Overview
St. Francisville, Louisiana, a riverside hamlet of 1,557 residents, perches at 115 feet atop a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River, 30 miles north of Baton Rouge. Known as a Southern gothic gem, this town founded in 1807 as "La Villa de San Francisco" weaves a tapestry of haunting beauty, drawing over 200,000 visitors yearly to its moss-draped oaks, antebellum mansions, and ghostly legends. Once a bustling port called Bayou Sara below its cliffs, it's now a quiet retreat where the past lingers in the air, from the Myrtles Plantation's spectral tales to the Civil War scars of Grace Church. Surrounded by Tunica Hills' rugged wilds and the mighty river's bend, St. Francisville offers an offbeat escape steeped in mystery, history, and Southern allure.
Top Attractions (Where Ghosts & Grandeur Reside!)
The Myrtles Plantation
A 1796 Creole estate dubbed "America's most haunted"! Tours reveal tales of Chloe's ghost and others. Stay overnight if you dare! ($15/day, $40/night tours).
Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site
An 1835 mansion with 28 acres of stunning formal gardens, showcasing 374 acres of cotton-era grandeur. ($12/adult, 2 miles east).
Grace Episcopal Church
An 1860 Gothic Revival church bearing Civil War cannon damage. Its historic cemetery and Masonic burial lore add to its mystique. (Free, donations welcomed).
Tunica Hills Wildlife Management Area
(10 miles NW) Over 5,900 acres of rugged loess hills offering challenging hiking trails, rare bird species, and hidden waterfalls. (Free entry).
Audubon State Historic Site (Oakley House)
(3 miles S) Visit Oakley House, where John James Audubon painted 32 of his famous "Birds of America" studies in 1821. ($10/adult).
Local Parks & Natural Beauty
While a major "Natural Bridge State Park" might be a misattribution here, St. Francisville is surrounded by lush parks and natural areas perfect for enjoying Louisiana's unique flora and fauna.
Unique Stories & Facts (Southern Gothic & Rebel Yells!)
- America's Most Haunted Home?: The Myrtles Plantation consistently ranks among the most haunted houses in America. The legend of Chloe, an enslaved woman allegedly poisoned in 1817 and now said to haunt mirrors and tug on clothes during night tours, is just one of many chilling tales.
- The Day the War Stopped (For a Funeral):** In 1863, during the Siege of Port Hudson, Union and Confederate Masons reportedly called a temporary ceasefire to allow for the Masonic burial of a Union officer at Grace Church. This remarkable event is reenacted annually in June.
- Capital of a 74-Day Republic:** For a fleeting 74 days in 1810, St. Francisville served as the capital of the short-lived Republic of West Florida, after local settlers rebelled against Spanish rule before the U.S. annexed the territory.
- The Drowned Port of Bayou Sara: Once a bustling and vital cotton port on the Mississippi River just below the bluff, the town of Bayou Sara was tragically consumed by repeated floods and a devastating fire by the early 1920s. Its ruins and stories now whisper from below St. Francisville.
Best Travel Seasons (When to Embrace the Gothic Charm!)
Spring (Mar-May)
Mild and magnificent (60-80°F). Azaleas and magnolias are in full bloom, making plantation gardens glorious. Ideal for hiking Tunica Hills and enjoying quieter historic tours.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Hot and humid (85-95°F)! Peak season for The Myrtles' paranormal buzz and events like "The Day the War Stopped" reenactment. Book lodging well in advance.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Cool and comfortable (55-80°F). Golden oaks and crisp air create a perfect atmosphere for gothic explorations, antique shopping, and attending the Food & Wine Festival.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Chilly and charming (40-65°F). Fewer crowds make for intimate inn stays and unhurried ghost hunts. "Christmas in the Country" brings festive lights.
Popular Activities (Plantation Hopping & Paranormal Pondering!)
- Ghost Tours at The Myrtles:** You can't visit St. Francisville without exploring "America's Most Haunted Home." Day tours are intriguing; after-dark mystery tours with paranormal gear are a must for thrill-seekers! ($15 day / $40 night).
- Hiking Tunica Hills:** Trek the rugged 5-mile trails of the Wildlife Management Area. Discover waterfalls, unique flora, and enjoy the "Little Grand Canyon" of Louisiana. (Free).
- Plantation Grandeur Tours:** Wander the stunning gardens and opulent halls of Rosedown Plantation or visit Oakley House at the Audubon State Historic Site to see where Audubon painted his famous birds. ($10-$12 per site).
- Kayaking Thompson Creek:** Paddle the serene waters of Thompson Creek as it winds through the Tunica Hills. Rentals available from local outfitters. ($30+/day).
