Drives Louisiana Louisiana and Mississippi
River Road: Vacherie to Donaldsonville
LA 18, River Road · Vacherie → Donaldsonville
The drive
Highway 18 on the Mississippi's west bank is the River Road. This drive starts at Vacherie, at Oak Alley Plantation, and goes upriver past Laura Plantation to Donaldsonville. Oak Alley is known for its stand of 300-year-old oaks, and Laura Plantation tells the story of Creole culture and slavery.
The road follows the river with a steady run of bends, past sugarcane fields and levee views. It ends at Donaldsonville, where the River Road African American Museum is located.
The route is 22.1 miles and takes about 29 minutes. It is nearly flat, with only 43 feet of climbing.
Along the way
- Vacherie (Oak Alley)
- Donaldsonville
Good to know
- Expect slow traffic near plantation entrances, and tour buses.
- The speed limit drops through villages.
- Cane trucks and farm equipment are part of the traffic on this road.
Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check 511LA (Louisiana DOTD).
Questions about this drive
How long is River Road from Vacherie to Donaldsonville?
Highway 18 from Vacherie to Donaldsonville is 22.1 miles and takes about 29 minutes.
Which plantations are on River Road near Vacherie?
Oak Alley Plantation and Laura Plantation are both in Vacherie, on the River Road.
Is River Road on the west bank of the Mississippi?
Yes. This drive follows Highway 18 on the west bank, going upriver to Donaldsonville.
What you get in the app
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More drives near here
Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.