St. Francisville, Louisiana, United States

Audubon’s Oakley Plantation

See Where John James Audubon Was Inspired Discover the Oakley Plantation, where John James Audubon created 32 bird paintings. Audubon arrived at Oakley in 1821 to work as a tutor for the Pierre family who lived there. During his free time, he roamed the woods and remarked, “The rich magnolias covered with fragrant blossoms, the holly, the beech, the tall yellow poplar, the hilly ground, and even the red clay, all excited my admiration.” Now part of the Audubon State Historic Site, Oakley has 17 rooms, nature trails and landscaped grounds that you can explore. While on the grounds, try your hand at blacksmithing or attend an art lesson where Audubon drew his inspiration and sample food from the original 200-year-old hearth. * Moderate - Walking portions may be long and somewhat challenging with occasional step-ups, stairs and inclines. Total time walking or standing normally ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours.