Plan Your Visit

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 Plantation Unit
      Magnolia Plantation Outbuildings
*  Area plantations  - public and 
  private:
      Melrose
      Magnolia Manor House
      Badin-Roque House
      **Kate Chopin House tragically 
          burned Oct. 2008 site closed
   
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

Photo by John Lees