Overview
Donaldsonville is a town of about 7000 in the south of Louisiana, along the Mississippi River. Its historic old town is considered to be one of the best kept examples of its kind, and home to a number of pre-Civil War monuments.
3 sights
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Best things about Donaldsonville
Fort Butler
Constructed during the Civil War as a star-shaped fort, it was one of the first places where former slaves joined Union forces in battle. It's possible to visit the site, but tours must be arranged in advance.
River Road African American Museum
A small museum with friendly staff and a surprisingly interesting collection on the history of the area, including the plantations and the lives of Afro-American slaves.
Houmas House Plantation
A historic plantation established in the 1700s that operates as a museum and inn.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Oct–May. Summer highs reach about 92°F; winter lows dip to about 42°F. Very hot (Jun, Jul, Aug) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Jun and Jan. (climate data from nearby Baton Rouge)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- BTR Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport, Baton Rouge — 31 mi away. Directions
- MSY Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, New Orleans — 44 mi away (major hub). Directions
Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning River Road African American Museum, Houmas House Plantation
- Afternoon Fort Butler
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
What to ask about, for your diet
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Map
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See
See Fort Butler
Constructed during the Civil War as a star-shaped fort, it was one of the first places where former slaves joined Union forces in battle. It's possible to visit the site, but tours must be arranged in advance.
Other notable sights include the Ascension Parish Courthouse (on River Road) and the synagogues.
Nearby
Vacherie
City / town · 7 listings · 18 mi away
Plaquemine
City / town · 3 listings · 19 mi away
Thibodaux
City / town · 6 listings · 24 mi away
Baton Rouge
City / town · 65 listings · 26 mi away
Port Allen
City / town · 6 listings · 28 mi away
Morgan City
City / town · 10 listings · 30 mi away
LaPlace
City / town · 6 listings · 30 mi away
Franklin
City / town · 7 listings · 37 mi away
My experience
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