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Cane River National Heritage AreaChristmas Lights on Downtown Bridge and Fireworks, Photo by Sonny Carter
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Cane River National Heritage Area
Plan Your Visit
 
Square Corn Crib and Cistern at Oakland Plantation, Photo by John Lees
Photo by John Lees
Cane River National Heritage Area is largely a rural agricultural region with its historic plantations, distinctive Creole architecture, and multicultural legacy.
 
Magnolia Plantation House, Photo by John Lees
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.
 
Front Street in Natchitoches Historic Landmark District, Photo by John Lees
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
 
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
Bayou Amulet was once spanned by a wooden bridge, Photo by John Lees
Bayou Amulet, Photo by John Lees
Bayou Amulet originally drained Lake Terre Noire (Sibley Lake) into the Red River (Cane River Lake).
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Ducournau Square includes a carriage drive, Photo by John Lees
Ducournau Square, Photo by John Lees
A carriage drive from the front to the courtyard is a feature associated with the French Quarters.
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A replica of the French colonial Fort St. Jean Baptiste, Photo by John Lees
Fort St. Jean Baptiste, Photo by John Lees
The fort evolved from a few buildings used by the 18th century trade expedition led by St. Denis.
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St. Augustine Catholic Church, Photo by John Lees
St. Augustine Catholic Church, Photo by John Lees
Founded in 1803 is the 1st Catholic Church established by and for people of color.
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Plowed field ready for planting, Photo by NPS  

Did You Know?
Cane River National Heritage Area is a place where many cultures - American Indian, French, Spanish, African, and later American - came together to create a way of life dependent on the land, the river, and each other.

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Last Updated: November 20, 2006 at 14:47 EST