Cane River National Heritage Area is largely a rural agricultural region with its historic plantations, distinctive Creole architecture, and multicultural legacy.
Photo by John Lees
The core of the national heritage area is south of Natchitoches, Louisiana (the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase Territory) between Interstate 49 and the Red River, and extends along both sides of Cane River Lake for approximately 35 miles.
Photo by John Lees
Visitors to Cane River National Heritage Area can enjoy sites along the national heritage area trail both in town and downriver.
In town sites include: * Natchitoches National Historic Landmark District * Cane River Green Market - seasonal * Fort St. Jean Baptiste * American Cemetery
Downriver: * Cane River Creole National Historical Park- Oakland and Magnolia Sites * Area plantations - public and private: Melrose Magnolia Manor House Badin-Roque House Kate Chopin House
Other sites: * Three (3) Louisiana State Historic sites: Los Adaes, Fort St. Jean Baptiste and Fort Jesup * Grand Ecore Visitors Center * Rebel State Historic Site * Adai Indian Nation Cultural Center/Museum * St. Augustine Catholic Church and Cemetery * St. Matthews High School
Cistern near Square Corn Crib, Oakland Plantation This cistern was used to collect rain water from the roof of the square corn crib. more...
River Walk Cane River Lake provides recreation and adds to the beauty of the downtown district, more...
Oakland Plantation Slave/Tenant Cabin Many descendants of enslaved people continued living in these structures into the 1960s. more...
Cook's Cabin Cook's Cabin as it appeared before restoration by the National Park Service. more...
