The interior of the Oakland Main House is ONLY open to the public on weekends from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All tours of the house are self-guided and occupancy within the building is limited. Please plan accordingly.
+1 more active alerts
Expert Verdict & Insider Tips
If you are planning a trip to Louisiana, visiting Cane River Creole National Historical Park should definitely be on your list. This beautiful national historical park is perfect for those who want to escape the crowds and enjoy the outdoors. Whether you have just a few hours or a whole weekend, there is plenty to explore.
About Cane River Creole National Historical Park
Cane River Creole National Historical Park is a national historical park located in Louisiana. 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.
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.
💰 Entrance Fees & Passes
Entry to Cane River Creole is completely free. There are no general entrance fees or vehicle passes required to access this park unit.
🥾 Things to Do
Cane River Creole National Historical Park offers visitors a diverse selection of outdoor experiences. You can participate in a wide array of activities, most notably Arts and Culture, Food, Picnicking, Guided Tours, and 2 other recreational activities, depending on the season and weather conditions. Path options exist for both casual strollers and expert backcountry adventurers.
📦 Recommended Gear & Packing Checklist
Custom items selected for activities at Cane River Creole
📋 Visitor Planning Tips for Cane River Creole
- →Beat the Crowds: Arrive at the main gates or trailheads of Cane River Creole before 8:00 AM. Parking spaces at popular locations fill up extremely fast, especially during warm peak season weekends.
- →Monitor Active Alerts: There are currently 2 active alerts for Cane River Creole. Keep an eye on the alert notifications at the top of this guide for crucial information regarding closures or safety issues.
- →Leave No Trace: Help protect the delicate ecosystems of Cane River Creole. Stay on marked trails, pack out all of your waste, and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
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.
Seasonal Visitor Guides
Frequently Asked Questions about Cane River Creole
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer — National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.
More Parks Nearby
El Camino Real de los Tejas
Explore a diverse array of histories contained within El Camino Real de los Tejas’ 150-year life, including the Spanish struggle…
Poverty Point
Now a nearly forgotten culture, Poverty Point at its peak 3,000 years ago was part of an enormous trading network…
Jean Lafitte
In Jean Lafitte's day, silver and gold filled a pirate's treasure chest, but today's treasures are people, places, and memories.…
New Orleans Jazz
Discover the roots of jazz at the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park. Located in the heart of the French…
Vicksburg
To Confederate President Jefferson Davis, Vicksburg was the "nailhead that holds the South's two halves together." President Abraham Lincoln remarked…