Cane River National Heritage Area

The Cane River National Heritage Area, established by Congress in 1994, is a largely rural, agricultural, 45,000 acre landscape known both for its historic Creole-style plantations and structures and its unique people and culture.

Cane River Creole National Historical Park is located within the heritage area. The park includes 42 acres of Oakland Plantation and 18 acres of Magnolia Plantation outbuildings. Presently, there are no National Park Service facilities open for visitation. The administrative offices are located at the Oakland Plantation in Natchez, Louisiana. There is much work to be accomplished. Structures and artifacts require proper documentation, preparation, and/or preservation for visitor use.

The Cane River National Heritage Area extends approximately one mile on either side of the Cane River Lake from the southern boundary of the City of Natchitoches to Monette’s Ferry. It also includes the Kate Chopin House and the state commemorative areas of Los Adaes, Fort Jesup, and Fort St. Jean Baptiste. The heritage area includes a total of approximately 40,000 acres of privately and publicly owned lands.

Header photo by Sonny Carter, courtesy of Cane River National Heritage Area