Things To Do Near Cane River Creole National Historical Park
Join a park ranger for a tour of Oakland Plantation. Learn how people prepared meals in this home built in 1821 and why workers constructed it without any closets. Then, go on a self-guided tour of the 60 historic outbuildings, including a cook's cabin, the pigeonnier, and tenant cabins. Take the short drive to Natchez to visit Magnolia Mounds Plantation to learn about the struggles that the Civil War brought to this farm. There are 20 outbuildings that you can tour on your own.
Hiking Trails
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Longleaf Vista Interpretative Trail
Follow the Longleaf Vista Interpretative Trail in the Kisatchie Hills Wilderness Area of Kisatchie National Forest. The trail runs through a variety of terrain, including hardwood bottomland, open meadows, and creeks. Enjoy the view of the Kisatchie Hills from the two observation towers placed on large sandstone outcroppings.
Location
Kisatchie Hills Wilderness Area, 225 Dogwood Park Road, Provencal, Louisiana 71468
Length
1.5 miles
Intensity
Moderate
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Kincaid Loop Trail
This scenic trail starts at the East Kincaid Boat Launch, and the midway point is the Kincaid Lake Recreation Area. Enjoy stunning views of the lake before entering the bottomland forest. This trail is a great place to catch glimpses of Louisiana black bears, wild hogs, and bobcats. It's also a fantastic place to go hiking if you need some time alone, as you are likely to be the only one on the path.
Location
Kincaid Lake Recreation Area, Forest Services Road, Boyce, Louisiana 71409
Length
9.3 miles
Intensity
Moderate
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Sugar Cane National Recreation Trail
The Sugar Cane National Recreation Trail meanders its way around Upper and Lower Caney Lake. You will love seeing the lily pads from the trail as it goes through swampland around the upper lake. Use the wooden footbridge to cross between the two parts of this figure-eight trail. Then, hike around the larger lower lake to see boaters and water skiers on the water.
Location
Caney Lakes Recreation Area, 194 Caney Lakes Park Road Minden, Louisiana 71055
Length
5.7 miles
Intensity
Moderate
Sightseeing
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Fort Jessup State Historic Site
Soldiers constructed Fort Jessup State Historic Site to stop Spain from invading the eastern United States. One of the commanding officers was Zachary Taylor, who would later become a U.S. president. See the historical kitchen filled with accurate pieces to reflect the early 1800s. Then, tour the reconstructed captain's quarters.
Location
32 Geoghagan Road, Many, Louisiana 71449
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Melrose Plantation
Stop at Melrose Plantation to tour the African House, Yucca House, Weaving Cabin, Bindery, the Big House and four other historical buildings. See where Carmelite Garrett Henry worked as a Melrose cook and some of her impressive folk art pieces. Hear the stories of how Fanny Hertzog started one of the first freeman schools.
Location
3533 LA-119, Melrose, Louisiana 71452
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Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge
See how wildlife officials have converted former rice fields to swampland that attracts up to 45,000 ducks and 10,000 geese during the winter months. There are many nature trails to explore, and the fishing from May to October is usually outstanding. Seasonally, hunting is allowed at this property.
Location
1428 Highway 27, Bell City Louisiana 70630
Museums
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LARC's Acadian Village
Feel like you have stepped back into an Arcadian village of the early 1800s by stopping at LARC's Acadian Village. Tour the original or reconstructed buildings, including a blacksmith shop, beauty salon, grocery store, and chapel. This venue does fantastic special programming, especially at Christmas when they display over 500,000 Christmas lights.
Location
303 New Hope Road, Lafayette, Louisiana 70506
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The Alexandre Mouton House Museum
This home was originally a dog-trot house constructed for the father of the first Democratic Governor of Louisiana. After his son took over the home, he enclosed the kitchen and built onto it to accommodate his growing family. Inside the house, find many artifacts telling the history of Lafayette, Louisiana.
Location
1122 Lafayette Street, Lafayette, Louisiana 70501
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
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Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile Store
Since 1863, shoppers have been coming to Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile Store to find necessities, including plumbing and hardware parts. You will want to visit this location, the oldest general mercantile store in Louisiana, to see the vast array of things they have for sale, including home décor. Even if you do not intend to buy anything, the historical items they have hung on their walls are worth the visit.
Location
758 Front Street, Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457
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Hello Dolly
Find fabulous clothes at Hello Dolly. Then, shop from the four unique candle lines. Stock up your pantry on the soup mixes and the unique jellies. There are also many different bath and beauty products to try.
Location
780 Front Street, Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457
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Lasyone's Meat Pie Restaurant
Hungry diners have been coming to Lasyone's Meat Pie Restaurant since 1967 to eat their meat pies. These mouthwatering pies that resemble fried fruit pies that you find in many grocery stores are stuffed full of the perfect blend of meat, vegetables, and Creole seasonings. Additionally, find other favorites, like etouffee, gumbo, and potstickers.
Location
622 Second Street, Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457
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Maglieaux's Riverfront Restaurant
Enjoy fresh salads, wraps, and sandwiches on the patio, deck, or inside the spacious dining room at Maglieaux's Riverfront Restaurant. This family-owned restaurant is also a great place to get an outstanding steak or a hamburger. All meals are served with delicious Southern sides, like broccoli or fried okra.
Location
805 Washington Street, Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457