Cane River Creole National Historical Park
Designation: National Historical Park
Location: Louisiana
📘 Park Overview
The Cane River region is home to a unique culture; the Creoles. Generations of the same families of workers, enslaved and tenant, and owners lived on these lands for over 200 years. The park tells their stories and preserves the cultural landscape of Oakland and Magnolia Plantations, two of the most intact Creole cotton plantations in the United States.
🌤 Weather Information
Weather in central Louisiana can be unpredictable. Summers are hot and humid. Winter is relatively mild with measurable snowfall every 5-10 years. Average rainfall is approximately 55-60 inches per year. The area is also subject to severe thunderstorms, hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes. Visitors might want to bring hats, umbrellas, and drink plenty of water. Please check the local weather forecast before planning your visit to the park.
🚗 Directions
To reach Oakland Plantation, take I-49 to Exit 127, Flora/Cypress. Head east on LA Highway 120 toward Cypress. Cross over LA Highway 1 onto LA Highway 494. The parking lot and entrance pavilion for Oakland is 4.5 miles east of Highway 1 on the left. To reach Magnolia Plantation, take I-49 to Exit 119, Cloutierville. Cross over LA Highway 1 onto LA Highway 119. Follow Highway 119 for 1.1 miles; the visitor parking lot will be on the right just before the plantation store.
Images
One of two remaining cabins built for enslaved workers on Oakland Plantation. The cabin was lived in by sharecroppers into the 1960s.
Credit: NPS Photo
Originally built as a hospital for the enslaved workers on Magnolia Plantation, this raised Creole cottage also served as home to the plantation Overseer.
Credit: NPS Photo
Live Oak trees at sunrise on Oakland Plantation.
Credit: NPS Photo
These brick cabins were built in the 1840s to house enslaved workers on Magnolia Plantation. Following Emancipation the cabins served as homes for tenant farmers.
Credit: NPS Photo
The Oak Allee, planted in the mid-1820s, stretches from the Cane River to the Oakland Plantation Main House.
Credit: NPS Photo
The Magnolia Plantation Gin Barn houses this rare wood screw cotton press.
Credit: NPS Photo.
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
No entrance fees listed.
Entrance Passes
No entrance passes listed.
3-Day Weather Forecast
Thursday, Aug 6
Sunny
High: 96.1°F | Low: 72.7°F
Humidity: 79%
Wind: 12.5 mph
Rain Chance: 9%
UV Index: 9
Sunrise: 06:31 AM
Sunset: 08:04 PM
Moon: Last Quarter (34%)
Visibility: 5 mi
Dew Point: 78.1°F
Cloud Cover: 9%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Friday, Aug 7
Sunny
High: 97.2°F | Low: 73.6°F
Humidity: 68%
Wind: 10.3 mph
Rain Chance: 17%
UV Index: 10.6
Sunrise: 06:32 AM
Sunset: 08:03 PM
Moon: Waning Crescent (24%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 77.5°F
Cloud Cover: 17%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Saturday, Aug 8
Sunny
High: 100.6°F | Low: 73.2°F
Humidity: 63%
Wind: 12.5 mph
Rain Chance: 36%
UV Index: 10.5
Sunrise: 06:32 AM
Sunset: 08:02 PM
Moon: Waning Crescent (16%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 77.3°F
Cloud Cover: 36%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Park Alerts
Park Events
Park Closed
Park closed for the federal holiday.
Date: Jan 1, 2026 12:00am to Jan 1, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Magnolia Plantation Grounds Tour
Join a ranger for a guided tour of the grounds and outbuildings of Magnolia Plantation. Meet at the Magnolia Plantation Store.
Groups of 10 or more require a reservation. Call 318-352-0383 ext, 316.
Please note that tour schedules are subjuct to change. For updates call 318-352-0383.
Date: Jan 21, 2026 12:00am to Jan 31, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Oakland Plantation Main House Self-Guided Tour
The Oakland Plantation Main House is open for self-guided tours with limited capacity.
Please note that tour schedules are subject to change. For updates call 318-352-0383.
Date: Apr 4, 2026 12:00am to Jun 28, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Community Open House
Experience the Texas and Pacific Railway Depot!
Cane River Creole National Historical Park, City of Natchitoches, and the Cane River National Heritage Area invite the community to explore the fully restored depot. Discover interactive exhibits and personal stories that bring the history of Cane River and its people to life. Brief remarks will be given at 10 am.
Date: Jun 18, 2026 12:00am to Jun 18, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Curation Facility Tours
Experience the Park Curation Facility.
Get a rare, behind-the-scences look at the museum collections of Oakland Plantation and Magnolia Plantation - and discover their surprising connection to the depot.
Guided tours are offered at 11 am and 1 pm and are limited to 15 participants per tour. Reservations are required.
Date: Jun 18, 2026 12:00am to Jun 18, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Park Closed
Park closed for the Federal Holiday.
Date: Jun 19, 2026 12:00am to Jun 19, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Freedom to Create
Freedom to Create is a Juneteenth inspired family friendly experience at the Texas and Pacific Railway Depot. Create together. Reflect together. Celebrate freedom through hands-on activities for all ages.
Date: Jun 20, 2026 12:00am to Jun 20, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Park Closed
The park is closed for the federal holiday.
Date: Jul 4, 2026 12:00am to Jul 4, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Oakland Plantation Main House Self-Guided Tour
The Oakland Plantation Main House is open for self-guided tours with limited capacity.
Please note that tour schedules are subject to change. For updates call 318-352-0383.
Date: Jul 5, 2026 12:00am to Sep 27, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Visitor Center & Contacts
📍 Physical Address:
4386 Highway 494, Natchez, LA 71456 (Oakland )
5549 Highway 119, Cloutierville, LA 71416 (Magnolia)
Natchitoches Parish, LA 71457
🏤 Mailing Address:
1927 Remembrance Way
Natchitoches, LA 71457
📞 Voice Phone: 318-352-0383
✉️ Email: cari_interp@nps.gov