Cane River Creole National Historical Park

11/06/2026

Across the National Park System, memorials, monuments and historic landscapes preserve the stories of those who served and sacrificed. From the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and World War II Memorial to the Korean War Veterans Memorial, Pearl Harbor National Memorial and the newly dedicated Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial, these places invite us to reflect on the people behind the history.

Beyond the memorials, historic battlefields, military forts and other sites across the country help tell the stories of generations who served. On Veterans Day, take time to visit a place of remembrance, discover a story you didn't know, and honor those who served.

Explore places that commemorate America's military history: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/veterans-day.htm

Image: Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial Raptors in Flight. NPS/Brodsky

11/06/2026

11/05/2026

The histories, cultures, and living traditions of Native Americans, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islander communities are an important part of the stories told across our national parks.

Throughout the year, and during November’s Native American Heritage Month, explore the stories, places, and cultural heritage preserved and shared in national parks and communities across the country: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/native-american-heritage-month.htm

NPS Photo

11/04/2026

It’s leaf-peeping season. The trees have made an effort, so the least we can do is go outside and stare at them.

Leaf peeping is the ancient human tradition of traveling long distances to look at leaves, take photographs, and stand in the middle of roads while saying, “Oh, wow, look at that one.”

Nobody knows exactly when this became a major event, but the trees seem okay with the arrangement. So get out there and see what all the rustle is about.

NPS photos

11/04/2026

As Veterans Day approaches, take a moment to honor those who have served our country. One way to celebrate their service is by helping them discover the places and stories that make our nation's public lands special.

U.S. military veterans and Gold Star Families are eligible for a free America the Beautiful Military Lifetime Pass, providing free access to federal recreation lands where entrance or standard amenity fees are charged.

From the quiet beauty of a mountain trail to the stories preserved at historic sites, our public lands offer opportunities to explore, reflect, learn, and connect with the places that help tell America's story.

Learn how to get your pass and start planning your next adventure: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/veterans-and-gold-star-families-free-access.htm

Image: Korean War Veterans Memorial at National Mall & Memorial Parks /NPS

11/02/2026

Hello darkness, my old friend. Now you start at 5:00 pm.

With daylight saving time behind us, the sun is clocking out a littler earlier. Just as before, if you’re heading to a national park, make sure and check park hours, trail conditions, weather forecasts, and sunset times.

Fun fact: admiring fall foliage is much more enjoyable when you’re not trying to navigate a trail in the dark while wondering which tree looks familiar.

NPS photo

11/02/2026

11/02/2026

🦋 Imagine flying thousands of miles to make it home for a family reunion. Monarch butterflies do it every year.

Every fall, two journeys come together. As millions of monarch butterflies travel south on one of nature's greatest migrations, families gather to honor loved ones during Day of the Dead or Día de los Mu***os.

For many communities, the arrival of the monarchs is more than a sign of the changing season. These butterflies are seen as messengers, symbolizing the return of loved ones in spirit and serving as a beautiful reminder of the enduring connections between generations.

Traveling thousands of miles across North America, they depend on healthy habitats, including in parks, to rest, feed, and continue their journey.

What animal makes you feel connected to your family or community?

Several parks across the country host cultural Day of the Dead programming, including San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, among others.

NPS Photo taken at Amistad National Recreation Area

11/02/2026

Día de los Mu***os, or Day of the Dead, is a centuries-old tradition that honors the lives of loved ones who have passed. Its roots stretch back to Indigenous cultures of Mesoamerica, where ancestors were remembered through ritual, art, and celebration. When the Spanish arrived in what is now Texas, these native customs merged with Catholic traditions like All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day; creating the vibrant holiday we know today.

At San Antonio Missions, you can see this cultural fusion come to life. From colorful altars adorned with marigolds and candles to music, food, and stories, the park reflects how Spanish and Indigenous traditions shaped communities along the San Antonio River.

Come explore mission descendant ofrendas/ Day of the Dead altars while they are still inside the Mission San Jose granary for a few more days!

NPS Photo/ Andrew Shirey

10/31/2026

This is Halloween, this is Halloween
Pumpkins* scream in the dead of night!

Happy Halloween!

*No pumpkins have been observed screaming in national parks. You may be hearing a coyote, bobcat, fox, owl, or that marmot looking for Alan…or was it Steve?

Image: Boo! Carved jack-o’-lantern with ranger hat at Hartwell Tavern at Minute Man National Historical Park

09/30/2026

Join the team at Cane River Creole National Historical Park as a GS-06 Educational Technician!
📍 Location: Natchez, Louisiana
📅 Applications open until Tuesday, October 12
In this role, you will help:
🎓 Present fun and educational programs for education groups
🧮 Use engaging educational methods and techniques to communicate information to students
📖 Develop curriculum-based programs centered around park themes
📝 Train park staff and volunteers to assist with educational activities
⭐Lead outreach events
Apply on USAJobs:
👉 https://ow.ly/w8ft50ZTaQ0
Come be part of the team helping connect visitors with the people, places, stories, and cultural heritage of the Cane River region!

