was born in Clarksdale, MS. I didn’t have a clue about this. You learn so many details about the artist in these museums. This all ties into the Blues Museum and Hall of Fame in Memphis because many of them were produced by Sam Phillips before leaving MS.
There is a gift shop and the staff is very friendly! I did take photos of gift shop and area outside of building. They have very nice murals in area and blues marker for Ike Turner.
This museum is very interesting, I highly recommend visiting!!
Dr. Rosie Ann Riley — Google review
Very impressive medium size museum with a ton of information about blues singers. There's also history about the record labels themselves. Exciting face: Muddy River's famous white guitar is there on view. You'll leave needing to listen to blues for the rest of the day.
Sophia Blachman-Biatch — Google review
I so need to come back, need a few hours to look at everything! Great place!
Kent Lewis — Google review
Very educational and if you live the blues it’s a must see!
Christopher Avant — Google review
Beautifully curated and very educational. Well worth the drive and cost of admission. If you love the blues, you'll be happy you visited.
Millard Ellingsworth — Google review
Beautifully curated blues memorabilia. Glad I stopped. If you have a chance highly recommend.
Krista Beck — Google review
If you gotah go down to the Crossroads you got to go a little more down the road to the Delta Blues Museum. Everyone of the greats seams to of been born in Mississippi. The Museum does a great job of getting their history right. They have a nice gift shop.
J-C Obendorfer — Google review
Having visited the Cross Roads and driving down Blues Trail, Delta Blues Museum is nostalgic. Listening to Delta Blues takes you there but being there is another world. Seeing and feeling such energy is inspiring. Robert Johnson has been my sort of fix. But seeing all the great instruments and the old recording equipment truly gave me a buzz. The next time I go back I will take more time to really visit. The folks that work there are very helpful and courteous. They help make it an awesome experience. 🎸🎼🎵🎶
Ruben Perez — Google review
Great details of people who contributed to the development of blues music. Quite a worthy visit
Museum-run, landmarked home of William Faulkner is open to the public & offers by-appointment tours.
The William Faulkner Rowan Oak is a must-see place if you are ever in the Oxford, MS area. Even if you have never read a Faulkner book, you will appreciate learning how he lived. This place just "feels like him."
The tours are only $5 per person. The self guided tour is well worth the time and effort. Plan on spending at least an hour here looking around.
On a down note, I'm disappointed that the University of Mississippi that owns the house and grounds has not put more money into the upkeep and restroration. Several wooden fences are down, and several of the outhouses need work to keep them from falling in.
Kenneth Davis — Google review
A must see for any lover of Southern literary culture. The house is beautiful and is a window into the world of Faulkner.
Mira McClanahan — Google review
It was such a good experience! The historic home of the author and his family, the life and history intrigued me pleasantly. It was also interesting to know he visited Japan, my home country. Only regret was that we did not tour the grounds because of the lack of time. Highly recommend.
Merry Sensing — Google review
The people were so nice and offered great recommendations of other places in town to stop!
Ally Davis — Google review
Did a quick walk through of this place while in Oxford. I'm more in it for a historical perspective with the structures and history. It was nice and educational. I learned a lot about the author Faulkner that lived there in the end while that was not why we went. Even if you're not interested in his works alone his estate itself made it a great stop to see while in town. The estate is pretty much all authentic it appears from the 1950's (maybe a bit later) to when it was mostly built in the 1840's. You can't even drive up to it and you have to park on a small gravel trail pretty much. So it makes it even more interesting. I definitely recommend it and Oxford as a whole if in the area!
Josh Wise — Google review
Two ways to be there. You can drive to the Old Tayler Road, there is a turn and it is the close entrance. Or you have to go through a great but muddy trail, starting from the museum parking lot. The building is for sure extremely beautiful and meaningful. Cannot go into the building because of the university holiday but walking around is enough.
吴锐恒(Ruiheng Edbalt Wu) — Google review
IT WAS really cool to see this historical place. But why not open the inside to the public? Charge a small fee get a couple of tour guides. BAM someone making money. I really want to see the inside.
In Key West, they opened the Hemingway House (Ernest). It's in great shape and it sees several hundred people a day. Maybe even a thousand. People love this place. I'm just saying RowenOak is a history buffs dream. Why not open it up? GOOD MANAGEMENT is all you need.
Judy Bahin — Google review
It was a surprise finding this place but I'm glad I did. It was very nice coming through the trail from the museum to it. Made me appreciate it more
Matt Dym — Google review
I really enjoyed this place. I went mid-January, so the trees had no leaves, but the grounds were still beautiful. I can't imagine living here in the height of Spring and early Summer, but it must look amazing.
I don't know much about Falkner, and not sure I've ever read his works. But as a former English Major, I try to go see author's homes.
I loved how he used to write on the walls and they showed examples of this. This was a nice home. Even if you aren't into literature, but if you are into old homes, I think you'd still like it.
This was definitely a highlight of Oxford. The only bad part was it was kind of hard to find the road to get down to the house. There was no paved parking, which I'm sure they just don't have the funds to have.
September Q — Google review
Oftentimes, we must take the time to wander roads less traveled, today was one of those times. I thoroughly enjoyed the self-guided tour (jus me😊) through the house and grounds. I could've stayed for hours and even though it is right off the main thoroughfare, it is an incredibly peaceful place. $5 admission... another one crossed off my bucket list.
Expansive public research university founded in 1848 & known for its athletics programs.
Beautiful campus. Great faculty. Respectful students. I had a great time in Oxford. The buildings are nice, following a similar facade, and the grounds are always in such great shape. They also take tailgating pretty seriously.
Kris Allee — Google review
Driving up to the school and being on this campus is almost unreal. The beauty of the buildings paired with the natural beauty of the trees and flowers and landscape grasses is so amazing. Do you want to live here all the time. The first time I came here was to drop my son off at school, and I was flabbergasted by the abundance of trees and beauty and amazing architecture, this is definitely one of the most beautiful campuses I’ve ever seen. The people are so friendly. It is spotless. I look forward to returning soon.
Kristen Kupinsky — Google review
I was there supporting GIS on campus, beautiful facilities, wonderful trees, great people
Joseph Kerski — Google review
We just love the university of mississippi. Its like home for us beautiful campus surrounded by nature ❤️ Good people ❤️ specially those days when gameday here :) . Simple city you won’t regret ❤️
Tahamina Akter — Google review
The worst experience I ever had at Ole Miss was absolutely wonderful God bless the Rebels
James Pryor — Google review
Moving our last child (Freshman) into Burns Hall during covid pandemic. All was well organized, but still hot as hell. Dorm rooms are good.
Wade Baskin — Google review
Ole Miss is absolutely amazing! I love it for undergrad I am enjoying it for grad school and the advisors are one of a kind because they are actually invested in helping the students! I will say that as a commuter paying out of state tuition is not that great, if I can drive there daily I should be able to pay in state tuition. Also, it takes a while to get your financial aid, the office is always working and have people on task but if you can’t get into the office for some reason email, phone calls, and zooms as your secondary option takes much longer. As a parent, teacher, and full time student I rely heavily on my financial aid and each time it is just a hassle, I wish the process was smoother.
Katrina McCrackin — Google review
The place I love most in U.S. spend 4 years there. Sense are beautiful and all staffs friendly.
VFE IL — Google review
Great environment. Very nice place to visit. Beautiful sceneries.
Graceland is a museum dedicated to Elvis Presley, the king of rock and roll. The estate is located in Memphis, Tennessee, and contains many memorabilia items from the performer's life as well as his burial site. Throughout the month of August, visitors can participate in Elvis week festivities which include music concerts and films about the singer.
You definitely could easily spend an entire day here.Places to eat. It was amazing to see especially the older style/memorabilia. Also the home video footage on several screens throughout the tour of the mansion, was neat to be looking at or standing right next to that area where it was taken. The planes were very neat, to see what he traveled in was awesome. Overall wonderful trip!
Ashley Persinger — Google review
Amazing experience. Went to the tour after seeing the Elvis movie and I was not disappointed. There was so much to see and the entry was easily worth it. Spent over 5 hours here and that was without reading everything. From the mansion, car museum, records, awards, costumes I was amazed with every step. Best museum I've been to hands down.
Claudio Timis — Google review
Amazing!!! We chose the ultimate VIP experience. It was expensive but very much worth it. I'm not sure I could ever go back without choosing the ultimate VIP package. Our tour guide was, quite simply, awesome. He was friendly, caring, knowledgeable, well spoken, and yeah, awesome. We were allowed to hold an actual Elvis artifact. In this case, one of the boots from his stage worn ensembles. We had to wear white gloves, which we got to keep, and they put the boot right in our hands. Wow. Also, the package included return to the house all day and front of line access to the shuttle back and forth to Graceland. Amazing!!!
steve crowder — Google review
Bucket List item accomplished!!! I am thrilled to have had the experience of visiting Graceland and all of the areas across the street containing Elvis's history and items. I was very moved while at the gravesite area...the mansion is beautiful.
I highly recommend a visit, it was very interesting with lots and lots to see. We also had lunch at the diner named after Elvis's Mother.
I must have taken over 200 photos, but can only share some here.
We bought tickets in advance, not sure if it's the only way to do so, we went in the morning and it was very busy. We arrived at the main centre, where you park and checked in, then they drove a group of us across the street (in a small bus) to the mansion. It did feel a bit rushed, but I was able to see all areas where we were permitted to go. Back across the street where you begin, there are several buildings, one with all of his vehicles, one with all of his outfits and jewellery and albums, one with his military career items, one with personal items like books, baby items and gift shops and a restaurant.
