Magnolia Plantation At Cane River Creole National Historical Park To Reopen

Published Date

February 7, 2024

Magnolia Plantation at Cane River Creole National Historical Park will reopen to the public on Saturday/NPS file

Cane River Creole National Historical Park will reopen the Magnolia Plantation on Saturday following an almost six-month closure due to road repair work. The Magnolia Plantation grounds and outbuildings will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Park staff will conduct tours of the grounds Wednesday through Sunday at 2:30 p.m.

The Cane River region of Louisiana has a rich tradition of community celebrations and gatherings. A celebration of the plantation's reopening will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. There will be games and activities for children of all ages on the grounds. At the plantation store, free snacks like ones that once could be purchased at the store will be available while supplies last. Two guided tours of the grounds and outbuildings will be offered during the day at 11:30 a.m. and the park's regular daily tour at 2:30 p.m.

Participants are encouraged to dress appropriately for weather and walking conditions. Pack a lunch and drinks and enjoy a picnic at the outdoor picnic tables. Magnolia Plantation is located at 5549 Highway 119, Derry/ Cloutierville, Louisiana.

According to the National Park Service, the "Magnolia Plantation was established by Ambrose LeComte II (or LeCompte) and his wife Julia Buard in 1835. However, Magnolia Plantation’s early history is rooted in colonial Louisiana. In the 1750s, Jean Baptiste LeComte I received a French-era land grant on Cane River, laying the foundation for a cotton plantation unrivaled in the region. Two-hundred-and-thirty-five enslaved persons, housed in 70 cabins, cultivated cotton and other crops. As many as 24 of the Magnolia Plantation cabins were two-room brick structures, accommodating a family or group in each of the two rooms. In 1852, Ambrose’s daughter Atala and son-in-law Matthew Hertzog took over operation of Magnolia. By 1860, the family owned more enslaved people and produced more cotton on over 6,000 acres, then anyone in the parish."

After the Civil War and through the 1960s, Magnolia Plantation maintained a successful farming operation, according to the Park Service.

The grounds of Oakland and Magnolia plantations are open daily from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Nearly 80 original plantation buildings remain, many open for self-guided tours Wednesdays through Sundays, including several that are historically furnished. Park staff conducts tours of the plantation grounds daily Wednesday through Sunday. In addition, the park offers tours on the NPS App. The Oakland Main House is open for self-guided tours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The Magnolia Main House is privately owned and not open to the public.

Stories about:

Cane River Creole National Historical Park

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

National Parks Traveler is a small, editorially independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit media organization. The Traveler is not part of the federal government nor a corporate subsidiary. Your support helps ensure the Traveler's news and feature coverage of national parks and protected areas endures.

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add comment

form.antibot { display: none !important; } You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form.

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks