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. 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 Monday, June 1, Cane River Creole National Historical Park will reopen access to:

The grounds of Oakland Plantation
The grounds of Magnolia Plantation
Self-guided tours (via cell phone tour and brochure)

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

All historic buildings, including interiors
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,” said Park Superintendent, Carrie Mardorf. “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 Phase 1 reopening, https://gov.louisiana.gov/page/can-this-business-open, 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.

Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted on our website www.nps.gov/cari and social media channels.