Houmas House, a Must Stop on the Mississippi River

Oak Alley sometime gets all the publicity for the plantation home to see while visiting the south. Although Oak Alley is an incredible plantation home with the most beautiful oak tree lined path, Houmas House has it's own unique beauty that you don't want to miss.

​Houmas House History

The first owners were the indigenous Houmas Indians, hence the name Houmas House and they sold the land to Maurice Conway and Alexander Latil in the mid-1700s who built various homes on the grounds. By the time of the Louisiana Purchase, the plantation was established and producing sugar. The home went through a few owners, including Revolutionary War hero General Wade Hampton, Irishman John Burnside, and Col. William Porcher Miles. Under Miles ownership, the plantation was producing 20 million of pounds of sugar each year. The home fell into despair during the Great Depression, but was renovated by the new owner, Dr. George B. Crozat, who purchased it in 1940s. Dr. Crozat eventually opened the property up to tourists. In 2003, current owner Kevin Kelly, fulfilled a lifelong dream of acquiring the property in the Spring of 2003. Today it reflects the best parts of each period in its rich history alongside the big bend of the Mississippi.

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Houmas House Today

Kevin Kelly still owns the home today and has done an incredible job of beautifying, and doggy-fying, the property and grounds. The 38-acre property is home to lush gardens, several restaurants, an inn, event space for weddings and special occasions, and fury and feathery friends. Tours of the mansion are ran daily by knowledgeable tour guides wearing traditional dress.

My favorite part of the property are the dogs, Sugar, Maggie, and Sugar Baby. They can be found in the gift shop, roaming the property, or, most likely, sitting shot gun on a golf cart. Dog statues can be found throughout the property, and dog related souvenirs are in the gift shop, including doggie books, towels, and ornaments.

The gardens are gorgeous and the Japanese garden is my favorite to explore. If I'm looking for a little fun, I grab a seat at one of the swings hung from one of the beautiful 600-year old oak trees.

There are several restaurants on property ranging from casual to fine dining. Cafe Burnside is a great spot to enjoy a casual lunch, while The Carriage House Restaurant is a luxurious restaurant experience for breakfast or dinner. The Turtle Bar, attached to The Carriage House, has the cutest turtle chandelier and an awesome atmosphere.  Latil’s Landing Restaurant, located at the main house, is where you can experience what's it like to dine as a sugar baron. Latil's has a seven or ten course fixed price menu.

As a cruise director on the Mississippi, I've seen a number of plantation homes on the Mississippi, and I am always delighted to see Houmas House on my itinerary for the week. You'll be delighted too if you add it to your itinerary on your next visit to Louisiana.

Special shout out: A special shout out to Mr. Kevin Kelly, the owner, for all his help through my cruise season. We have called upon him for assistance, such as taking passengers to the church or crew members to the hospital, and he has always helped. Thanks for all your support and for creating such an incredible experience for all visitors to Houmas House. ​