- Historic Photography Stroll:** Capture the haunting beauty of Grace Church's Gothic spires, the moss-draped oaks lining Ferdinand Street, and the antebellum architecture that defines the town.
- Southern Gothic Dining at Restaurant 1796:** Indulge in wood-fired ribeye and other smoky Southern Gothic flavors at The Myrtles' acclaimed restaurant. (Reservations highly recommended).
Casinos Nearby (~30 Miles)
Fancy a flutter after your ghostly encounters? You'll need to head south towards Baton Rouge. The **L'Auberge Casino & Hotel Baton Rouge** is about 30 miles away and offers a full Vegas-style experience with over 1,500 slots, table games, a poker room, and live entertainment, all with those classic riverboat vibes. St. Francisville itself prefers its gothic charm to gambling halls.
Oddities Nearby (~20 Miles - Louisiana's Quirky Charm!)
Afton Villa Gardens Ruins
(5 miles S) Wander through the stunning terraced gardens surrounding the brick ruins of a magnificent Gothic mansion that burned in 1963. Especially beautiful during daffodil season. (Seasonal, ~$5 entry).
Cat Island's Champion Cypress
(10 miles W, access can be tricky) Home to the former national champion bald cypress tree, a colossal giant reportedly 96 feet tall and 17 feet wide before it was damaged. The surrounding refuge is wild.
Grandmother's Buttons
(Ferdinand St.) A delightful and quirky shop that creates beautiful jewelry from antique and vintage buttons. A true St. Francisville original founded in 1887!
Tunica Falls ("Little Grand Canyon")
(~15 miles NW in Tunica Hills) While not the Grand Canyon, this hidden 30-foot waterfall cascading into a steep-sided gorge is a surprising and rugged find in Louisiana's loess blufflands.
Haunted Tourism Nearby (~20 Miles - Southern Gothic Spirits!)
- The Myrtles Plantation (St. Francisville):** The undisputed king of local haunts. "America's Most Haunted Home" offers day and night mystery tours detailing tales of Chloe, the children in the mirror, and numerous other spectral residents. Brave souls can even stay overnight.
- Grace Episcopal Church & Cemetery (St. Francisville):** This historic church, with its Civil War cannonball scars and ancient graveyard, is said to be haunted by soldiers and early parishioners. The annual "Day the War Stopped" reenactment adds to its poignant atmosphere.
- Port Hudson State Historic Site (12 miles south):** The site of a brutal 48-day Civil War siege. Visitors and staff report hearing disembodied voices, cannon fire, and the ghostly whispers of soldiers along the preserved trenches and battlefield trails. ($4 entry).
- Rosedown Plantation (St. Francisville):** While more known for its gardens, the sheer age and history of this grand antebellum home lend it to tales of lingering spirits from its plantation days, often reported by staff after hours.
Local Events & Festivals (Antebellum Antics & Gothic Galas!)
- The Day the War Stopped Reenactment (June 14-15, 2025):** Witness a unique Civil War event at Grace Church, commemorating the Masonic burial of a Union soldier during the Siege of Port Hudson. (Free).
- St. Francisville Food & Wine Festival (November 8-9, 2025):** Indulge in Lowcountry eats, fine wines, chef demonstrations, and live music, all with a distinctive Southern Gothic flair. (Tickets TBD).
- Christmas in the Country (December 6-7, 2025):** Experience a magical holiday season as the historic district glows with lights, homes open for tours, and carols fill the air. (Many events free).
- Audubon Pilgrimage (March 21-23, 2025):** A beloved annual event (celebrating its 50th!) where historic homes and plantations, normally private, open their doors for costumed tours, showcasing Southern heritage. ($40+).
Lodging Options (From Haunted B&Bs to Historic Inns)
Luxury: The St. Francisville Inn
A beautifully restored 1880s Victorian mansion offering elegant rooms, a pool, a wine bar, and renowned dining. (From $180/night).
Mid-Range & Haunted: The Myrtles Plantation B&B
Stay overnight in "America's Most Haunted Home"! Offers historic rooms (some reportedly more active than others) with breakfast included. (From $150/night).
Budget-Friendly: Best Western St. Francisville Hotel
Modern, comfortable, and reliable accommodations conveniently located near downtown and area attractions. (From $90/night).
Camping: Tunica Hills Campground
(10 miles NW) Offers wooded campsites with access to the rugged trails of the Tunica Hills WMA. Primitive and peaceful. (From $20/night).
Dining (Local Cuisine Highlights – Southern Gothic Feasts!)
