News Releases

Cane River Creole National Historical Park (CARI), in partnership with the International Fiber Collaborative (IFC), announces a student art exhibition themed, Art Inspired by the Civil Rights Movement. The artwork depicts historical moments, activists, and movements that have shaped civil rights.

Cane River Creole National Historical Park and Cane River National Heritage Area are kicking off our 30th anniversary celebration. In 1994, U.S. Congress acknowledged the unique qualities of this region by creating the Park and Heritage Area. Through the end of 2025, visitors have opportunities to commemorate the occasion by joining in enriching adventures, learning fascinating history, and much more.

Step into the past with skilled park rangers and park partners as you learn how to spin cotton into cloth and how to make bousillage, a traditional Creole building material. Watch a blacksmith and experience the clang of the hammer on hot iron and view a special museum exhibit of the tools of the enslaved carpenters, masons, and blacksmiths who built the plantation structures.

Cane River Creole National Historical Park will host Cane River Fall Festivities throughout the month of October. Magnolia Plantation, located far from the light pollution of civilization, is the ultimate place to learn about and enjoy the splendor of the night sky.

Cane River Creole National Historical Park will host two days of family and youth activities this month! Join us on September 21 for our family field day and on September 28 for a youth fishing clinic.

In an effort to ensure the safety and protection of the public, park staff, resources, and facilities, Cane River Creole National Historical Park will close at noon on Tuesday, September 10 based on the impending threat of Tropical Storm Francine. The closure is expected to last until the storm safely passes.

New South Associates (NSA), in cooperation with the National Park Service and Cane River Creole National Historical Park, seek to interview African American families or individuals about their experiences and memories of the Texas and Pacific (T&P) Railway Depot in Natchitoches.

The captivating narrative of community resilience and the restoration of the Natchitoches Texas and Pacific Railway Depot unfolds in the much-anticipated documentary, "Tracks of Unity." The documentary premieres on February 17, 2024 at the Texas and Pacific Railway Depot, showcasing the extraordinary efforts to revive and preserve a vital piece of local history.

Cane River Creole National Historical Park is pleased to announce that Magnolia Plantation will reopen to the public on Saturday, February 10, following an almost six-month closure due to road repair work. With the reopening the park will resume regular operations. The Magnolia Plantation grounds and outbuildings will be open daily from 9am to 3:30 pm. Park staff will conduct tours Wednesday through Sunday at 2:30 pm. The park invites you join us for a special opening day welcome back gathering at Magnolia Plantation on February 10!

Come to Oakland Plantation on Saturday, December 16 at 11 am to create your own holiday ornament. Reservations are required as space is limited 20 participants. Call 318-352-0383 ext. 316 for more information or to make a reservation.