Donaldsonville is the parish seat of Ascension Parish, a historic Mississippi River city of about 6,700 residents (2020) where Bayou Lafourche meets the river. Founded in 1806, it briefly served as Louisiana's state capital (1830–1831) and retains a downtown historic district of Creole cottages, churches, and the old courthouse.
The median listing price in Donaldsonville is $220,000.
Top places in Donaldsonville
River Road African American Museum — museum of Black history and culture in a restored 1890s farmhouse.
Mississippi River levee and batture — river views and fishing access at the Bayou Lafourche confluence.
Fort Butler historic site — Civil War-era fortifications on the river.
Plantation corridor — Houmas House, San Francisco, and Oak Alley plantations a short drive down River Road.
Donaldsonville's Cajun and Creole restaurants along Railroad Avenue and the riverfront.
Commuting from Donaldsonville
Approximate drive to downtown Baton Rouge: ~30–35 minutes north via LA-1 and I-10 (about 28 miles; per travel-time routing, read September 24, 2026).
Schools in Donaldsonville
Public schools: Ascension Parish Public Schools. For enrollment and performance data, see the state report card in Town links below. Confirm school assignment for any address directly with the district.
Donaldsonville FAQs
What is the housing market like in Donaldsonville, LA? The median listing price in Donaldsonville is $220,000. Median listing price · Realtor.com · September 24, 2026
How is the commute from Donaldsonville, LA? Approximate drive to downtown Baton Rouge: ~30–35 minutes north via LA-1 and I-10 (about 28 miles; per travel-time routing, read September 24, 2026).
Which school district serves Donaldsonville, LA? Donaldsonville is served by Ascension Parish Public Schools. See the state report card in Town links, and confirm school assignment for a specific address with the district.