Restaurant 1796 (The Myrtles)
Experience open-hearth, wood-fired cooking with dishes like ribeye and Gulf seafood. Smoky, Southern Gothic dining vibes. (Reservations a must!).
Magnolia Cafe ("The Mag")
A beloved local institution on Ferdinand Street serving up delicious po'boys, seafood platters, burgers, and pizza in a casual, friendly atmosphere.
The Francis Southern Table & Bar
Enjoy upscale Southern and Louisiana classics like crawfish étouffée and shrimp & grits. Often features a lovely patio for dining.
The Saint (St. Francisville Inn)
Offers elegant Southern Gothic bites in a sophisticated setting. Try unique dishes like fried rabbit liver alongside classic cocktails.
Travel Tips
- What to Pack (November 2025): Layers are key for fall (50-75°F)! Comfortable walking shoes for historic streets and plantation grounds. A flashlight for ghost tours is a must! Book Myrtles tours far in advance at themyrtles.com.
- Safety First, Ghost Hunter!: St. Francisville is a very safe small town. When hiking in Tunica Hills, be aware of uneven trails and wildlife. Avoid walking too close to the Mississippi River's edge, as banks can be unstable.
- Accessibility: Downtown St. Francisville is generally walkable, though some historic buildings have steps. Plantations like Rosedown offer some accessible paths. Call the St. Francisville Inn at 225-635-6502 for their specific accessibility details.
- Embrace the Slow Pace: This isn't a rush-through-it kind of place. Take your time, soak in the history, chat with friendly locals, and let the Southern Gothic charm seep into your soul.
Nearby Destinations Within 20 Miles (More Louisiana Wonders!)
- Tunica Hills Wildlife Management Area (10 miles NW):** A rugged natural paradise offering challenging hiking trails, waterfalls (seasonal), and unique flora and fauna. A true wilderness escape.
- Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge (10 miles W, access varies):** Home to the former national champion bald cypress tree and a haven for birdwatching. Check accessibility as it can be affected by river levels.
- Port Hudson State Historic Site (12 miles S):** Explore the well-preserved battlefield of a pivotal 48-day Civil War siege. Offers walking trails and a museum.
- New Roads (15 miles W, across the river):** A charming town on the banks of False River, known for its Cajun cuisine, historic homes, and lively festivals. Take the scenic Audubon Bridge.
Recommended Duration of Stay
3-4 Days: The Full Southern Gothic Immersion!** This allows ample time to tour The Myrtles and Rosedown Plantations, hike in Tunica Hills, explore historic downtown St. Francisville, take a ghost tour, and perhaps enjoy a local festival. Perfect for soaking in the history, mystery, and natural beauty.
Target Travelers
- History Buffs & Antebellum Enthusiasts: Plantation homes, Civil War sites, and centuries of stories make this a historical goldmine.
- Paranormal Fans & Ghost Hunters: With "America's Most Haunted Home" and numerous other spectral tales, thrill-seekers will be in their element.
- Nature Lovers & Hikers: The rugged beauty of Tunica Hills and the serene Mississippi River offer a wild Louisiana escape.
- Couples Seeking a Romantic & Eerie Getaway: Moss-draped oaks, charming B&Bs, cozy dinners, and a touch of mystery create a unique romantic atmosphere.
- Photographers & Artists: The Southern Gothic architecture, lush landscapes, and atmospheric light are incredibly inspiring.
Destination Joke
Because even the oaks whisper tales too spooky to leaf behind!
Listen to Our Podcast Episode!
"St. Francisville: Ghosts, Gardens & Gothic Grandeur on the Mississippi!" - Your audio tour of this hauntingly beautiful Louisiana gem!
Your St. Francisville, LA Dane D Blaze Ebook of Southern Gothic Secrets!
Ready to brave America's most haunted home and wander moss-draped avenues? This ebook is your ultimate guide to St. Francisville's grandest plantations, spookiest ghost stories, hidden Tunica Hills trails, best po'boys, and how to survive a night at The Myrtles!
Ebook Coming Soon!What Kind of St. Francisville Spirit Are You?
Answer these to find your Southern Gothic soul!
Adventure Seekers and Ghost Hunters brave The Myrtles, History Buffs and Romantics explore Rosedown, and Nature Lovers conquer Tunica Hills!
Those who love Curious Souls & history will wander Grace Church, while Explorers will seek out Tunica Falls!
Foodies seeking elegance will dine in gothic style, while those craving authentic local flavor will grab a po'boy on Ferdinand Street!
You're drawn to the beauty, the mystery, and the stories that linger in these old Southern estates. Get ready for a chillingly charming adventure!