It was a great experience, I am very happy to have been able to visit.
Jackie W. — Google review
What can I say about Graceland that hasn't been said? It is an awesome place which is better than what anyone can write about it. Elvis has such an awesome, crazy, fun, and sad story. Graceland tells all these stories and love his stories. His Home and Museum really brings him to life. Graceland has so many different rooms which bring his decorating style to life. From his shag carpet walls, the peacocks on the walls, 3 TV Room to watch football, and all the other crazy rooms to see.
Todd Jeter — Google review
We went there reluctantly because friends came in from out of town. We were pleasantly surprised. It actually was a good time. I was impressed with all of the museums they had there. We spent about 3 hours there and still didn't do the whole tour. Some of the areas were closed. The price we paid was reasonable. And our guests were first-timers also. And they said they really had a great time.
Leo Carter — Google review
I have not been to Graceland since the mid-90s, but I am so glad I went back! While the house is truly a 1977 time capsule, the real amazing experience (in my opinion) are the museums across from the house, from his vehicles, military gear, the artifacts from the house over time, and stars that were influenced by Elvis.
If you only have time for one, however, the museum about his incredible career over 3 decades is really something to see. Original contracts from RCA, family kept records, every piece of clothing / suit walls and the 3-story tall gold and platinum awards wall did not disappoint. It was the last thing I saw in my experience and I was simply blown away by the impact.
Logan Sand — Google review
I loved this tour. I had been to Graceland previously many years ago, but it was on my bucket list to redo. my husband and I did the VIP tour which I would highly recommend gave us access to all of the Graceland grounds and museums. I was impressed on how well everything has been done. They even had a Lisa Marie Museum that was hard for me to do it, it was very sad. I am a huge Elvis fan. My husband and I spent five hours there and even ate at Vernon’s barbecue. the food was very good. We shared a barbecue sampler plate and to be honest it was the best brisket I had in Memphis. The meditation garden was beautiful. I remembered the last time I was there. It seemed like it was junkie, but I did not feel that way this time. Everything was very neat and tidy. They also have built a new hotel right next-door to Graceland. we are traveling with our trailer or otherwise I would have loved to have stayed there. They take your pictures at the very beginning. I thought they were really cool photos and we bought them. It’s a picture of you standing in front of the gates at Graceland, which is not possible because the gates are open. I enjoyed touring the planes and going through all the museums. One of my favorite things was all of Elvis‘s jumpsuits that were on display and his gold records. If you haven’t been in the last few years when they redone this whole complex, I highly recommend going back. It is very well done.
Pam Webster — Google review
OMG what can I say. I have been an Elvis fan all my life and finally crossed this off my bucket list which surpassed expectations! Easy to get to, shuttle across the street was simple. The house is better than what you have seen in pix. His style was so cool. The living rooms, kitchen, jungle room were so incredible. We went with mom on a wheelchair and she was able to see most (she was moved from stairs around back, very smooth). Backyard with horses was gorgeous. Seeing the pool and to the meditation garden where he and family are laid to rest was somber. Awesome to be able to pay respects to the king of rock n roll!!!
We did the experience tour included the plane. Honestly don't know the difference between VIP and lower your. If cash is an issue go with least expensive option since seems like u see all there is. The plane was very cool and the interactive items after the tour were a lot of fun.
Definitely recommend this to all fans
Mike Azran — Google review
We loved it! Expect lines and a lot of waiting. Even if you buy a 9:00am ticket you may be there, in various lines, for an hour before you actually go in Graceland. Buy tickets online when planning your trip to get the best time. If you buy there you may be waiting hours to go on the tour.
The home is beautiful and has been kept in its same condition since Elvis passed. You could easily spend five or six hours here looking at all of the memorabilia, his planes, cars, etc. Would definitely recommend going!
our life — Google review
Visiting Graceland is a longtime wish come true. It's a surprisingly reliable experience it reminded me of my childhood especially the kitchen. The house reflects the owner, unique and over the top but still fun and somewhat charming. The car museum is fantastic, the stage outfits spectacular as expected. The archives and personal items are very interesting. The Icons exhibit was great it shows how Elvis has influenced many other musicians. It's an important place to see for anyone interested in American history and culture.
Joel H — Google review
Special shout out to Sheila our tour guide. She gave an experience of a lifetime and truly brought the stories and facts of Graceland to life. To anyone who has wished to visit this beautiful property I fully encourage you to do so! It does not disappoint. Such a surreal feeling being on these grounds and touring the life of Elvis Presley.
Cody Leland — Google review
My wife and I are big Elvis fans and this was a long time coming. And it definitely was worth the visit. We got the Ultimate VIP Package. That is the top package you can get. We loved every bit of our time there. We went on a hot day, so that was the only thing that we didn't like. But you spend most of the time inside the mansion, museums, gift shops, restaurants. You do have to walk down to the planes. But we loved it all. Would definitely go back again one day!
Jerry Rowland — Google review
Just amazing! It's really a must visit at least once in your life. The mansion is like stepping back in time. Just visiting Memphis is great by itself. There is so much history, good food and music. There are great hotels and many nice airbnb locations. Visiting Graceland was a memorable experience. It left a lasting impression. Going on Elvis' plane was one of my favorite experiences.
C Marsh — Google review
If you're a Elvis Presley fan, this is a Must! The whole feeling was amazing! Visited his grave too ( Tip: be there outside the gates at 7:30 and beat the crowds for clear photos without too many people). Stayed at the Elvis Presley guest house hotel, very clean nice stay. We went on to see his shotgun shack in Mississippi too... Including Sun Recording studio, and RCA studio B...All worth seeing ( as said, if you're a fan, these are a must!).
Highly recommend.
Steve Fletcher — Google review
I had never taken the time to get to know Elvis but we went on a guided tour and got to explore and experience some pretty awesome things. I had such a great time and was really impressed with how well Elvis' things are being kept without taking out the authenticity of it. We got some awesome pictures and even got to white glove, touch one of Elvis' guitars. I have a new amazing appreciation for Elvis and his music and how he treated others.
Shurlana Hansen — Google review
Elvis is my mothers favorite person, even more so than my father! So I’m shocked it took me over 40 years to come say hi. I took a million pictures here and I’m so sad I can only post 50 so you’ll have to go to see the rest! This place is amazing! I felt so many emotions walking through this home and then through all the museums across the street. I felt like every aspect was so well thought out, creating an emotional response in me. From the good to bad to sad, you get it all. I highly recommend the VIP experience, too. You get to see rooms others don’t get to, plus depending on your level of VIP you either get a tour guided group or a headset. Granted, it’s a little costly, but I think it was worth it. If you find yourself in Memphis, I can’t say enough great things about Graceland. Make sure to stay at the Guesthouse, too!
kat — Google review
Graceland is a site I feel everyone should visit, but it’s a bit too commercial. There’s so many different packages you can buy and they all cost a lot of money. The complex is also always packed with people and the experience doesn’t feel intimate at all. At the same time, you are touring Elvis’s estate and getting to look up close at plenty of important artifacts. The tour includes all the rooms on the first floor of the mansion, other buildings on the property, Elvis’s grave, Elvis’s private planes, his expansive car collection, and the huge museum area with countless personal possessions from Elvis and Graceland. There’s plenty of signs that give valuable information about what you’re seeing and there’s iPads with headsets to give you a virtual tour. Unfortunately, the staff is very grouchy and not very hospitable. This place definitely needs better management and needs to be more friendly, but I’d still recommend visiting Graceland because there’s so much to see and learn. It’s a very fun and knowledgeable experience overall.
Frenite — Google review
Good experience for first timers but after walking around all day through tours, its a lot. Wear comfy shoes.
We paid for the VIP tour. Not certain it's worth it. You get a guide giving you insights on things.
They also include a couple more private areas but nothing over the top for the cost of VIP.
Overall if you haven't toured, it's worth a ticket, just not a VIP IMHO.
C 4 — Google review
Fully enjoyed this experience was definitely one of the best museums I have ever visited. The tour of the mansion itself was very informative and eye opening to see how Elvis lived. And while that was entertaining my favourite parts were actually the other museums such as the career one, I enjoyed seeing parts of Elvis past and also all of his outfits and awards, it's mind blowing to actually see it all in one room, and think about the immense influence that Elvis had and still has. Would 100% recommend visiting if you're in Memphis.
Mr Bean 2.0 — Google review
This was so good we came back six months later. I felt 7 hrs wasn’t enough to take it all in. I wanted to read everything and absorb it into my memory. It’s special, you will see. A bit of advice, if it rains or snows and you miss your tour time the day you go, your ticket is guaranteed all day for any tour as long as it is for that day. You’re welcome.😉
Sheri Castro — Google review
Neat place to visit if you love THE KING! Staff was friendly and helpful. Lots of information to take in. Parking was easy. There's plenty to do and see. Great souvenirs. It's definitely a must for Elvis fans. Buy tickets in advance.
Michelle Petreshock — Google review
I’ve been wanting to go to Graceland since the 70’s…. Don’t know why! Maybe the charisma. Maybe the opulence. Maybe the music. Maybe the footwork. Maybe the car game. I now know it’s all that! At the mansion, the front living room, where Elvis entertained guest, was elegantly decorated; The decor was very classy mid-century. The jungle room was wild with all the animal prints, even the lampshades had animal print. My favorite room was the billiard room with all the fabric covered walls and ceilings…350 yards of fabric!
