Explore the
Crown Jewel

of Plaquemine, Louisiana

Iberville Parish

A Story Worth Discovering

Imagine a tiny Louisiana river town in Iberville Parish in that suddenly became the busiest shipping route in the state. Picture steamboats lined up for miles, waiting their turn to lift 51 feet from the mighty Mississippi into the mysterious bayous beyond. Theaters, hotels, and restaurants sprang up overnight. Thousands of boats passed through each year, carrying everything from lumber and moss to sugar cane and oil.

This actually happened—right here in Plaquemine, Louisiana. And the beautiful “Dutch Castle” that made it all possible still stands today, waiting to share its incredible story with you.

Because the Plaquemine Lock Site is situated next to the Mississippi River it is listed as an Interpretive Center along the Great River Road Driving Tour presented by the Mississippi River Parkway Commission (MRPC).

This All-American Road tour contains a network of nearly 100 museums and historic sites that follow the course of the river for 3,000 miles from northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. Arguably, this scenic byway is one of the longest and most important in America. Learn more about this tour and all the interactive centers along the way.

History of
The Lock

EST. 1909

The Grand Opening Day

On April 9, 1909, the whole town gathered to witness history. Young Carrie B. Schwing—daughter of a local lumber baron—raised a champagne bottle high and smashed it against the gleaming white walls. Then, as crowds cheered, the steamboat named after her (the Carrie B. Schwing) became the first vessel ever to pass through the lock. It was a moment 14 years in the making, and it changed Plaquemine forever.

1917-1930

Becoming the Place to Be

Once the lock opened, this sleepy town exploded with life. By 1917, over 2,300 boats were passing through annually. By 1930, nearly 4,000! Captains and crews needed places to eat and sleep, so the town filled with bustling docks, lively theaters, grand hotels, and shops selling everything under the sun. The lock cut travel distance by 180 miles—making Plaquemine the fastest route from the Mississippi to Louisiana’s interior and the Gulf Coast.

1961-1972

The Hero Who Saved It All

When the lock closed in 1961, officials wanted to tear down the beautiful lockhouse and fill in Bayou Plaquemine to build a highway. But local newspaper publisher Gary J. Hebert refused to let that happen. For four years he fought to save this treasure, and in 1972, he won—getting the lock listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, the lockhouse bears his name, honoring the man who saved Plaquemine’s crown jewel.

1978-2025

Restored and Ready for You

After the state took over in 1978, the lock welcomed thousands of visitors for decades. But by 2020, the beloved lockhouse was showing its age. The Friends of the Lock rallied the community and secured funding for the first major restoration in 40 years. The lockhouse opened its doors once again in 2025, this time with brand-new interactive exhibits, fresh displays, and all the historic charm that makes it special—ready to share its story with a whole new generation.

Inside the Museum

Spin a real wooden steering wheel from a 1940s steamboat that once traveled through the lock

Turn on an authentic 1925 steam wheeler boat light and watch it glow just like it did a century ago.

Watch a working model of the historic railroad bridge that once operated on Bayou Plaquemine.

See how the lock actually worked through interactive demos and detailed scale models.

Explore traditional Louisiana boats and learn about the vast Atchafalaya Basin and its wildlife.

Exploring The Grounds

The museum tells the story, but stepping outside brings the history to life. When you stand beside those towering concrete walls and 55-foot steel gates, you’ll understand the sheer scale of what transformed this river town. As you walk the Riverfront Recreational Trail, you’ll catch glimpses of the mighty Mississippi through the trees—the same river that brought thousands of boats here over a century ago. When you cross the bridge over Bayou Plaquemine, you’ll finally see how these two waterways came together, and why this spot changed everything.

Plan Your Visit

Hours of Operation

Tuesday-Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday & Monday: Closed
Cost of Admission

FREE to all visitors!
How to Find Us

57730 Main St., Plaquemine, LA 70764
(10 miles south of Baton Rouge)
Questions? Get In Touch

(225) 687-7158

Bringing a group?

Group tours of 25 or less are welcome! We offer educational programs perfect for learning about Louisiana’s waterways, the mighty Mississippi, and how communities grow and change. Call ahead to schedule your visit.

Become a Friend

Since 2011, the Friends of the Lock organization has been the driving force behind preserving this incredible piece of Louisiana history. This dedicated group of volunteers works tirelessly to maintain the site, promote tourism, educate visitors about the lock’s extraordinary history, and more.

Over the years, the Friends have completed countless repairs and improvements—from resealing windows to prevent leaks, to repairing the bridge steps, upgrading exterior lighting, improving the grounds, and so much more. Every dollar donated goes directly toward keeping this treasure accessible for future generations.

Help Us Keep the Story Alive

In 2023, the Friends rallied state and local officials to secure funding for the first complete restoration in over 40 years. With support from State Representative Chad Brown, State Senator Caleb Kleinpeter, Iberville Parish, the City of Plaquemine, and the Louisiana Office of State Parks, Phase I was completed in 2025—a $1.2 million project that transformed the lockhouse with critical repairs, upgrades, and brand-new interactive exhibits.

But the work isn’t finished. The Friends are now raising funds for Phase II of the restoration, which will focus on much-needed repairs to the historic boathouse, landscaping improvements, and other enhancements to the grounds.

Become a member or make a donation to support Phase II and help preserve Plaquemine’s crown jewel. Whether you contribute $10 or $1,000, every gift makes a difference.

Learn More

Make a Donation

The Plaquemine Lock State Historic Site is

Operated in Partnership With:

The Plaquemine Lock State Historic Site is operated in partnership with: