Over 700 acres of wild and cultivated beauty, Hodges Gardens State Park, located in Sabine Parish, is a unique member of the State Parks system. Originally designed and opened to the public in 1956 by oil and gas businessman A.J. Hodges Sr., the site's gardens consist of a variety of plants and flowers, from a formal rose garden to bushes that colorful Southern standard, the azalea.
NEWS ALERT: State is no longer able to maintain the park -
read news story. Effective October 1, 2017, Hodges Gardens will return to the administration of the
A.J. and Nona Triggs Hodges Foundation..
The northwest region of Louisiana bears an interesting history, from the Native American tribes to the French and Spanish settlers to the outlaws of the "No Man's Land" that arose following the Louisiana Purchase. Early explorers passed through the area on their way to Mexico and California, a trail now designated as the historic El Camino Real de los Tejas. In the late 19th century, mining operations in the area provided sandstone for the jetties at Port Arthur, Texas. When the quarry was abandoned, the large natural rock formations remained exposed.
The Hodges recognized the potential of the abandoned quarry on the property and planned a scenic garden using the natural rock formations. Flowers were planted on one level above another, creating a terraced effect. Walkways and footbridges throughout the gardens allow the visitor to stroll through an abundance of flora. Water from a 225-acre lake, built in 1954, is pumped from the lake through the gardens to waterfalls, pools, a geyser, fountains and to the watering system before it is recycled back into the lake. This waterfall is part of a reclamation system that refreshes and recycles the water in the lake.
A testament to one family's contribution to the preservation of our land's natural beauty, Hodges Gardens was donated to the State by the A.J. and Nona Trigg Hodges Foundation in 2007.
Hours of Operation: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday through Thursday. All park sites close at 10 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and days preceding holidays.
Standard Cabins 9 available, sleeps up to 4 people with a double bed and a queen sofa sleeper.
Deluxe Cabins 2 available, sleeps 6 people with 2 double beds and a queen sofa sleeper.
Now offers a group camp that sleeps up to 56.
This is truly a relaxing place especially if you like peace and quiet and enjoy nature. Also if you like golf it is very close to two golf courses. My wife have been twice in the past month and plan to go back. I highly recomend if you just want to relax.
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