Say what you will about the “King”…his enthusiasm for cars is not lost on me. Elvis had incredible taste in automobiles/motorized vehicles. I loved the “Entourage” experience with self guided devices. I recommend this experience to anyone remotely interested. 5 stars for me
Rechelle Williams Rechelle Recycle Reuse — Google review
This place is just fantastic! For what you pay for, you get everything you'd want to and then some. When you get a ticket to check the place out, you get to learn the history of Elvis, as well as the various belongings he had such as his jet, mansion, outfits, and including all sorts of history I never knew about the King. After experiencing this place, I can certainly say that's it's absolutely worth it to get a nice spring or autumn vacation time and a drive down to Memphis to explore the various goods this place has to offer!
Sean Green — Google review
If you are an Elvis' fans, this is the place that you should visit. I never regret that I have insisted to make this trip, although I needed to drive 18 hours to go home. When you walked through the buildings of Graceland, wearing the headset they provided , you would be touched by the Elvis songs when you were walking around his sitting rooms, dinning room , the basement, the trophy rooms, the museums, the garden.......You could feel that Elvis was still around us. A great experience in visiting this place, it has become like a theme park. You can understand how he had become the King of Rock & Roll ! It's amazing to see all the awards and trophies that he had won. Getting on his 2 planes experience is something you will never forget. I wonder if I could go to visit it again, because it's really too far away for me.
'
Helen HL Leung — Google review
Pricey for admission. Almost $300.00 for three adults. I thought that was a bit ridiculous. But what's not ridiculously expensive these days!?
The tour is amazing. I like the fact you can explore at your own pace, or stay with the tour group. Also for all the info. Your offered a tablet at the beginning, and it gives you the same info, the lady said that was handing them out.
It's sad, but understandable you can't go upstairs. That would be something to see for sure!
What you do get to see is an amazing piece of history though, especially if your a fan!
All in all I would pay the price for at least a one time,"once in a lifetime"experience.
Cindy Loo-hoo — Google review
Graceland is an experience I'll never forget. Seeing inside Elvis house, the planes, the Lisa Marie plane was so big! The collection of cars' bikes and other things was really great! But to see where he lays in heavenly peace with his family. That's an amazing thing I'll never forget. My husband and I enjoyed our visit very much. But we paid a lot to see the house. I wish they would have allowed us to see the upstairs as well. It's a lot of money to only see half the house. I do hope to take my grandkids one day.
Sylvia Sainz — Google review
I visited Graceland Mansion and I thought it was an amazing experience. I would love to go back. It was crowded but the wait wasn’t long at all. They’re very organized. It cost $10 to park in a gated area.
I bought tickets at the box office (not online) because I wanted the ticket stub to keep as a souvenir. Probably waited maybe five minutes for a shuttle bus to pick up groups of sixteen to take us to the mansion. During the wait, a photographer takes your photo to buy for $36 plus tax. It’s worth the purchase. Makes a nice keepsake.
The mansion was very nice and clean. It had that old historic home vintage charm that modern homes don’t have. You can spend as much time as you want in the mansion but once you leave a room, you can’t reenter it. You must move along to the next room. Once you exit the mansion, you can’t go back inside. You can spend as much time as you want on the Graceland Property. A shuttle bus takes you back to view the exhibits, planes, and cars. Lots of gift shops.
I do think the restaurants are expensive and the staff was rude at the restaurants. I tried to place an order at Glady’s restaurant and the waiter walked off right in the middle of my order and never returned. I left and found a nice restaurant 15 miles from Graceland in West Memphis.
If you love music, Elvis, vintage, history, and historic homes, then you must visit Graceland!! The decor was definitely from the 50’s-70’s era. Which I enjoyed!
I disagree with the other reviews that stated the house was small and ugly. I think it’s full of history and is a flashback of multiple eras. You can feel the history!
Some of the staff is rude but most were friendly and nice. Regardless, I highly recommend visiting Graceland.
Angie — Google review
Wow! What an experience. There is so much to see and do here. Take your time delving deep into the King's personal memorabilia, such as his gold records, clothing, cars, and so much more. I highly recommend it. I can scratch it off of my bucket list.
Kate Quarin — Google review
It's great, so worth it. I loved it, and my wife who wouldn't call herself an Elvis fan, loved it too.
The house initially didn't feel worth it. Didn't feel like you had much time and was just taking tiny step after tiny step after the person in front of you, but it's really cool, even though they don't let you upstairs.
I wasn't expecting much from the other exhibits but they were really great, especially the jumpsuit room, that one blew my mind.
I also would have skipped the behind the scenes Elvis movie one, but that was awesome.
Jess Eig — Google review
Strolling through this house was an experience I absolutely loved. It's nothing short of amazing, akin to stepping through a portal directly into the past; it's a genuine 1970s time capsule, preserved to perfection. Each room, especially the media room, felt like a meticulously curated exhibit, showcasing the best of the era's design and cultural ethos. Interestingly, the house's exterior belies its spacious interior, giving the illusion of being much smaller than it really is.
Although it's a disappointment that visitors are not allowed to explore the upstairs area, I fully comprehend the reasons behind it. Venturing into Elvis's personal bedroom would undoubtedly transform a place of historical and emotional significance into a mere spectacle, detracting from the respect and privacy such a space deserves. It's a decision that, while frustrating for some, underscores the importance of preserving the dignity of those who once lived there.
The peace garden, located by the pool, struck a particularly poignant note. It's a serene and reflective space, dedicated to the memory of Elvis. Walking through it, surrounded by the tranquility and beauty of the garden, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of sadness, mingled with a profound appreciation for the life and legacy of one of music's greatest icons. This visit was not just a journey through a home but a deep, emotional experience that left a lasting impression on me, providing a unique glimpse into the life of the King of Rock 'n' Roll.
Pablo E Ibanez — Google review
The ultimate tour was great. My wife is a huge fan. Happy wife, happy life. She is SOO happy. Getting to touch and see clothes, have a crazy knowledgeable guide, and access to a special room was all with while. Surprisingly, the free meal was pretty dang good as well? Really good brisket and ribs, drink and desert....all free with the pass.
The Stax Museum of American Soul Music preserves the history of Stax Records and soul music. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits and listen to classic recordings from the label's heyday.
A very emotional tour. The history in this place flows through every turn. As you sit behind the mixing board looking into the studio, you can begin to hear the music and see the greats recording hits through imagination. Perfect tribute to all of the musicians and the Stax studio itself. Must see!!
JAMES — Google review
Wonderful.
Cannot recommend enough if you are into American history, music in general, fashion and/or popular and advertising art.
Incredibly worth it, and we left with swag that was high quality and had good prices. The staff was also excellent, kind, informative and easy to work with. Good masks!
Julian A. Wolf — Google review
We went on family day, free admission. Some very cool memorabilia, including vintage instruments and recording equipment. There was a band playing classic mowtown hits originally recorded at Stax which made for a memorable visit. Highly recommend.
P Gill — Google review
What can I say?! The Stax Museum is a must-see to understand the history and progression of soul music. Museum boasts many original artifacts from the Stax recording Era and includes numerous personal effects of the artists who were catapulted to stardom from this location. The gift shop has great souvenirs as well.
AJ R — Google review
When visiting Memphis, this museum is a must see! If you love music and especially are into music history, this is the place to just get all of the juice so to speak. Music would not be what it is today without Stax records. The number of artists that were born and developed through this company is astounding. I was born in 1968 so I can appreciate each and every song ever made because of the composers, musicians, singers and engineers that came from here.
This museum is full of nostalgia. There are actual costumes, instruments, awards etc located here. This place is a gem. The movie in the beginning sets the tone for what is to come in the rest of this museum. It really was a good time. I loved it.
Glenda — Google review
It’s a museum that tries to give the feeling of the old Stax studios were soul music started. It shows how especially African American music started from gospel and through the years evolved into soul rock and disco. Very interesting displays. They did a good job creating the museum from the old studio.
Mimi Frankle — Google review
On a sightseeing trip in Memphis, one of our stops was at Stax Museum. I was like walking back in time and seeing some of the greatest soulful singers that ever lived. You can buy music on CDs and records. They have good deals on their souvenirs.
Christopher V Photography — Google review
Stax museum is very much a traditional "lots of boards to read with some exhibits" type. As such, it's quite dry even if interesting with an important story to tell.
It's more akin to an extended, slightly disjointed, Wikipedia article with exhibits.
It might be better served with a clear timeline followed as you walk through.
It really is worth a visit, however, and we also were treated to a free performance by a funk and soul brass band, Lucky 7, which was amazing!
Christopher Foster — Google review
Awesome Place! History! Legends! Loved this whole experience. I'm a big Old School R&B and Soul Music fan. So this place was perfect. Very educational too! Got some great souvenirs.
Jerry Rowland — Google review
History! The staff was incredibly nice, knowledgeable, and superb! Definitely a must see for all musically inclined individuals. At a great admission price, there's no reason to not go.
Sean Thompson — Google review
Loved it! Don't skip the intro movie - it's fascinating and gives you insight to the exhibits. The museum is arranged to follow the development of the music. I couldn't stop moving while reading the displays, because of all the music that envelops you. Only negative was when a group of school kids came in. They ran around and would bump into you. Also, even though the signage indicated masks were required, none of the kids and some adults weren't wearing them.
Mary Anne Burkhalter — Google review
Absolutely amazing place!! We had our family reunion dinner here. It was a private affair. Beautifully restored pictures and paintings of artists with their biographies hanging on the walls. These musicians changed history by using their platforms to help shape social justice. Artists such as Sam Cooke, Issac Hayes, Tina Turner and Ben E King just to name a few. Great place to host private events. There are security guards outside and inside were kind and polite. Bathrooms are clean and well kept. The parking lot is in the back of the building.
Y O-Mor — Google review
I loved Stax! Nicely curated and preserved memorabilia. I learned a lot. This is a special place where some of my favorite music was created. Very organized and friendly staff. I went nuts in the gift shop, great selection! I highly recommend!
Kim — Google review
I loved this museum. The host was knowledgeable and very friendly. It started with a short film. Followed by a self guided tour through time. I had no idea how much of their music that I knew. It was very enlightening. I would highly recommend
Brandi Hawthorne — Google review
Great experience. This was my first visit. It was amazing to see and hear some of the artists of my era. Listening and viewing singers that I loved in the 70's 80's and 90's when music was enjoyable, respectful, and pleasing to your ear. It was if I was walking down memory lane. The ladies group I was with, also enjoyed themselves by singing, dancing, laughing and reminiscing about the good old days when we were young and popping to the music. Some remembered seeing Issac Hayes ride around Memphis in his Cadillac trimmed in gold. It is on display there. There are many exciting things to see so I say, if you have not been there, go. You are welcomed by a nice group of people who work there and they invite you to watch a documentary about Stax in early years. You can take pictures as you please in the museum. Enjoyment for a retiree like myself...........65 Jjones🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶
janice jones — Google review
Stax is a must-go if you’re a lover of soul music and the amazing artists that came from the label. I appreciated the immersive experience and specifically, Studio A and the LP walls.
Also: kudos to Stax for having a really strong gift shop with cool items. It didn’t feel as “touristy” as some of the gift shops can. I appreciated the authenticity of the experience.
Logan Sand — Google review
Must see museum. The best music museum in Memphis. Arguably one of the best in the world. Go HERE instead of Graceland. Trust me.
Kevin Conn — Google review
Super informative, great artifacts & memorabilia, not super expensive! The organization of the exhibits was a little confusing but that's hard to order with such an extensive collection.
Lordblaarg — Google review
Absolutely loved the Stax Museum! Couldn’t recommend it enough. Everything about it sang to my soul. Tons of exhibits, very educational. They even have an exhibit of the Soul Train TV show along with a dance floor! Brought back childhood memories of dancing in the living room on Saturday mornings while listening to the fabulous music.
Dawn Nickolaus — Google review
It was incredible so much history. I loved the Isaac Hayes car. And the Ike and Tina Turner memorabilia. Definitely worth checking out.
Lisa Russ — Google review
I truly loved my experience touring Stax Museum while visiting Memphis. The museum is so interesting and I really enjoyed getting to know its story. Definitely a must visit while in Memphis!
Keara Artis — Google review
I had a ready fun time at Stax Museum. You would never think it was that large on the inside from the street view. It was a really good exhibit.The curators did a great job.
Lacresha Cottrell — Google review
This is a MUST visit for any trip to Memphis. You could spend anywhere from 1 hour to 3 hours here. You’re welcomed with a short video about the museum and soul music history. This is skippable, but I would recommend watching. The museum itself is full of memorabilia, information, and interactive exhibits.
Sun Studio was a legendary recording studio that hosted stars such as Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and others notables. It made its name by signing artists such as Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Cash and is now a popular tourist destination where you can take a guided tour to learn more about the recordings made here.
The Memphis Zoo is one of the country's most popular zoos, with a wide variety of exhibits representing a variety of different animals. The zoo is easy to navigate, and visitors can get up close and personal with many of the animals. In addition to its well-known inhabitants like pandas, grizzly bears, and wolves, the zoo also has an extensive collection of animals from across Africa, Asia, North America, and South America.
We had so much fun! Enjoyed seeing all the beautiful animals! Spending time with each other. You definitely want to go kind of early so you can have a chance to see everything or get a membership so you can go back often to see everything at a not so rushed pace. It wasn't crowded so you got a chance to see the animals without fighting for a spot to see them.
Natasha Parks — Google review
This zoo is so fantastic. We are used to a free zoo, and this was certainly pricey. But we thought it was worth it. We got the all inclusive wristbands… and we walked with kangaroos, fed the giraffes, rode the train and rides, and splashed in the fountain. The grounds are huge (We walked 4.5 miles) —But mostly shaded. We felt it was so very clean and not crowded. 5 stars
Kayla Medley — Google review
Incredible experience! As someone who has visited multiple zoos in the past year, I would have to say this one takes the cake. Each section is crafted with care, and the animals are very interactive and friendly. It seems like they are well-treated as well. There is such a variety here that it’s fun for the whole family! Tickets are $20, but it is by far worth it for a great experience.
Owen Purdy — Google review
Love this zoo! I have never seen a zoo with the amount of birds this one has,including a walk-in aviary. The animals seem happy and well cared for. I was able to leisurely go through within the limited two hour window I had before my flight. I’d say another couple of hours would have included something to eat or if I had children with me. I have visited many zoos, and I highly recommend this one.
Karen — Google review
Had a great experience will definitely return in the future. Saw a bunch of animals that I haven't seen before at our local zoos. Everyone was so nice at gift shops and drink stations
Ranee Conway — Google review
We were in town to watch Mississippi State University play Texas Tech in the Liberty Bowl and got the chance to go to the Memphis Zoo and it was very nice! The animals were all happy and active! and certainly well taken care of! There were a lot of people but buying tickets and getting to see all the animals was very easy, because the zoo is laid out and run very well. We got to watch a polar bear dance! Panda eat and eat and eat fresh bamboo! Orangutan kid swing and jump and climb until his Mom came out and slowed him down... :) and the lights - oh my goodness did they have decorative lights everywhere! My wife, our 3 kids, our uncle Barry, and me all had a great time and I highly recommend the Memphis Zoo!
Kevin Crothers — Google review
Very nice zoo, clean and well laid out. I wish some of the enclosures were larger, though. All the animals looked healthy and well cared for. The water park for kids is large and looks like a lot of fun. We walked pretty much the entire zoo in four hours, although if all the exhibits had been active we could have spent another couple of hours.
Ken Tischler — Google review
The place is overall nice. Water was dirty at majority of the exhibits. The train ride was about 3 minutes. nice but not worth the wait in line. The scenery and architecture was very good, actually better than the animals. The China exhibit was very nice as well.
Rhonda Griffin — Google review
The zoo is great but they need help with some of their employees.
We asked for total experience tickets and they sold us general admission. They were closing early in the afternoon the day we went but google said they were open till 5:00. They person that “helped us” with the ticket issue said they don’t “own google” and can’t do anything about what they show. She apparently has zero experience with that because as a business owner I know WE control the information we supply to google about our business. She also said they had “pop ups” on the website but I was all over the zoo website for a couple of days and never saw a pop up about the hours that day.
Please, people, train your employees better. The splash pad was closed. We saw one open food truck. We drove two hours to visit the Memphis zoo.
Rexanne Collins — Google review
This is the 2nd time we've gone here. We loved it! From the minute you walk to the front gate, which looks like you're entering Egypt) it's a great time. Plenty of great exhibits. My son loves giraffes so it's a plus that you can actually feed them here. It is 5 dollars just so you know, but well worth it to see his smiling face.
Art Femino — Google review
After driving by the zoo many times it was decided that a visit was necessary. A very impressive zoo with plenty of space to walk around. Some of the exhibits were lacking animals but the one they did have were enjoyable. It was nice to not have crouds since it was a weekday and kids are in school. Only took a few hours to see the whole place. Worth a visit if your interested. Enjoy.
Nick Ferguson — Google review
Zoo light!
It was prettier than expected and there were many guests who came in groups of friends and families. When I had time, I also saw a magic show and it was a good experience. The taste of the snacks is so-so, but it's not bad because it helps animals. There were a lot of people, but we took a lot of pictures and had a good time.
Zeze — Google review
We enjoyed the Memphis Zoo. I walked 1.5 miles and still did not see everything the zoo had to offer. My favorite exhibits were the waterfall, totem poles, murals, and replicas of Pterosaurs. The Grizzly Bears, Cheetah’s and Flamingos were my favorite species. It was a bit sad watching the animals pace back and forth. Some areas seemed small for the species but appeared well kept.
BeautifulSoul — Google review
Had a great time. They are adding a splash pad on for the kiddos to play in. All of the animals seemed in good health. The zoo staff was very helpful giving us information about the critters. Made our trip well worth it.
JAMES — Google review
I had not been to the Memphis Zoo since my kids were very small and was excited to be able to bring my grandson for his first zoo trip! The zoo was very clean, the animals look well kept and the staff was very friendly and informative. The zoo has grown since the last time we were there and unfortunately we were not able to experience the whole park. But we cannot wait for our next visit. The only disappointment was the food- not all food facilities were open and what we did purchase was not very good. Everything else was great. Loved the nocturnal area and the butterflies! The giraffe feeding was a cool experience! Would definitely recommend to all ages...
Renee Moss — Google review
It feels small and older.
Perhaps my zoo expectations are high as I live in an area with high ranking zoos and therefore my perception is askew
The enclosures for the large animals seemed small for them. They didn't seem very happy. And I think the large cat exhibits don't have big enough barriers for current recommendations.
