Rate Cane River Creole National Historical Park
Learn and Explore
Since 1916, the National Park Service has been entrusted with the care of our national parks. With the help of volunteers and partners, we safeguard these special places and share their stories with more than 275 million visitors every year. But our work doesn’t stop there.
We are proud that tribes, local governments, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and individual citizens ask for our help in revitalizing their communities, preserving local history, celebrating local heritage, and creating close to home opportunities for kids and families to get outside, be active, and have fun.
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Our Mission
The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I obtain a park entrance pass?
Only 118 of your 417 park sites charge entrance fees. You can obtain park entrance passes by visiting a park site that charges an entrance fee. Entrance fee sites have passes available; we recommend calling a park prior to your visit. (See the park search to locate a specific park.) There are a number of entrance passes available, including park-specific passes as well as passes that offer entrance to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites in addition to the national parks (Annual, Military, Senior, 4th Grade, Access, and Volunteer passes). Learn more about the America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass.
About this location:
National Historical Park
Operating Hours & Seasons
Oakland and Magnolia Plantations
Oakland Plantation is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Magnolia Plantation is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Park headquarters, located in Natchitoches, is open Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. All park facilities and grounds are closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
Standard Hours
- Sunday:8:30 AM-3:30 PM
- Monday:8:30 AM-3:30 PM
- Tuesday:8:30 AM-3:30 PM
- Wednesday:8:30 AM-3:30 PM
- Thursday:8:30 AM-3:30 PM
- Friday:8:30 AM-3:30 PM
- Saturday:8:30 AM-3:30 PM
Fees & Passes
Entrance Fees:
- $0.00 – Entrance Fees
No fees
About
A River and Its People
The Cane River region is home to a unique culture; the Creoles. Generations of the same families of owners and workers, enslaved and tenant, 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.
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 the grounds of Magnolia Plantation, take I-49 to Exit 119, Derry. Head east on LA Highway 119. Cross over LA Highway 1 and proceed for two miles. The grounds of Magnolia Plantation are on the right.
Visitor Centers
Oakland Plantation Store
The park does not have a visitor center, though the Oakland Plantation Store is the park’s main visitor contact station. Inside the store you’ll find historic exhibits, NPS passport stamps, Junior Ranger books, and a gift shop.
Weather
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.
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Nearby Businesses
