Cane River National Heritage Area

Big Blend Radio spotlight on the Cane River National Heritage Area and Louisiana's No Man's Land. Recorded onsite as part of the Love Your Parks Tour, at the Grand Ecore Visitor Center in Natchitoches, Louisiana, this segment features Rebecca Blankenbaker and Logan Schlatre - Cane River National Heritage Area, plus, Kelli West - Natchitoches Convention & Visitors Bureau. Listen here in the YouTube player, or download/listen to the podcast on Spreaker.com. National Heritage Trail, a Louisiana Scenic Byway that runs along Cane River Lake, and links to the Isle Brevelle Trail and El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail, with Longleaf Trail and Kisatchie National Forest on the outskirts. This 116,000-acre region is home to a blend of French, Spanish, African, American Indian and Creole cultures, and is made up of historical plantation and agricultural territories. The heritage area begins just south of Natchitoches, the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase, and runs along Cane River Lake and includes Cane River Creole National Historical Park, seven National Historic Landmarks, three State Historic Sites, and a variety of historic plantations, homes, and churches.

Located in northwestern Louisiana, the Cane River National Heritage Area encompasses the charming downtown Natchitoches National Historic Landmark District, Cane River Creole National Historical Park, as well as the Cane River The downtown National Historic Landmark District is a 33-block area that runs along the beautiful banks of Cane River Lake, welcoming visitors into a charming mecca of historic sites and museums, art galleries and specialty shops, PAGE 60

popular and festive seasonal events. One of the best ways to explore the district is on foot, whether self-guided (maps are available at Natchitoches Convention & Visitors Bureau), or on one of the self-guided tours hosted by the Cane River National Heritage Area. Buildings in the district are constructed in several architectural styles that range from French Creole to Queen Anne, Italianate to Spanish Revival, Art Deco to Victorian.

Plan Your Visit to Natchitoches and the Cane River National Heritage Area at www.Natchitoches.com and www.CaneRiverNHA.org