We were very disappointed that there were parts of the zoo that we had to pay extra to visit. Butterflies and kangaroos specifically.
And with everyone feeding the giraffes, there were no giraffes to just see from the other side for free.
None of the children's/petting area animals were out, which was a disappointment for us
The splash park is a nice feature. I can see that being very attractive with younger children.
We appreciated the nocturnal building. That was well laid out and fun.
The zoo is laid out nicely and we had no problems traversing it. Though there is no android app to get a digital map. Maybe just a link to an online map would be better than an app to download?
It wasn't the worst zoo I've visited, but it just felt old and out dated.
Christine Roosa — Google review
It was beautiful from the very start as we were waiting in line through the end. We were greeted with "snow" which added to the majesty.
Christmas lights are my favorite part of the holiday and this was exactly what this old heart needed.
You have to buy tickets online. They do not sell tickets at the gate.
Dana Simpkins — Google review
Memphis Zoo was fabulous.. It's been years since I've gone to a zoo. We purchased the total experience tickets, which include the train ride, the 2 rides, the tram, and the giraffe feeding. It was so much fun. The Giraffes were beautiful. The lion talked so loud. It was fun to see and hear. The tram ride goes around the park very short, but the driver, she is awesomely entertaining .
It was worth getting the upgraded tickets.
The food is regular fast microwave food. We didn't like it, but we had so much fun, no one was worried about eating.
Yes, we would go again. When you purchase your tickets online, you get better parking. There was no wait on the weekend in October.
Dee Dee Foodie4life — Google review
Haven't been to the zoo since I was a kid! I was pleasantly surprised by the new exhibits and loved the overall kindness of the staff as well. Parking wasn't a hassle, and the tickets are inexpensive. I recommend going on Tuesdays when they're discounted (for TN residents only I believe). If you plan on being here all day with children, there's plenty of spots to sit down and sectional seating near restrooms. Vending machines throughout in case you need a drink, but in some parts of the zoo food and beverages aren't allowed. A fun and educational experience for all ages. Will be returning very soon with my nieces and nephews!
Alexis Mitchell (Alex) — Google review
This is probably one of my favorite zoos! We visit a zoo every time we travel. This one had several animals that we had not seen anywhere else. They also have a splash pad during summer! It was very clean and the staff were friendly and helpful. I am sure we will visit again.
Karen Browning — Google review
The Memphis Zoo is genuinely one of the best zoos in the USA. They have a wide range of animals. They have interesting enclosures and interactive areas. About every hour there is a Zoo Keeper talk where they show off specific animals, like the seals or birds of prey.
If you have children and live close, the membership pays for itself, and I highly recommend it.
In the spring, there is a butterfly enclosure which is pretty cool.
Dakota Benjamin — Google review
Been to a few Zoos around the country and the Memphis Zoo is one of my favorite so far. I am a member so I don't have to pay for parking but keep in mind that is something that goes along with paying for admission. The animals looks very healthy, happy and on weekdays it is pretty empty letting you get some great views of the animals. I would highly recommend going here at least once if you live in the area or if you are visiting Memphis!
Cory Smith — Google review
Unfriendly staff and very highly stressed animals in undersized enclosures left me with a bad taste in my mouth.
My degree is in ecology and biodiversity. I have worked at Zoo Atlanta and at the Georgia Aquarium. I have worked with captive wild animals and I know a lot about animal psychology and captive behaviors. If you know anything about animal behavior, like me, you will have a BAD time.
Every mammal species (except for the Sumatran tigers) exhibited signs of distress. Big cats panting and pacing in small circles (jaguar, clouded leopard, cheetahs), one clouded leopard is balding on its tail from excessive grooming, the hippos swim in tight circles, and the elephants sway side to side without moving. All are stress behaviors. I have studied animal behavior in zoos and, while they are providing enrichment activities for most of their species, it doesn't resolve the fact that there is simply not anywhere near enough space for these animals. There are three cougars in a very small enclosure. Some of the reptiles and fish are kept in tanks or housing significantly smaller than what the ideal captive footprint should be. This zoo is an older zoo, one of the oldest in the country, and we have learned an almost immeasurable amount in regards to animal welfare since then. And despite investing over $116,000,000 on renovations and expansions, it just isn't enough.
Aside from that, while I was there, there were maybe ten other guests who were determined to visit on a cold, rainy day - I came across two non-staff members. I encountered quite a few keepers and almost none of them even acknowledged my presence. I don't expect people to stop and say "hi, what's your life story" but when your staff doesn't even make eye contact with the one single guest in the entire visible area it is a bit off-putting. I felt essentially unwelcome, similar to the feeling of wandering into a restricted area and having no idea how to leave, except I was in the main exhibit areas. You also have to pay $10 to park and an additional $25 per adult for zoo entry. Nowhere on the website did I see anything mentioning paid parking. Certain exhibits cost an additional fee to enter. Honestly quite disappointing.
Suzanne Harris — Google review
Great zoo, friendly staff! If you have a trailer with you, they will show you where to park and let you in the back door. We will definitely go back again!
Beatrice Commerée — Google review
My older son absolute loves animals. We have to visit any Zoo possible. We have even been to Zoos like Brasov - Romania and Szeged Hungary. The Memphis Zoo is ranking probably at the top of the list right now. Everything is spotless. The entire landscape is well taken care of and very clean. No dead leaves, random branches, misplaced stands, etc. On top of everything the animals were very active and they all seem to have pretty good size cages which we always love. The entire Zoo theme is pretty cool too. Very pleasantly surprised and felt like the money was well worth it!
Ruth Balloon — Google review
We visited from Missouri. We LOVE the Saint Louis Zoo (it’s free so hard to beat)! We really enjoyed this zoo! The animals are extremely close and seem to want to engage with each other and visitors. There are many different animals to see. We spent four hours here and my kids never complained of boredom. The giraffe feeding was a unique and fun experience for my children! We ended up paying $124 for our visit which is steep compared to the free visits we take in Saint Louis but it was worth it. We would come again.
Located in a quiet area, Samuel T Bryant Distillery LLC is an impressive establishment that offers an amazing experience. The distillery boasts a massive building with a well-organized and clean interior. The friendly and knowledgeable staff are passionate about sharing their expertise. Visitors can enjoy free tastings of the surprisingly good liquors, including cinnamon toast creme liquor and salted caramel moonshine.
We visited as guests with Harvest Hosts and can't say enough about the friendly, welcoming feeling of this place. The distillery is definitely worth a visit if you're in the area and the liquors are surprisingly good. And the tasting is free!!! I bought so much more than I thought I would. The cinnamon toast creme liquor and salted caramel moonshine will bring me back for more! The hubs liked and bought a bottle of Tennessee Pete and he's a bourbon snob. Well done!
Autumn Kennedy — Google review
Highly Recommend Samuel T Bryant Distillery. "Big Rig Friendly" Family friendly and great staff, easy access from I40 and lots of parking space. Good whiskey & shine with many flavors to choose from including creams. Very relaxing place that makes a nice traveling break. We were Harvest Host guests, and it was easy access for our 60’ rig. Bought some shine to share with folks back home. Make sure you check this place out.
Milton Luttrell — Google review
Loved it...we are Harvest Hosts members and stayed there for the night while traveling to the east coast...Jen is awesome (bartender) even offered to stay late...since we got in late...but she made us a couple of great drinks
Joseph Gramando — Google review
This is a very impressive establishment for all the right reasons! Being on a quiet road is deceiving but the distillery is amazing. They stock everything they have on their website which was incredible as we only expected some of it to be available. The building is massive and there is a lot of room inside. Everything was very clean and well organized. The staff was very friendly and we could have talked all day. They are knowledgeable and love sharing what they know. If you can schedule to be there when they have a tour, make sure you have time to do it! All of their spirits are delicious! I never thought you could make so much variety. Well done on having an awesome product, with amazing staff! We will be back soon!
Richard Holst — Google review
Fun distillery. So many varieties and flavors. Large area with lots of seating. Pretty and remote. Very clean and organized. Friendly staff.
Breanne Swann — Google review
Beautiful experience, we came on a Sunday they took care of us… 3 sample shots complementary by the way;we took a few bottles back. Even gave us cute bags.
jiah jackson — Google review
We stayed in our camper through Harvest Host and everything was above expectations. People were super friendly, parking was flat and plentiful and the the samples were an unexpected bonus. Husband bought some CBD flower he says is aging nicely and I bought a bottle of moonshine I'm enjoying sipping on. We'll definitely stay again if we're in the area.
#kpcsupportssmallbusiness
Karen Pope Cannady — Google review
What a gem! Now I know what Chris Stapleton was singing about! Best whiskey ever. Jennifer is a true master, and quite charming as well. She and her crew brew, bottle, and serve a very fine product. They are justifiably proud of the various flavors on offer. Definitely worth pulling off the 40 to say hello and have a taste.
Randall Cummings — Google review
Nice little stop, friendly staff, great flavors! Had to buy the Sea Salt Caramel moonshine!!! and the Amaretto;) cutest shot glass, it's a lil barrel...
Brenda Strickland — Google review
We were on a long drive from NY to TX. Stopped here to get some Tennessee whiskey before leaving Tennessee. Because, well I had to. There was a good selection of products all made on site. We left with a few bottles.
Bob Cook — Google review
We stayed here as Harvest Host guests. The Bryant family is so nice. The tasting room and event center are lovely. The moonshine and cream shine is amazing. I love getting local handcrafted products. Well done.
