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National Historical Park · Louisiana

Cane River Creole National Historical Park

National Historical Park in Louisiana. No entrance fee.

By The Green Adventures · Updated · How we check

TypeNational Historical Park
StateLouisiana
Entrance feeNo entrance fee
CampgroundsNone
Nearest national parkHot Springs (197 mi)
Closest airportAEX (35 mi)
A small cabin sits beneath the branches of a Live Oak in the Oakland Plantation Quarters.
One of two remaining cabins built for enslaved workers on Oakland Plantation. The cabin was lived in by sharecroppers into the 1960s. Photo: NPS Photo

Cane River Creole National Historical Park is a national historical park run by the National Park Service in Louisiana.

In the park service’s words

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.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Things to do

  • Visit the Park Store at Oakland Plantation (15 to 30 Minutes): Visit the park store for park souvenirs, Louisiana specialties, books, original artworks, toys, and crafts.
  • Bird Watching at Oakland Plantation (1 to 3 Hours): Cane River Creole provides habitat for a wide variety of birds. Bring your binoculars and enjoy the spectacular views of the many birds in the park.
  • Picnicking at Cane River Creole (30 to 60 Minutes): Enjoy a picnic during your exploration of Oakland or Magnolia Plantations. Picnic tables are located at and around the Oakland Entrance Pavilion and around the Magnolia Overseer’s House. Picnic tables are first come, first served.
  • Cane River Creole Junior Ranger (1 to 3 Hours): The Cane River Creole Junior Ranger program includes different levels of activities for children of all ages. Complete 6 activities, as you learn about the history of Oakland and Magnolia Plantations, to earn a Cane River Creole Junior Ranger badge.

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee.

Hours: Mon Closed; Tue Closed; Wed 9:00AM - 3:30PM; Thu 9:00AM - 3:30PM; Fri 9:00AM - 3:30PM; Sat 9:00AM - 3:30PM; Sun 9:00AM - 3:30PM. The Texas & Pacific Railway Depot, Oakland Plantation and Magnolia Plantation are open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 am to 3:30 pm. Both self-guided and guided tours of the plantation grounds and outbuildings are available. In addition, the park store located in the Oakland Plantation store is open for shopping. The Oakland Plantation Main House is open for self-guided tours only on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Closed all federal holidays.

Getting there

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.

Airport City Drive to the park Straight-line miles Type
Alexandria International Airport (AEX) Alexandria, LA No road route 35 Regional
Shreveport Regional Airport (SHV) Shreveport, LA No road route 73 Regional
Monroe Regional Airport (MLU) Monroe, LA No road route 82 Regional
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) Houston, TX No road route 181 Large hub

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Visitor centers

  • Oakland Plantation Store: Mon Closed; Tue Closed; Wed 9:00AM - 3:30PM; Thu 9:00AM - 3:30PM; Fri 9:00AM - 3:30PM; Sat 9:00AM - 3:30PM; Sun 9:00AM - 3:30PM. The Oakland Plantation store is our temporary visitor center.
  • [Magnolia Plantation Store](): Mon Closed; Tue Closed; Wed 9:00AM - 3:30PM; Thu 9:00AM - 3:30PM; Fri 9:00AM - 3:30PM; Sat 9:00AM - 3:30PM; Sun 9:00AM - 3:30PM. The park does not have a visitor center though the historic Magnolia Plantation Store serves as a visitor contact station. The main part of the store is only open when there is staff available. However, the wings on either side of the store are open daily. Inside you will find restrooms, brochures, and the NPS passport stamps.
  • Texas and Pacific Railway Depot: Mon Closed; Tue Closed; Wed 9:00AM - 3:30PM; Thu 9:00AM - 3:30PM; Fri 9:00AM - 3:30PM; Sat 9:00AM - 3:30PM; Sun 9:00AM - 3:30PM. Cane River Creole National Historical Park Visitor Center.

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.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Hot Springs, about 197 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

Last checked 1 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee at Cane River Creole National Historical Park?

No entrance fee.

Where is Cane River Creole National Historical Park?

In Louisiana. The closest airport with scheduled flights is Alexandria International Airport, about 35 miles away.

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