Louisiana Cane River Creole Historical Park map and highlights

Cane  River Creole National Historical Park In west-central Louisiana, near  Natchitoches. Short description of the Cane River Creole National  Historical Park.     

Cane River Creole National Historical Park in west-central Louisiana, near Natchitoches.     

Two sprawling plantations are joined in this historic park  area: Oakland Plantation, founded in 1785, and Magnolia Plantation,  settled in 1735 and founded in 1835. Both sites represent the gradual  continuum from 18th-century land grants to mid-20th-century occupation  and use by the same families who owned the plantations—as well as by  many of the families who worked for them, first as slaves and later as  tenants and sharecroppers. The Oakland unit includes the 1820s "Main  House" and most of the original outbuildings. The Magnolia unit has  eight brick cabins from the 1830s, plus wooden and steam cotton ginning  and pressing equipment. The park was authorized on November 2, 1994.     

WHAT TO SEE & DO     

Touring plantations. Facilities: Visitor center. Programs &  Events: Daily guided tours of Oakland (9, 11, 1, and 3) and Magnolia  (24-hour advance reservations required, tel. 318/356-8441). Tips &  Hints: Expect to spend about one hour on each tour. Busiest May-Sept.,  least crowded July and Aug.     

FOOD, LODGING & SUPPLIES     

Hotels: None in park. In Natchitoches: Comfort Inn (5362 Rte. 6  W, tel. 318/352-7500 or 800/228-5150; 59 rooms; $60-$68), Hampton Inn  (5300 Rte. 6 W, tel. 318/354-0010 or 800/426-7866; 74 rooms; $64-$74). X  Restaurants: None in park. In Natchitoches: Almost Home (Rte. 1 Bypass,  tel. 318/352-2431; $7-$ll; no dinner Sun.-Thurs., closed Sat.), The  Landing Restaurant (530 Front St., tel. 318/ 352-1579; $6-$10; closed  Mon.). 6 Groceries: None in park. In Natchitoches: Brookshires (318  Dixie Plaza, tel. 318/352-4000).     

FEES, HOURS & REGULATIONS     

Free. Park open via guided tour only. Office open weekdays 8-4:30.     

HOW TO GET THERE     

Oakland Plantation: 8 mi south of Natchitoches on Rte. 119;  Magnolia Plantation: 10 mi farther south on Rte. 119. Closest airports:  Alexandria (45 mi), Shreveport (75 mi).     

CONTACTS     

Cane River Creole National Historical Park (mailing address:  400 Rapides Dr., Natchitoches, LA 71457; location: 4386 Rte. 494,  Natchez, LA 71456, tel. 318/352-0383, fax 318/352-4549, ). Natchitoches  Parish Tourist Commission (781 Front St., Natchitoches, LA 71457, tel.  318/352-8072 or 800/259-1714,).   

Cane River Creole National Historical Park In west-central  Louisiana, near Natchitoches. Short description of the Cane River Creole  National Historical Park