Guests can pet & feed over 80 species of animals, from antelope to zebra, in this drive-thru zoo.
This place is expensive but well worth it! We had a great time and will be back. We got there about 230 and only had time for the drive through so next time we will go earlier so we can do the walk through as well. They have a retail store in the walk through area and you can buy food to feed various animals including the giraffes! The drive through food was $3 each or 4/$10. The admission was $20 adult and kids 2-12 $12. They closed at 5pm. Super fun family day. Probably a little miserable when it's hot out. But was a good temp the day we went. The easiest things for us to feed were the ostriches, thought they made a mess, and the deer. The buffalo heads are so big they can't fit their mouth in the bucket so they wind up trying to take the bucket from you. The camel's take the bucket from you. The llamas are unruly sometimes. We did have one spit on us because the one that was already eating wouldn't move when the taller one came and tried to push him with his head. So when the shorter didn't move the taller one spat on us. We did have a mess in the car afterward due to the food spilling when ostriches ate. But it can be cleaned. Nothing too bad just the feed in floor.
Shepherd Momma Hunt — Google review
The Tennessee Safari Park is an extreme amount of fun. If you feed the animals while out driving, you’ll end up laughing as the animals invade your personal space and join you in your vehicle. There are deer, camels, alpaca, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, cranes, ostrich, emu, rhea, and many more. They’ll be glad to eat whatever food you bring for them. Currently it is $24 per person and $10 for 4 buckets of food. If you like feeding them, buy at least 8 buckets or you’ll run out before you get half-way through. The peering zoo part is also nice. Birds, monkeys, fox, giraffe, and tons of goats. You can feed them as well. Anyway, this is the most possible fun you can have in the area. I go every year when I’m in the area and can’t possibly recommend this enough. Such fun and such up close experiences with the animals.
snorkymn — Google review
Today, we went to this zoo. It was an easy drive and noticeable entrance. The bathrooms are clean and cute. The animal food was not over priced. It was not expensive. There was a gift shop full of gear and rocks and candy and snacks. We got to the counter for the walk in zoo at 4:29 I know because I ran, as I’m asking for food she says they can no longer sell more. We were a party of 11 & understood they closed at five. So I say no big deal, we walk through the zoo anyways. On our way back towards the monkeys we were approached at 4:53 and asked to start exiting.
Listen, I know this is a family business but we loved your place and we as paying customers should be trusted to exit when you close at 5pm.
Customer service needs improvement but the place is well kept, clean and so many amazingly beautiful animals.
Brianne M — Google review
Absolutely worth every cent! The drive through lasts about 2+ hrs then there's the walk through petting Zoo. They've expanded the drive through pastures so the Bison no longer cause traffic jams, and there's A LOT of new animals running around...tapir, Wildebeest, Midnight Peacocks, red river hogs and more. My oldest loves hand-feeding carrots to George the Giraffe, my middle kid loves the aviary and my youngest loves getting lost in the goat herd at the petting zoo. Plan for 3-4 hrs there.
Emma Taylor — Google review
Have you ever fed a camel? A zebra? A bison? Ostriches? Deer? Other animals similar to deer that I don’t remember the names of? Cows? Alpaca? A giraffe?
This place is awesome. Worth every cent. We got 5 buckets for two adults and a toddler and it went a good ways. 6 may have been preferable.
The petting zoo / zoo area was fun.
Seriously one of the coolest places I’ve ever been. Be careful because some of the animals will literally steal your entire bowl of food if you don’t hold on tightly! They know what they want.
Drew Tschirki — Google review
This is the absolute best if you have not been. If your nervous about some of the animals if we rolled up the windows they just moved on to the next car. Nothing but laughs and smiles from my boys the entire time, I have a 4 year old and a 17 month old and I went alone with them. Get there when they open it took us about 4 hours to do all of it at an enjoyable pace for us. The staff was super friendly and so were the animals. They all looked healthy and happy. They have lots of room to roam. We will be back!
Shelby Tankersley — Google review
My children and I love this place, we come every year. We live 2 in a half hours away so we always get up early on a Saturday to get there before they open, because if not, you could wait hours to get in, one time we went in the afternoon around 2pm and waited 2 hours. And the animals were not hungry anymore, so it was not as fun. But when they are hungry it is hilarious and fun.
Celeste Jones — Google review
What a fantastic trip. I think I enjoyed it even more than my kids. I will warn you, the Camels and Llamas will block you in and snatch your feed buckets from you. We also had one large gal rub her neck on the hood of the car and leave a small dent for memories lol Definitely worth the 2 hour drive.
Emily Richardson — Google review
Had an absolute blast feeding the animals snd taking pictures with the kids! Absolutely recommended it to anyone looking for a great time with their family or incredible pictures of animals up close! This place is great!
Jonathan Kelly — Google review
Smooth entry and ticket/feed purchasing. LOTS of animals to feed. I’d suggest 12 feed buckets if you really love feeding animals. We did 8 and wish we had done 12. There are some areas that can get “cargested” (like what I did there…) but they swoop in and help keep things moving without rushing those that are still trying to enjoy specific animals. Be cognizant of things on your dash - clean it off before you go through. I may be missing something from my dash now. Don’t worry, I called and let them know immediately what happened, which animal it was and it’s location. The holding areas for the other animals isn’t great (cats) and it made me pretty sad and it’s the main reason for the dropped star, just for your own information. Would I go again? Yes, I’d just likely do the drive thru only. The giraffe feeding is worth going into the walk through area at least once for sure though!!
Candalee Abbott — Google review
I have been visiting the Safari Park for several years. It continues to grow and improve. My 12-year-old daughter and her cousin enjoy going very much. The shop is nice. The renovations were a very nice upgrade. I have not seen a movie but it is on my to-do list. I highly recommend this spot for family fun even on a hot day as you are in your car. The animals are always fun to watch and interact with just watch your food bucket.
Fire Juan — Google review
Wonderful day trip. Had a. Amazing time. You can spend hours looking and feeding the animals. Some will rip those food buckets right out of your hands, they know what they are doing! Definitely buy a lot more food than you think you want.
The only improvement I would add is informational signs. They do sell guidebooks, and maybe the animals would destroy the signs. But if you come when they have the walk through portion open, it gets a little confusing on where to go.
Shaylen Houston — Google review
We had a great time! Hold on tight to the food buckets! Those animals are really good at taking them! So much laughter and excitement! The staff was great and very helpful too! The animals are well cared for and very friendly!
Laura Williams — Google review
This was an awesome alternative to a zoo. You get to touch most of the animals but be aware because they are smart and will steal your feed bucket right out of your hands. They don't go for the feed in the bucket but just take the whole bucket. It was a camel for me and my wife.
The walk through zoo section is also pretty cool. It's not big but a good size as to not get tired walking in the heat with kids. It also has lots of animals I haven't seen at bigger zoos.
kendal Penick — Google review
I've been to this Safari park 2 times, and I have really enjoyed it. It's so much fun!we went there really early so we didn't wait much to enter. The whole family loved it. You get to see all different kinds of animals and feed them. The entry price and the price for the animal food is also not expensive. I really recommend this place. You'll love it!!!
Blanca Nava — Google review
We live 2.5 hours away. We headed out for a day trip. We got there almost at opening time. The line was about 30 minutes long at this point. We waited in line, which moved quickly. I bought $20.00 worth of feed, which was 4 or 5 bucks for $10.00. At first, I thought we had way too much food - but then... My kiddo dropped two of the plastic buckets of food in my car. I should've brought a cake pan to dump the feed in, and it would have been easier for the animals to eat. Two more buckets went to those strong camels. I'd suggest you save food for the end. Those animals do not get fed as much. We didn't do the walk through zoo and the end. We saw the sloth, and the kiddo bought a bag of stones to mine. It was such a fun experience, we'll definitely go again.
Barbara B — Google review
This was our second visit, and again, it never disappointed us! We had the best time being greeted by hungry ostriches, deer, lamas, and more. They even stuck their head in the window, seeking sustenance we bought. It's definitely an experience and money well spent.
Tammy LaPoint — Google review
This was a great experience for my family and I. They had various animals and they were not aggressive. I recommend this experience to everyone. We loved it!!’
LaKeyvia Finner — Google review
We brought a school group here for a field trip. They had an absolute party riding the tourbus and feeding the animals. After the tour, they got to explore on their own and feed the giraffe and the baby goats. Pretty sure, we teachers and faculty members, enjoyed it just as much as the kids did!
Britt Diane — Google review
Guy at the booth said that a lot of people get 16 buckets of food. Right. We got 8 because we knew we'd go around twice. Easily could have gone with 6. It's nice that you can go around as many times as you want. Very diverse collection of animals, especially in the zoo. Better than some city zoos. Totally worth buying a cup of carrots to feed the giraffe. Had a great time. The second time around the ostriches were not as aggressive but be prepared.
Michael Penrod — Google review
Amazing park. I didn't know what to expect before I went and I was surprised to see that I was actually touching the park animals! Some very cute and curious and some just ignored us. All of the animals appear to be very healthy and well fed. We will be back!
Sergio Arroyo — Google review
Nothing but good things to say about this place drove two hours from my town in Tennessee.
Recommend getting a lot of food four bucket is not a lot !! Giraffes are at the end of the drive! Head up!
Such an amazing experience for all ages me and my husband had a great time!
