Hodges Gardens

Now belongs to a Non Profit organization, Closed indefinitely to the public Over 700 acres of wild and cultivated beauty, located in Sabine Parish, 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. Visitors to the park can enjoy a stroll through the formal gardens, explore nature trails, boat on the lake and fish from the shore. And, after spending a day surrounding by cultivated and natural beauty, sit on the porch of one of the cabins and let the sound of crickets lull you to sleep. An equestrian campground also provides overnight facilities for visitors traveling the park's trails with their horses. 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. The waterfalls and garden fountains operate daily from sunrise until sunset. 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.