7 Haunted Plantations in Louisiana That Outsiders Rarely Visit

Louisiana’s plantation homes stand as beautiful yet haunting reminders of the state’s complex past. Beyond the well-trodden tourist destinations lie lesser-known estates where history and the supernatural intertwine.

These hidden gems harbor centuries of stories, from tragic deaths to unexplained phenomena that continue to this day. For those brave enough to venture off the beaten path, these seven plantations offer glimpses into Louisiana’s most chilling paranormal legacies.

1. Magnolia Plantation: Whispers from Slave Quarters

Standing since 1830 in Natchitoches Parish, Magnolia Plantation’s grounds tell a darker story than its picturesque exterior suggests. The former working plantation encompasses 18 historic buildings, including remarkably preserved slave quarters where paranormal activity concentrates most intensely.

Park rangers conducting tours report disembodied voices speaking in Creole French, particularly at sunset. Cold spots materialize even during sweltering Louisiana summers, and visitors frequently capture unexplainable orbs in photographs. One cabin reportedly houses the spirit of a former enslaved blacksmith who continues his work; the sounds of metal striking metal sometimes echo through the empty building.

Unlike commercialized haunted attractions, Magnolia offers a sobering, authentic glimpse into plantation life. The property’s remote location means fewer tourists, creating an unnervingly quiet atmosphere where spirits speak more freely.

2. The Myrtles Plantation: Where Chloe’s Spirit Never Rests

Tucked away in St. Francisville, this antebellum mansion has earned its reputation as one of America’s most haunted homes. Built in 1796, the property’s bloody history includes at least 10 murders, though locals whisper the true number is much higher.

The most famous resident spirit is Chloe, an enslaved woman who allegedly poisoned the plantation owner’s family. Visitors report seeing her ghostly figure wearing a green turban, wandering the grounds at dusk. Mysterious handprints appear on mirrors, furniture moves by itself, and children’s laughter echoes through empty rooms.

Though more secluded than New Orleans attractions, the plantation offers overnight stays for the truly brave. Many guests check out early, claiming they felt someone watching them sleep or woke to find their belongings rearranged.

3. Loyd Hall Plantation: The Haunted Rooms No One Books Twice

Operating today as a bed and breakfast in quiet Cheneyville, Loyd Hall harbors secrets behind its elegant facade. Built in 1820 by William Loyd, a suspected British spy, the mansion’s troubled history began when Loyd was found mysteriously hanged from a nearby tree.

The second-floor bedroom where a Civil War soldier died while hiding in the attic remains the most actively haunted spot. Guests report hearing boots pacing overhead and feeling unexplained temperature drops. Staff members refuse to enter certain rooms alone after experiencing doors slamming shut and lights turning on by themselves.

Unlike more famous haunted inns, Loyd Hall maintains a low profile, attracting history buffs rather than ghost hunters. Photographs taken in the main hallway frequently capture strange mists and unexplained figures in period clothing, particularly during winter months when the plantation sees fewer visitors.

4. Greenwood Plantation: Rebuilt from Ashes, Spirits Intact

Rising from the ashes of a devastating 1960 fire, Greenwood Plantation near St. Francisville stands as a meticulous recreation of the 1830s original. Despite being rebuilt, the spiritual energy of the place remained undisturbed; perhaps even intensified by the tragedy.

Visitors walking the grounds report encountering a woman in a flowing white dress who vanishes when approached. Security cameras occasionally capture unexplained light anomalies moving in formation across the lawn at night. The plantation’s current caretakers acknowledge that certain rooms feel perpetually cold, regardless of the weather or heating system.

Far less crowded than nearby tourist destinations, Greenwood offers an intimate encounter with history’s lingering presence. Local paranormal researchers believe the fire awakened dormant energies, as reports of unusual activity dramatically increased after the reconstruction. The piano in the main parlor sometimes plays by itself, a melody from another century.

5. Oaklawn Manor: The Forgotten Civil War Hauntings

Nestled along Bayou Teche in Franklin, Oaklawn Manor stands as one of Louisiana’s hidden paranormal treasures. Built in 1837, this Greek Revival mansion served as both a luxurious home and makeshift hospital during the Civil War, leaving an imprint of suffering that transcends time.

Groundskeepers report tools mysteriously disappearing, only to reappear days later in completely different locations. Visitors capture strange fog-like anomalies in photographs taken near the old oak trees, especially during morning hours. The plantation’s most active spirit appears to be a Confederate soldier seen patrolling the property boundaries, rifle in hand, before fading into the mist.

Unlike heavily commercialized haunted sites, Oaklawn maintains an authentic atmosphere of quiet dignity. The current owners acknowledge the strange occurrences but prefer not to publicize them, believing the spirits deserve respect rather than sensation. Night watchmen refuse to work alone after multiple encounters with phantom candlelight moving between windows.

6. Destrehan Plantation: Centuries of Spectral Inhabitants

Standing since 1787, Destrehan claims the title of Louisiana’s oldest documented plantation home. Located just outside New Orleans in St. Charles Parish, this Spanish colonial treasure harbors spirits from multiple eras of its complex history.

The most frequently encountered apparition is a former owner who appears in the main office, still checking ledgers centuries after his death. Night security guards report hearing children’s laughter and footsteps in the upstairs bedrooms when the property is empty. During the 1811 slave revolt trials held on these grounds, many were condemned to death; their restless spirits reportedly manifest as cold spots and whispers near the old courtroom.

Despite its historical significance, Destrehan remains less visited than French Quarter attractions. Local paranormal investigators have recorded EVPs (electronic voice phenomena) in multiple languages; French, Spanish, and regional dialects no longer spoken. The ancient oak trees surrounding the property seem to absorb sounds, creating an unnatural silence that visitors find deeply unsettling.

7. Shadows-on-the-Teche: The Weeks Family Never Left

Built in 1834 for sugar planter David Weeks, this stunning plantation in New Iberia stands as a testament to both architectural beauty and supernatural persistence. After four generations of the same family occupied the home, their attachment apparently transcended death itself.

Staff members regularly encounter Mary Weeks, who appears in a blue dress near the garden she lovingly tended in life. Electronic equipment malfunctions inexplicably throughout the property, particularly during tours that discuss family tragedies. Visitors report feeling watched in the master bedroom, where temperature fluctuations occur regardless of the season.

Unlike commercial haunted houses, Shadows-on-the-Teche presents its paranormal aspects with historical context rather than sensationalism. The plantation’s relative obscurity compared to New Orleans attractions means quieter tours where subtle energies are more noticeable. Many sensitive visitors report emotional overwhelm in certain rooms, particularly those where family members passed away during the yellow fever epidemics that plagued the region.