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As the weather begins to cool off in the south, you may be thinking about taking the family on a trip. Even if it’s just a weekend excursion, feel free to explore the places not too far from your Temple Ford dealer. One such place is the Cane River Creole National Historic Park.
This park, rich with history, is located in Parish, Louisiana within the Cane River National Heritage Area. This park includes 18.72 acres of the Magnolia Plantation and 44.16 acres of the Oakland Plantation. These two sites embrace a total of 67 historical homes and structures from over 200 years of farm life. Since the establishment of the park in 1994, the National Park Service has made enormous investments in the growth of this park. It takes pride in preserving these significant sites, landscapes and historical structures connected with the growth of the Creole culture.
Admission to the park and both the Magnolia and Oakland Plantations is free. Reservations are required for guests with groups larger than 15 people. Both plantations are open daily from 8am to 4pm. There is a guided tour every day at 1pm for the Oakland House while the Magnolia House is closed to tours at this time. Cell phone tours, however, are available at both locations. Visitors of all ages can enjoy activities at both of the plantations. There is a Junior Ranger program for the kids and Civil War trading cards to collect. Picking pecans is a family favorite during the fall months. Many picnic tables are located throughout the park as well.
Guests are welcome to pick their own vegetables at the Oakland Plantation Garden. There are many seasonal crops which were traditionally grown here. In the spring, the garden has peppers, okra, squash, eggplant and many other vegetables. The Oakland Garden was made possible by hard working staff members and local volunteers. While camping is not allowed in this park, there are many easily accessible campgrounds located nearby. The Nakatosh RV Park is just a 15-minute drive in your Johnson Brothers Ford. This park offers 30 tent sites, some with lakefront or pine forest views. Restrooms and showers are provided along with a laundry area and complimentary Wi-Fi access.
Enjoy the scenery and history at this wonderful park.
