Situated on over fifty acres of land in West Pointe à la Hache, about an hour south of New Orleans, is the Woodland Plantation. The property is beautifully diverse, with environments ranging from hardwood forests to shaggy swamps. 
Woodland is the only remaining plantation situated along the Mississippi of the original sixty-five that still exists and is still open to the public and is situated south of New Orleans. This unique property is every bit as extraordinary as many of the plantations which lie along the Great River Road, north of New Orleans (see my earlier posts – New Years at Oak Alley and the Antebellum Homes of Louisiana for descriptions of some of these). Legend holds that Jean Lafitte (c. 1780 – c. 1823), the well-known French pirate, slave trader and hero of the War of 1812, visited in earlier times.
Woodland’s central structure, a red roofed mansion, built in 1834, sits amidst a rural setting of the Mississippi River levee. It is a raised Creole design with Greek Revival features. The image of the house has graced the label of Southern Comfort whiskey- based liqueur for more than seventy-five years.
Woodland Plantation has had a long varied history and has experienced its share of hurricanes. Ravages of time and weather reduced the plantation to near ruins. The Creppel family bought the property in 1997 and completely renovated it. Woodland opened as a bed and breakfast in 1999.
Foster Creppel, the current owner describes his property as a rustic “country inn”. The main house contains nine bedrooms of which you can stay that have been thoughtfully restored and beautifully furnished with antiques from the period. Other 19th Century buildings have been brought to property. One of the most significant is Spirits Hall, a deconsecrated Catholic church from 1883, now the plantation’s dining area “Spirits Hall”, once known as St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, was transplanted to Woodland Plantation in October 1998. It was moved from Homeplace, Louisiana, 14 miles south of Woodland and restored and repurposed into a beautiful dining and reception space. Weddings and special events are perfect for this property.
Over time the mix of buildings has expanded with the addition of a number of historic structures, other buildings—an overseer’s house and an old cabin—are original to the plantation – additional buildings, each with their own unique charm, are the Magnolia Store, the Little House, all of which can serve as a romantic accommodations.
There are many other choices of lodging here. There are nine guest rooms in the main house with private baths. We stayed in the stilt duplex cabin at the front of the property which was loaded with signed art by David Bates a well-known American artist. It was spacious and very private. We loved the experience there. A full complimentary breakfast, including eggs and sausage cooked to order, is included. 
On New Years Eve, we enjoyed a five-course gourmet dinner which could compete with any meal you can find in New Orleans. Quite a festive event which we thoroughly enjoyed. You can sign up for a meal plan and have a delicious dinner here every night if you wish.
One of the most popular things to do here is fishing. Knowledgeable guides can take you spin fishing, fly fishing, or deep-sea fishing. Numerous fishing boats set out from here while we stayed over holiday week. You will love the drive towards the far tip of Louisiana, which points like a finger out into the Gulf. It is a unique mix of refineries, small fishing villages and beautiful wetlands full of water birds.
You will be dazzled by this beautiful environment with a unique array of flora and wildlife. This special wetland is gradually disappearing so careful preservation is needed. For more information about the conservation of this area see americaswetland.com. For information about staying here contact woodlandplantation.com.