Science exhibits, an earthquake simulator & an aquarium, plus gardens & a replica early-1900s town.
Family fun for everyone: hubby and I and 4 kids ranging from 15 to 7 years of age. We all had a good time! Large facility, indoor and outdoor exhibits. Large outdoor area, if you had a little one, you might want a stroller. No outside food or drink, but the Sabin’s cafe inside the Discovery Park was reasonably priced and kid friendly food, including salad and other healthier options in a cold case. The exhibits were really well done, the staff were kind and helpful and we especially enjoyed Taylor the Rock Guy! We stayed almost the whole day and still didn’t see everything. The price of admission, without adding any of the extras (there was enough to do without the simulators) was acceptable, especially for 6 hours of fun. The only exhibit we didn’t get to enjoy was the outdoor maze, the trees weren’t planted yet. The train was super cool. The rocket with its launch buttons were a favorite of my kids. I didn’t get a picture of the giant human slide! They wanted to do that more than once. So many cool things to experience, see, and enjoy!
Charity Ann — Google review
What an awesome place! We took our 4 year old, and he had a great time, so did we! We spent about 3 hours there and didn't quite get to see everything. If you have an EBT card, you get in free with up to 3 people. There's something for everyone there. The antique car collection is really cool. They have plenty to see and do inside as well as outside.
We'll definitely be going back to see what we missed last time. Great place!!
Stephanie L. — Google review
Something for everyone. Great experience. Clean and reasonably priced food. Beautiful gardens and views. We paid extra for earthquake simulator are dinosaur movie. Tower was great experience. Could have spent two days here. Nice gift shop. Both educational and fun.
Amy Gardner — Google review
I went with my daughter's school and it was so much fun! Because it was a 1 day field trip we didn't have as much time to spend looking and playing as we would have liked. That being said we are planning a family weekend trip beginning of June bc they offer live music for free certain weekend nights. We are very excited to go back for a fun family weekend.
Susan Mercer — Google review
Amazing experience for a family! It was a wonderful rain day activity for our family. We loved it! SO diverse in the type of knowledge to be learned. Also many activities for the kids and honestly cost efficient for family entertainment. We ate lunch before we went, so we didn't have that added expense.
Amy Dull — Google review
Great place!! We was there bout 5 hours and seen everything except for the special attractions. We was outside and it was hot but just about every building we went in except for the old time cabins had air conditioning so it really gave us a way to cool off along the way. It wasn't crowded we wasn't rushed to the next building. It was a great experience for the kids they loved it. HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT. Well worth the money!!!
Dana Waldren — Google review
It's a great place to take the kids, very educational and fun too. The gardens were beautiful. I went with a school field trip and there were several other schools there too. It didn't seem super crowded, there was so much to see. I would definitely go back again. The food was good, basic fare but a little pricey.
Christine Haskins — Google review
My son was lucky enough to go to Discovery Park with his class before school was out. Being 7 he was overwhelmed by all there is to see and didn’t really enjoy the whole park because of the whole elementary school being there. The last week of school before summer break he and I sat down and wrote down a bucket list of things to do this summer while he’s off. Number one on his list was to revisit the Discovery Park with his mom and dad. We chose a Tuesday that has cool weather and dry. And we were rewarded with the greatest weather to walk outdoors across the whole property exploring every inch of the property. His favorite place was the Children’s discovery garden where he made new friends and played for hours on the jungle gyms and zip lines. Once inside the discovery centers main building, he was able to have his hands on everything that he couldn’t before because there were not a dozen visitors on each level. The Native American display was so impressive, the classic and antique car collection was magnificent. The war section was very informative. The children are inspired every where in the main building. So much excitement in the voices of the children as well as grownups. They have two different food courts from which to choose from. Quite an experience for all. I highly recommend everyone visit soon.
Roger Moredock — Google review
You MUST make this a way point on your family vacation! We found it when we passed by on our way to other attractions further north, and came back through just to go here. WOW! We were incredibly surprised by the impressive exhibits, hands on attractions, and historic village. I thought it would be a 2 or 3 hour experience...we were there from opening to closing! The food in the Cafe was reasonably priced and delicious. The staff throughout was incredibly knowledgeable and friendly. Don't miss the craftsman shops outside for demos and expertise! Purchase tickets online for a 15% discount. We spent more time here than we did at the Ark!
Courtney Butler — Google review
Actually I’ve been here a couple of times. There’s so much to see. It’s quite an interesting museum build with all different kinds of artifacts. The outside is really unique with all different kinds of exhibits throughout the year. They say that Christmas is the best. I know that they have concerts during the summer. Definitely worth a visit or two.
Jan Bass — Google review
We spent an entire day here. We were able to get through all of the exhibits, inside and out. Well worth the admission price, even if you have to drive a few hours to get there. I think there is literally something there for everyone. The kids especially liked the giant slide. All the employees we interacted with were both knowledgeable and very nice. We will definitely be back again. If you are planning to visit, arrive early to maximize the time you have there, you will need it. NOTE: Stand in the center of the inflated dome that looks like the moon, the acoustics are wild.
Michael Priddy — Google review
Love this place! So much to do you can't really finish it all in one day! Definitely go up in the tower, the view is amazing! The outdoor play area is wonderful for kids, the train part is super cool and the have a giant slide inside for kids and the young at heart! Great place to spend a day as a family.
Jennifer Kuchar — Google review
This was the place we went for my daughter's 3rd grade field trip and the experience was amazing. There are so many cool things to see and do. Us getting bored wasn't even an option. This is a place I would definitely recommend to anyone who wants to experience the past, present, and future all in one place.
Marie Brownlee — Google review
I loved it. The kids loved it too. Complimentary aids like scooter, wheelchair and stroller. No charge!
This was the first time I have seen snakes willing to interact or move on display.
I loved the Chamber. I may have driven some fear into my son but it was good knowledge.
The exploratory with water and the sunlight was a perfect design idea. The slide from the 3rd to 2nd floor was a super dope creation. (The kids do have to be at least 3ft for it).
About outside, like the best drain of all. I didn't get to see the entire outside. The kids play area was fun. They love all the extra little things. There was a speaker playing music which was fantastic since my kids love to jam.
Labyrinth caught me off guard. The giant outdoor chest surprised me also.
There is fun for all ages. I thought "the museum" is a good place on a rainy day but I wouldn't recommend it if you like to be outside exploring. There is a lot to see.
Lesha Henderson — Google review
This place is simply amazing. There's so much to see and do. It is much larger than the outside suggest. And there's as much to do outside as inside. There are live demonstrations in some of the outdoor buildings. There's lots of hands on things for kids to do. My granddaughters 8 and twins 5 had a fantastic time. They got to ride an escalator for the first time and there's a Cafe to grab a bite to eat. The Cooper Tower ( it's $5.99 for adults) is a must do. And it's very affordable for everyone. A super great family place!!!
Brenda R — Google review
Awesome place to visit! I would recommend 2 days to go through it, if you really wanna learn. Reading each sign throughout gives you a lesson relevant to the surrounding area in various subjects and neat artifacts to look at. The park also holds various events throughout the year as well. Check out their website.
Mason Shumate — Google review
It's kinda cool, but if you don't know, you can miss it... but in the museum area, there are way more hidden behind a giant book on the first floor and around the corner on the second. The outside playground is great.
Encosma Napier — Google review
What an amazing place. The testimonial they put on the website summed it up well about it being like your favorite rich uncle bringing back cool things from around the world and putting them in your yard. It was fun and great for all 4 of us and it's a phenomenal spot for all ages and backgrounds. We will be becoming annual members for sure.
Kyle Lawley — Google review
We had an amazing trip to Discovery Park with my kids. They loved all the hands on science features, the 3D films, and the gigantic human slide. They are also really into dinosaurs so the fossilized dinos were a fav. We also ate at the cafe and the hamburger and tots were good. It was rainy so we couldn't do as much outside, but the barn, trains and settlement building were cool!
Century Casino Cape Girardeau is a modern gambling establishment that offers over 900 slot machines, a variety of table games and five chic dining options. The staff is friendly and helpful, providing guidance to newcomers who may be unfamiliar with the gambling experience. Visitors can enjoy the exciting atmosphere and try their luck at winning big. It's worth giving it a shot as one never knows what fortune might bring.
First time there and I really enjoyed myself, spent 20 and came home with little over 200, probably first time luck! I haven’t been to a casino in years but it was a great time! I would recommend atleast trying your luck! You never know
Ann Chamberlain — Google review
We very much enjoyed the Casino, and affordable place to eat. Had a great time playing the slots, staff was very friendly, very clean machines, and nice bathrooms! We went 2 nights because we had so much fun! They need more handicapped parking closer to the entrance however. We highly recommend going there! Next time we go we may stay at their hotel.
Jodie Allen — Google review
The casino has changed ownership so much. They've stopped announcing jackpots, not thrilled over that. The promotions have been reduced drastically. I will say, the partnership they have with the local hotels are nice. Our stay at pear tree Inn was awesome !!!::
Michelle Ashcraft — Google review
Nice place to go to a concert which I did Sunday night
Kevin Mason — Google review
I'm not a gambler, but I wanted to try it out. I was not disappointed. When I stopped to get my card when I got there, the lady was very pleasant and walked me through everything pertinent when I told I had never gambled anywhere like this before. The young man at the bar was very helpful about showing me how to use the machines there at the bar. The whole place and experience was really cool. And it doesn't hurt that I came out ahead!