09/23/2026

Oakland Plantation’s history lives in the memories of the people who called it home.

On October 10, we invite former residents, descendants, families, and community members to, Coming Home: Stories That Live On. Bring your stories, photographs, and family memories, or simply come to listen and reconnect. Every voice helps us understand and preserve this place’s history.

📅 October 10, 2026 | 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
📍 Oakland Plantation, 4386 Highway 494, Natchez, LA

Know someone with a connection to Oakland? Please share this invitation with them.

09/17/2026

Help us care for a special piece of Oakland Plantation’s history.

Join us for a volunteer cleanup of the historic Bottle Garden. Together, we’ll clear away overgrowth, tidy the garden, and help preserve this meaningful place for future generations.

Volunteers of all experience levels are welcome. Bring your helping hands, a love of history, and a willingness to get a little dirty!

📅 September 24, 2026
⏰ 9:00–11:00 a.m.
📍 Oakland Plantation

Every helping hand makes a difference.

08/27/2026

This National Park Week, we’re celebrating the people who help bring our park to life.
A heartfelt thank you to our incredible volunteers and partner interns whose dedication, enthusiasm, and hard work help preserve the stories, landscapes, and cultural heritage of Cane River Creole National Historical Park. Whether welcoming visitors, supporting preservation projects, assisting with education programs, or working behind the scenes, your contributions make a lasting impact.

Thank you for helping ensure these stories continue to inspire future generations!

08/20/2026

We’re kicking off National Park Week with an adventure for the whole family!

Join us at Oakland Plantation on Saturday, August 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a scavenger hunt through history. Follow the clues, explore historic buildings, and discover the stories of the people who lived and worked along Cane River.

Complete the hunt, take the Junior Ranger oath, and earn a special Junior Ranger badge!

📍 Oakland Plantation
🗓 Saturday, August 22
⏰ 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

08/19/2026

📣 Application Deadline Extended!

There’s still time to apply! Cane River Creole National Historical Park is seeking a GS-5 Park Guide to join our Interpretation & Education team and help visitors connect with the people, places, stories, and cultural heritage of the Cane River region.

📍 Permanent, subject to furlough
🏡 Local Hire Authority: Applicants must live within commuting distance (55 miles) of Natchitoches, Louisiana.
📅 Applications have been extended through August 21, 2026!

Apply today: https://ow.ly/WKRa50ZBwGr

08/07/2026

Come be part of our team!

Cane River Creole National Historical Park is seeking applicants for a permanent, subject to furlough, GS-5 Park Guide position in the Division of Interpretation and Education.

Location: Natchez, Louisiana

Applications open: August 7 to August 14, 2026

Join our team and share the rich history and cultural heritage of the Cane River region and help people connect with the stories that make this place unique. From answering questions to helping families explore the park, you’ll play an important role in making every visit meaningful and memorable.

If you love talking to and helping people, presenting interpretive and educational programs, leading guided tours, and want to contribute to preserving America’s natural and cultural treasures, we encourage you to apply!

This position will be filled under the Field Unit Local Hiring Authority and is open to individuals who live within commuting distance (55 miles) of Natchitoches, Louisiana.

For a full position description and to apply for this position visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/879614000

NPS Image: A ranger and a youth stand facing each other. The ranger holds a fishing pole, and both wear yellow life jackets.

07/19/2026

New Passport Stamp Available! 🚂

Visiting the Texas & Pacific Railway Depot? Don't forget to add our newest Passport To Your National Parks® stamp to your collection. Whether it's your first stamp or your hundredth, it's a great way to remember your visit to Cane River Creole National Historical Park.

📍 Available at the Texas & Pacific Railway Depot Visitor Center open Wednesday - Sunday from 9:00-3:30pm.

07/10/2026

All aboard for a final glimpse of a bygone era.

Before automobiles became the primary mode of transportation, passenger trains connected Natchitoches to communities across the region, carrying travelers, mail, and goods. On July 10, 1968, the Natchitoches Times captured this historic image of Station Agent L.B. Rabalais of Powhatan hailing the engineer of the last daytime passenger train to stop at the Texas and Pacific Railway Depot.

While Natchitoches continued to receive service from two nighttime passenger trains—No. 21 at 2:34 a.m. and No. 22 at 1:10 a.m.—July 10, 1968, marked the end of daytime passenger rail service and the close of a significant chapter in the community’s transportation history.

Today, we remember the sights and sounds of the railroad that helped shape Natchitoches and the generations who relied on it for travel, commerce, and connection.
Do you remember riding a passenger train through Natchitoches, or have stories passed down by family members who did? Share your memories in the comments below.

07/02/2026

Holiday Hours Reminder! Planning a visit to Cane River Creole National Historical Park this week?

📅 Friday, July 3: OPEN Come explore the rich history, beautiful landscapes, and unique stories of Oakland and Magnolia Plantations and the Texas and Pacific Railway Depot

📅 Saturday, July 4 (Independence Day): CLOSED All park sites will be closed in observance of the federal holiday and will reopen on their next scheduled operating day.

We wish everyone a safe and happy Independence Day!✨