Welcome to Rip Van Winkle Gardens
Lose yourself in a wonderland of flora and fauna, a twenty five-acre semi tropical paradise that captures the senses and cleanses the soul. Discover a year-round explosion of color where irises, magnolias, hibiscus, camellias, azaleas, thousands of springtime bulbs and a breathtaking array of annuals paint a landscape across the Southern sky.
The Joseph Jefferson Home was built by the late actor by the same name.
Twenty Five acres of Semi-Tropical paradise on Jefferson Island in Louisiana. The perfect setting for;
- Weddings
- Private Functions
- Conferences
- Corporate Luncheons
- Retreats
As you walk through the Gardens you will see many unusual plants and historic sites. The Jean Lafitte tree is one of them. Three buried treasure chests were found there in 1928. The treasure is believed to have been buried by Lafitte. The Joseph Jefferson Mansion was built in the early 1870's. The Mansion is filled with period antique furniture and paintings. It delights the eyes of many visitors. Professional trained tour guides will walk you through the house every day, seven days a week.
Christmas at Rip Van Winkle Gardens
Christmas time at Rip Van Winkle Gardens is very special, as the Jefferson home is decorated with tinsel and ornaments in Victorian Style. A ten foot Christmas tree stands in the large parlor surrounded by toys of an era gone by. This is just one of ten rooms with beautiful decorations sending you back to the 1800’s, when the famous actor Joseph Jefferson and his family lived at Jefferson Island for the winter months for 36 years.
While visiting Jefferson Island, stroll through the lovely gardens filled with the scents and colors of the season. Peacocks strutting showing off their beautiful feathers add a lovely highlight to the gardens. Having lunch at Café Jefferson or looking out over the lake, you will feel relaxed and refreshed.
The Victorian tours begin November 27th through January 8th. Come and visit the gardens anytime from 9am to 5pm each day and take a tour of the home from 9am to 4pm. Café Jefferson is open from 11am to 2pm each weekday and from 11am to 3pm on Saturday and Sunday. Rip Van Winkle Gardens are open 7 days a week but will be closed for Christmas and New Years Day.