Mark Rodgers — Google review
New to blackjack. Dealers were helpful. Miss Kayla was outstanding....She was very well versed in all the table games, was incredibly hospitable yet professional. She even advised us on how to play individual hands when asked. Incredibly charming....delightful person...the captain and I broke even, but left feeling like winners...Thank you Kayla...We'll be back!
David Arends — Google review
Lots of slot machines with a good variety of games. You win some and lose some! Hopefully today’s donation will keep the lights on for a little while ;) short drive to cape from south East Missouri. Friendly staff. A new hotel is being built on site. Looks to be 6 stories high.
Scott Schaefer — Google review
The only reason I am giving four stars is because a lot of the games were down when I came in. And only one ATM was working. Other than that, the other few times I’ve been in it was a lot of fun! The staff are always sweet. I came in for my birthday and everyone was happy!
Angel — Google review
This was my second time dining at this restaurant. The first was hands down 5 stars all around. I was not impressed on my most recent visit. The wedge salad was mostly the worst part of the lettuce and not enough blue cheese dressing. The bacon was cold and burnt. Shrimp was good, but the sauce was so rich I couldn't finish it.
Rhonda Summers — Google review
Update.. Valentines day 2024.. i had an amazing filet, cooked to perfection. My husband had the Trout. We both truly enjoyed our meal. This time, the Chefs wife spent some time with us. She is very friendly and i enjoyed talking with her. We had truffles for dessert.. mouth watering.(2023)We went to the Beacon 53 restaurant for an early Valentines Day dinner. The food was superb and the atmosphere was excellent. We truly enjoyed our experience. Chef Robert came out to talk to us. He told me how to make the fruit tart that i found so delicious. . Our waiter was perfect. He was very attentive and helpful. It was a bit expensive, but we were expecting it to be. It was the best dinner we have had in a very long time.
LeVa Clement — Google review
5 Stars all around!
Just recently moved to the area and had never been to a Casino before. Doing something for the first time can be intimidating, but Century made it a fun and exceptional experience.
The slots are varied and enjoyable, but the table games are where this place shines. While the number is limited, the staff are the highlight. Austin and Janice were very polite and patient with me. They helped me figure out 3 card Poker enough that I played a few hands and walked out with some money. I will definitely be back.
An extra shout out to the ladies at the Winner's Circle as well. They do a great job explaining the rewards program and answering any questions you may have. If you are ever in Cape Girardeau and want to have a good time, definitely check out Century Casino. You will not be disappointed.
Austin — Google review
First time here I really enjoyed myself I think there could have been a little bit more customer service far as offering drinks
Great selection of wines to enjoy on a fabulous partially covered deck area. Views of forested hills, hay fields, and vineyards. Wonderfully bucolic. Right now we're catching a cross breeze in the shade. Relaxing and delightful. Bought a tasting sampler for $8 - five, one ounce pours from an extensive list. One of the better afternoons I've spent in a while. 🙂
Chuck Collis — Google review
This was my favorite winery on our tour hands down. The staff were all very friendly and helpful. The wine tasting is only $7 for 5 very generous pours and you get to keep your glass. There was live music outside on the veranda and a small deli to add to your wine tasting experience. Our server Chris was very knowledgeable and friendly, he definitely made our experience at Crown Valley fun.
vikki robinson — Google review
I've never been treated so bad by a company. I booked an overnight room, and was charged immediately. I called 5 days ahead of my overnight stay, and confirmed we were good on my room. When I showed up to check in, they decided NOT to open that day, even though I already paid for my room. They did not bother to call or email me not to come. I had a three hour round trip drive, for nothing. When my husband called after the weekend to get some type of resolution/explanation, they had no explanation, and didn't care about the way we were treated.
Louise Haldiman — Google review
Bartender was very outgoing and knowledgeable. Had lots of great suggestions on wines to try .
Slightly disappointed that they don't offer an beer here . Not a huge wine guy so it would nice to have an alternative available
brian archer — Google review
Frosty Brew Fest was awesome! Lots of great local brews to sample. Great live music. If you haven't had Crown Valley's BlackBerry Hard Cider, you are wrong!
Brian H — Google review
It's a great place to relax, today had live band playing music (good band). Walked around the facilities beautiful sunny day.
Food, drinks and of coarse the wine was all great.
Facilities are very nice and well maintained.
We visit regularly and sure miss them during winter shut down.
But we do have wine through the cold weather.
We highly recommend locals or visitors to stop by and keep coming back.
John Kincaid — Google review
Great stop for some brunch...food was amazing !! Beautiful views too!
Doug B — Google review
Beautiful place with amazing views!
My group visited on a Saturday and enjoyed the live music and delicious blackberry sangria.
Julie Syamken — Google review
Such an amazing experience! I booked this venue for my wedding in May 2021 and it was everything I dreamt of! Madi was SO helpful and amazing to work with, along with the rest of the staff. They did everything they could to make it less stressful on me and were so flexible and responsive. I recommend this venue to anyone looking for an outdoor/indoor wedding ceremony and reception, it was such a beautiful day :)
Great place for families to enjoy. Would recommend anyone in the area to enjoy. Clean and well kept. A nice gem to spend some time.
Anthony Ortiz — Google review
Found this park on the way to Giant City State Park. Knew it was a park my grandchildren would love. I was right! Visited with the grands and had a wonderful time. It's free, but they do take donations. It's privately owned, so anything will help. If you're thinking about visiting, you won't be disappointed!
Jeri/Gerry Eslow — Google review
We were here for the eclipse in 2024, and I can't say enough good things about this park. We were here from about 8:30 am to 3 pm, and even after the eclipse was over we still had to pry the kids away from the park they'd been enjoying all day. The 2yo kept going back into the castle, and even the 11yo said he was still getting lost in it and finding secret passages. A fence encloses the park, though be aware there are 2 open gates on opposite sides. The only restrooms are port a potties, but they were cleaned and well-maintained. Though the castle is not handicap accessible, a disabled parent can easily come into the park and watch their kids play. The giant sleeping dragon was also a huge hit. Thank you so much for this amazing place!
Bill Miller — Google review
I think what this family has done to honor their child is spectacular! This park is such a cool place for children and D&D fans to visit. I don't know how the game is played but there are many characters set up throughout the park. The adult size castle fort is much larger than we thought it would be. It's a great place to check out if you're in the area. They have a donation box there so try to take some cash with you to drop in.
Jennifer A — Google review
Great park. Kids love it. Even friends from Chicago wish they lived closer so they could bring their children there.
Roy Aldworth — Google review
Very cool attraction! Definitely recommend whether you are a DnD fan or not. There are so many things to see that even when you think you've seen it all in an area I'll bet there is something in a nook or cranny you missed. Definitely recommend for kids of all ages.
Jacob Mounts — Google review
One of the most beautiful and iconic parks I've ever seen. I used to come here several years ago just to take pictures, and this time I got to bring my own child to enjoy the magic with me.
Ariel Jones — Google review
A hidden gem!! No clue this place existed until my gps took me the back roads to carbondale. I love the story behind it, a lovely memorial park. It looks straight out of a kids book, will be going back
Abigail Matney — Google review
I absolutely love this place and so do my kids. really enjoy the atmosphere and style of the park. Thank you so much for the safe place to play!
Austin Tausinger — Google review
Unreal...coolest playground ever! Castles, wizards and dragons, oh my! They even sell t-shirts the place rocks. Check it out, especially if you dig the medieval vibe.
Bethany Mitzel — Google review
What a great place! The castle was fun to wander in, even as an adult. The sculptures are all very interesting. Love that it is free! They also have shirts for sale! The office is across the street in a large 2+ story house
Rachel Newquist — Google review
Such a nice park for kids and adults alike! Father built park in honor of his beloved son Jeremy! Castle is a maze of angles, stairs,and rope/plank bridge with lots of friendly medieval character statues!
Susie Dalton — Google review
This park is a must see if you’re in the area with kids or you just love fantasy and mythic creatures.
Saint Rube — Google review
Grown ups will enjoy as much as children when you explore the hidden gem of a park dedicated to the memory of the owners son who tragically died in an accident. Boo loved Dungeons and Dragons and his father and friends transformed this magical park into a castle and grounds where dragons and wizards roam. Trap doors await with hidden passages to open up in a different room in the castle. Beautiful flower beds surrounding metal sculptures of winged creatures. We visit a couple times a year and find new things that we have never seen. Bring your kids and try keeping up with them as they wonder in amazement. What an incredible place.
Roger Moredock — Google review
Great place to take the kids! The castle playground is so much fun and the dragon statues really make it unique. The kids are already begging to go back!
Yes! You can drive from Lake Charles to Saint Louis.
How far is Saint Louis from Lake Charles by car?
The drive from Lake Charles to Saint Louis is 790 miles (1,271 km).
How long does it take to drive from Lake Charles to Saint Louis?
Driving from Lake Charles to Saint Louis should take you 11 hrs 49 mins in normal traffic.
How much would gas cost from Lake Charles to Saint Louis?
Gas from Lake Charles to Saint Louis would cost around $69 to $162, depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency.
Where should I stop on the way from Lake Charles to Saint Louis?
You could check out Laura Plantation: Louisiana's Créole Heritage Site and Houmas House Estate and Gardens, or the always popular Oak Alley Plantation!
What are the best cities to visit between Lake Charles and Saint Louis?
People love visiting Memphis, Tunica, and Vicksburg, among others.
What's the weather like in Lake Charles?
It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.