Boasting more than 140 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, St. Francisville is set along one of the most historic bluffs of the Mississippi. The town is said to be “two miles long and two yards wide” because it was originally built on a narrow ridge overlooking the river. Founded in 1809, it is the oldest town in Louisiana’s Florida Parishes. Remarkably, many of St. Francisville’s structures are not its own; rather, they were moved upriver from Bayou Sara in the 1920s after the small settlement was destroyed by years of flooding.
Baton Rouge paints a historic picture on the eastern bank of the Mississippi. Its early success was due to its flood-free location upon the first natural bluff north of The Delta. French explorer Pierre Le Moyne, Sieur d’Iberville, named the city after a red-hued pole that marked the area’s tribal hunting grounds. Its cultural diversity—from its Cajun and Creole music and cuisine to its art offerings—reflects the influences of those who settled and lived here throughout Baton Rouge's history. The city boasts the tallest capitol building in the United States.
Shore Excursions
Shore excursions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.
Rosedown Plantation
Explore one of the South’s most intact manor homes, the Rosedown Plantation, and stroll its exemplary gardens.
Panoramic Baton Rouge
See Baton Rouge’s most important sights during a panoramic drive and visit the Capitol Park Museum.
Coastal Protection & Restoration Center at LSU
Experience the wonders of river and coastal dynamics at the Louisiana State University Center for River Studies.
Audubon’s Oakley Plantation
Discover the Oakley Plantation, where John James Audubon created 32 bird paintings.
The Myrtles & Greenwood
Visit two of St. Francisville’s more unusual homes—one soaked in legend, the other in familial charm.
Port Hudson Nature Hike
Stroll along the forested trails of a National Historic Landmark-designated battlefield.
Cajun Heritage
Gain insights into Cajun culture with Privileged Access to the Rural Life Museum of Louisiana State University.
Afton Villa Southern Living
Immerse yourself in the serene beauty and rich history of Afton Villa’s enchanting gardens.
Atchafalaya Swamp by Airboat & Cajun Lunch
Cruise the Atchafalaya Swamp by airboat in search of wildlife, then enjoy a cooking demonstration and lunch.
