Summer day camps expose children to Cane River Creole National Historical Park and the National Park Service through educational and fun activities. All camps are free, but interested families must register in advance.
Summer Camp Schedule:
2023 Nature Camp:
9 to 12 year olds
Immerse campers in the natural resources of the Cane River area during three afternoons packed full of fun acitvities.
Each day of camp will explore a different topic at various locations on Cane River. Campers are welcome to sign up for one, two or all three days!
• Day 1 (June 21) is based at Oakland Plantation and will focus on the world of fish and campers will have the chance to fish in Cane River Lake. Oakland Plantation is located at 4386 Highway 494, Natchez (Bermuda), LA.
• Day 2 (June 22) is based at the Ben D. Johnson Educational Center and will focus on plants. The Ben D. Johnson Center is located at 400 Martin Luther King Junior Drive Ste A, Natchitoches, LA.
• Day 3 (June 23) is based at Magnolia Plantation and will focus on birds. Magnolia Plantation is located at 5549 Highway 119, Cloutierville (Derry), LA.
Camp is free but registration is required. Registration is now underway and is limited to 15 campers each day on a first-come, first-served basis. The registration deadline is 4 pm, Sunday, June 18. To register or for more information please call 318-352-0383 x316.
The Texas & Pacific Railway Depot prior to renovation.
The Texas & Pacific Railway Depot in Natchitoches has a deep connection to the City’s African American community. For almost forty years the community of Natchitoches has worked to preserve and rehabilitate the Depot into a museum that shares the African American heritage of Natchitoches and Cane River. The National Park Service, Cane River National Heritage Area, and the City are working together to preserve the Depot, which will include an interpretative center and combination theater and community room space. The building will also house offices for Cane River Creole National Historical Park.
A proposal has been made to rename the street on which the Depot is located to a name that reflects and honors the area’s rich Black heritage, history, and culture. A street name is powerful as it reflects who we are as a community and a nation. To find a new name Cane River Creole National Historical Park and the Cane River National Heritage Area are co-sponsoring a student essay contest.
