News Release

Cane River Creole Increasing Access to Historic Buildings

Historically furnished Tenant Cabin on Oakland Plantation.

NPS: A. Jones

News Release Date: July 30, 2020

Contact: Barbara Justice, 3183520383

Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Cane River Creole National Historical Park is increasing recreational access to additional historic buildings at the park. The National Park Service (NPS) is working servicewide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis.

Beginning Friday, July 31, 2020, Cane River Creole National Historical Park will reopen access to the following historic buildings, with limited occupancy.

• Oakland Plantation Overseer’s House
• Oakland Plantation North Slave/Tenant Cabin
• Magnolia Plantation Blacksmith Shop
• Magnolia Plantation Overseer’s House
• Magnolia Plantation Slave/Tenant Cabin
• Magnolia Plantation Gin Barn

In addition, the following spaces continue to be available:  

• Oakland Plantation Grounds
• Magnolia Plantation Grounds
• Trails
• Visitor Parking Lots

With public health in mind, the following facilities remain closed at this time:

• Oakland Plantation Store
• Oakland Plantation Main House
• Magnolia Plantation Store
• All public restrooms

The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount. At Cane River Creole National Historical Park, our operational approach will be to examine each facility function and service provided to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance, and will be regularly monitored. We continue to work closely with the NPS Office of Public Health using CDC guidance to ensure public and workspaces are safe and clean for visitors, employees, partners, and volunteers.

While these areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased and services may be limited. When recreating, the public should follow health orders outlined in Louisiana’s reopening guidance, practice Leave No Trace principles, avoid crowding, and avoid high-risk outdoor activities.

The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. The NPS will continue to monitor all park functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19 and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.

The park has amazing virtual tours of Cane River Creole National Historical Park, all of the time, so for people who are still home schooling or not traveling at this time find us on Facebook. 

Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted on our social media channels. NPS operations updates.