Hodges Gardens, Park and Wilderness Area

Hodges Gardens, Park and Wilderness Area (4,700 acres) is a nonprofit recreation area with botanical gardens, located on US 171 near Many, Louisiana (the actual location is between Hornbeck and Florien), USA, approximately halfway between Shreveport and Lake Charles. Cabins and campgrounds are available 12 months of the year; a fee is charged.

Today's facilities started in the early 1940's when A. J. Hodges began a large-scale reforestation effort in west central Louisiana. His efforts included a 4,700-acre experimental arboretum, within which an abandoned stone quarry was found. Hodges and his wife recognized its potential and created a garden among the rock formations. The area was opened to the public in 1956.

The site features 40 acres of gardens, a 225-acre bass fishing lake, hiking and biking trails, and RV and wilderness camping. It is believed to be the largest privately owned horticultural park and recreation area in the United States.

Pictures from the Gardens

Image:HGwaterfall.JPG|A dried-up waterfall. Image:Bluewaterlily edit.jpg|A florishing, blue waterlily. Image:IMG 2203.JPG|This Neoregelia collects water that sustains other plants. Image:HGgreenhouse.JPG|One of Hodges Gardens large, tropical greenhouses.

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Pictures from the Gardens

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