This historical park and heritage area preserves significant landscapes, sites and structures associated with the development of the Creole culture. The Cane River area includes a great variety of historical features with original elements in both rural and urban settings, and a cultural landscape that represents various aspects of the Creole culture. It provides a base for the holistic approach to understanding the broad continuum of historical and cultural heritage within the region.

On November 2, 1994, Congress approved legislation creating the Cane River Creole National Historical Park, the Cane River National Heritage Area, and the Cane River National Heritage Area Commission (the commission). A National Park Service team of professional planners, working with park staff, were tasked with developing a General Management Plan. The commission, consisting of 18 members from the community and the park superintendent, were tasked with developing the management plan for the heritage area. Because of their close connection, the park and the commission have worked cooperatively on the development of both management documents.

Cane River Creole National Historical Park is located within the heritage area. The park includes 42 acres of Oakland Plantation and 18 acres of Magnolia Plantation outbuildings. Presently, there are no National Park Service facilities open for visitation.  The administrative offices are located at the Oakland Plantation in Natchez, Louisiana. There is much work to be accomplished.  Structures and artifacts require proper documentation, preparation, and/or preservation for visitor use.

The Cane River National Heritage Area extends approximately one mile on either side of the Cane River from the southern boundary of the City of Natchitoches to Monette's Ferry. It also includes the Kate Chopin House and the state commemorative areas of Los Adaes, Fort Jesup, and Fort St. Jean Baptiste.  The heritage area includes a total of approximately 40,000 acres of privately and publicly owned lands.

To find more information on special events and volunteer activities, visit the Cane River Creole NHP Homepage.

Location

Natchez, Louisiana

Address

4386 Highway 494
Natchez, LA 71456

Telephone & Fax

(318) 352-0383 phone
(318) 352-4549 fax

Operating Hours

Visitation to Cane River Creole National Historical Park is currently by guided tour and reservation only. Office hours are from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.

Climate, Recommended Clothing

Natchitoches sits 130 feet above sea level and enjoys a semi-tropical climate with a complete seasonal cycle. Winter months are usually mild with cold spells of short duration. Summer months are quite hot and humid. Precipitation averages around 5" monthly. Comfortable walking shoes and casual clothing are highly recommended. Umbrellas or sun hats are encouraged. Personal water canteens and sunscreen are also a good idea for visits on hot days.

Directions

Cane River Creole National Historical Park headquarters is at Oakland Plantation, 4386 Highway 494 in Natchitoches Parish. Take I-49 to Exit 127, the Flora/Cypress exit. Head east one and one-half miles on Highway 120. Cross over Highway 1 on to Highway 494. Proceed four miles on Highway 494 to Oakland Plantation.

Transportation

Public transportation in the form of taxis, buses, or metro-rail systems does not exist in Natchitoches. Natchitoches is situated between two commercial airports: Alexandria (50 miles south) and Shreveport (65 miles north).

Fees, Costs, Rates

Admission to the park is free of charge. Organized bus tours are required to show proof of insurance.

Facilities and Opportunities

Visitor Center/Exhibits

Currently the park's historic buildings are undergoing the process of preservation, so many of the structures and portions of the site are not open to the public. Restroom facilities are extremely limited and are not accessible. There is no visitor center.

Programs /Activities

The interpretive program "Plantation Life: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow" is designed for general audiences and offered daily. Reservations are required and can be made by contacting the park with at least one day's notice. Special programs concentrating on history, architecture, and slavery are available through advance arrangement.

To find more information on special events and volunteer activities, visit the Cane River Creole NHP Homepage.

Lodging

Nearby Natchitoches has many bed-and-breakfast inns and motels to accommodate your visit.

Food/supplies

Local restaurants, grocery stores and fast food chains in Natchitoches can satisfy any appetite.

Other Concessions

Natchitoches boasts three local campgrounds. Kisatchie National Forest also has camping facilities available.

Accessiblity/ Special Needs

At present, not all facilities can be accessed by wheelchair. Programs are available in sign language with advance arrangement.

Adjacent Visitor Attractions

Cane River National Heritage Area encompasses historic homes and landscapes similar to those found at Oakland and Magnolia Plantations. The Kate Chopin House in Cloutierville, and State Commemorative Areas Fort St. Jean Baptiste, Fort Jesup, and Los Adaes contribute to the historical significance of the Cane River area.

Additional Information

Information on Oakland Plantation

Information on Magnolia Plantation

Cane River Creole National Historical Park Newsletter No. 1

Cane River Creole National Historical Park Newsletter No. 2

e-mail: cari_superintendent@nps.gov

Last Updated: August 10, 1999
http://www.nps.gov/cari/index.htm