Oakley Plantation, 3 miles east of U.S. 61, is where John James Audubon came to study and paint the wildlife of this part of Louisiana. Built in 1799, it is a three-story frame house with the raised basement typical of that era. A curved stairway joins the two galleries, and the whole house has a simplicity that bespeaks its age. When Audubon was here, he tutored a daughter of the family and painted some 32 of his Birds of America series. Some original prints from his portfolio and many fine antiques are displayed, and a walk through the gardens and nature trails will explain the location's appeal to Audubon. Oakley is part of the 100-acre Audubon State Commemorative Area, a wildlife sanctuary that would have gladdened the naturalist's heart.