Welcome
We look forward to your visit to Cane River Creole National Historical Park. The information below will help you know what to expect, so that you are able to make the most of your visit to the park.
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Read the directions to travel to both Oakland Plantation, and Magnolia Plantation.
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Learning about the rich history of the park is just a download away! Experience the NPS App.
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Find the most up to date operating hours, and visitor information.
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Find information on what to do and see at both Oakland Plantation and Magnolia Plantation.
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Stay up-to-date with what is happening in the park!
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View active alerts, current conditions, the local weather report, and more.
4386 Highway 494, Natchez, LA 71456 (Oakland )
5549 Highway 119, Cloutierville, LA 71416 (Magnolia)
1927 Remembrance Way, Natchitoches, LA 71457 (Texas & Pacific Railway Depot)
Natchitoches Parish, LA 71457
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.
For additional park closures visit All Operating Hours and Seasons.
All Park HoursClosed today - Sunday:9:00 AM–3:30 PM
- Monday and Tuesday:Closed
- Wednesday-Saturday:9:00 AM–3:30 PM
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.
Closures & Seasonal ExceptionsHolidays2025–2026 | New Year's Day | January 1, 2026 | Closed |
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| Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. | January 19, 2026 | Closed |
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| Washington's Birthday | February 16, 2026 | Closed |
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| Memorial Day | May 26, 2025 | Closed |
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| Juneteenth National Independence Day | June 19, 2025 | Closed |
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| Independence Day | July 4, 2025 | Closed |
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| Labor Day | September 1, 2025 | Closed |
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| Columbus Day | October 13, 2025 | Closed |
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| Veterans Day | November 11, 2025 | Closed |
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| Thanksgiving Day | November 27, 2025 | Closed |
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| Christmas Day | December 25, 2025 | Closed |
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| Holiday | Date | Hours |
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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.
Entrance Fee-free This site is fee-free year-round. No entrance fee or pass is required.
The park does not have a visitor center, though the historic Oakland Plantation Store is the park's main visitor contact station Wednesday through Sunday. Inside the store you'll find historic exhibits and a park store/gift shop. NPS passport stamps and Junior Ranger books are located inside the store. The park is closed on Monday and Tuesday. Closed today - Sunday:9:00 AM–3:30 PM
- Monday and Tuesday:Closed
- Wednesday-Saturday:9:00 AM–3:30 PM
The Oakland Plantation store is our temporary visitor center. Closures & Seasonal ExceptionsHolidays2025–2026 | New Year's Day | January 1, 2026 | Closed |
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| Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. | January 19, 2026 | Closed |
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| Washington's Birthday | February 16, 2026 | Closed |
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| Memorial Day | May 26, 2025 | Closed |
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| Independence Day | July 4, 2025 | Closed |
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| Labor Day | September 1, 2025 | Closed |
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| Columbus Day | October 13, 2025 | Closed |
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| Veterans Day | November 11, 2025 | Closed |
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| Thanksgiving Day | November 27, 2025 | Closed |
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| Christmas Day | December 25, 2025 | Closed |
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| Holiday | Date | Hours |
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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 Wednesday through Sunday. Inside you will find restrooms, brochures, and the NPS passport stamps. The park is closed Monday and Tuesday. - Every Day:9:00 AM–3:30 PM
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.
Closures & Seasonal ExceptionsHolidays2025–2026 | New Year's Day | January 1, 2026 | Closed |
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| Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. | January 19, 2026 | Closed |
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| Washington's Birthday | February 16, 2026 | Closed |
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| Memorial Day | May 26, 2025 | Closed |
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| Independence Day | July 4, 2025 | Closed |
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| Labor Day | September 1, 2025 | Closed |
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| Columbus Day | October 13, 2025 | Closed |
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| Veterans Day | November 11, 2025 | Closed |
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| Thanksgiving Day | November 27, 2025 | Closed |
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| Christmas Day | December 25, 2025 | 9:00 AM–3:30 PM |
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| Holiday | Date | Hours |
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The depot is open Wednesday-Sunday, 9 am-3:30 pm. Inside you'll find exhibits, NPS passport stamp, and Junior Ranger books. Closed Monday and Tuesday.
The Texas & Pacific Railway Depot, completed in 1927, stands as one of the last remaining segregated buildings in Louisiana. Separate entrances for “White” and “Colored” passengers lead to two waiting rooms segregated by race and marked by different building materials. Passenger rail service ended in Natchitoches in 1965, and the depot was never integrated. Closed today - Sunday:9:00 AM–3:30 PM
- Monday and Tuesday:Closed
- Wednesday-Saturday:9:00 AM–3:30 PM
Cane River Creole National Historical Park Visitor Center.
Public WiFi is not available.
Check with your provider to verify coverage. Cellular service is available in most nearby communities and along some of the major highways leading to the park. However, areas without coverage exist throughout the region.
Checklist for a Successful Visit:
See the checklist below to assure you have planned the perfect visit, and know the information you will need before you arrive.
Check the Current Alerts & Conditions
Always check the most up to date alerts and conditions before visiting. You can find this information under Alerts & Conditions.
Know the Operating Hours
View the park's current operating hours and seasons. Most visitors spend between 1-2 hours at each Oakland Plantation and Magnolia Plantation. To see the entire park, budget between 3-4 hours.
Directions
Cell phone apps, and other GPS services are incorrect in providing directions to the park units. Use the Directions Page to receive correct instructions.
Plan Your Things to Do
Have a plan for your Things to Do before you arrive. Note that the plantation outbuildings are available Wednesday through Sunday at both sites. The Oakland Plantation Main House is only open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Download the NPS App - Save Park for use Offline
To enhance you visit - download the NPS App onto your mobile devices, such as phones or tablets. The NPS App is currently available for iOS- and Android-powered devices. It can be downloaded for free through the App Store and Google Play. Don't forget to save Cane River Creole NHP for offline usage before you visit!
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