Cane River Creole National Historical Park

Cane River Creole National Historical Park is a plantation complex in Natchitoches Parish containing two French Creole cotton plantations named Oakland and Magnolia on about 63 acres. The two properties together hold 67 historic structures spread across the land along Cane River.

The LeComte family received French land grants in 1753 and started the Magnolia Plantation growing tobacco before switching to cotton in the 1800s. Multiple generations of the same families kept ownership over time, which shaped how the place developed.

The buildings here show French Creole design that developed through generations of enslaved workers and European craftspeople working together. You can see this blend in the way structures are built and how they fit into the landscape.

The park is located along Highway 494 in Natchitoches, Louisiana, and the National Park Service offers guided tours through both plantations. You should wear comfortable shoes and allow plenty of time to walk through the many buildings and grounds.

Original furnishings and farm equipment from the 1700s remain at both plantations, giving visitors a rare window into daily life in this region. These objects show the crafts and routines that shaped how people lived on the property.

Location: Natchitoches Parish

Inception: 1994

Operator: National Park Service

Website: https://nps.gov/cari

GPS coordinates: 31.66560,-93.00280

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:40