Description

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 and avid conservationist, A.J Hodges Sr. (1890 - 1966), the site's gardens consist of a variety of plants and flowers, from a formal rose garden to a collection of Japanese Red Maple trees. Walkways and footbridges throughout the gardens allow the visitor to stroll through an abundance of flora. Water from 225-acre lake, built in 1954, is pumped from the lake through the gardens to waterfalls, pools, fountains and to the watering system before it is recycled back into the lake.

History

A site rich in history, the area was once home to bands of Indians, Spanish and French Explorers, and Highwaymen. Early explorers gradually beat out a road through the forest. It originated in Natchitoches, crossed west central Louisiana (through the heart of what is now Hodges Gardens) on to Texas and Maxico City. This famous road bears the name of El Camino Real, or the King's Highway. In 1898, stonemasons began mining sandstone from a quarry (which now lies within the Gardens) to build the jetties at Port Arthur. The quarry was soon abandoned, leaving a tri-level area with large natural rock formations exposed. About this time the lumbermen moved in, and soon the virgin long-leaf pine forests were stripped barren. Years later, A.J. Hodges, Sr. a leader in the reforestation movement, purchased over 100,000 acres, planted over 39,000 acres of pine seedlings and converted the entire acreage into a managed tree farm. Upon discovering the abandoned stone quarry, large rock, an abundance of wildflowers and pine seedlings covered the area. He and his wife, Nona Trigg Hodges, saw its potential for a natural scenic recreational area. Gradually the area was developed and opened to the public in 1956. The Park was formally dedicated on May 1, 1959 and transferred to a non-profit foundation in 1960.

Hours of Operation: The gate opens daily at 7 a.m and closes at 9 p.m. Sunday - Thursday and 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; Day Use Entrance Fees: $5 per person; $4 for Seniors (62 and older) free for children age 3 and under.

Rules

• Pets are not allowed in any buildings, including cabins and lodges.
• Please be prepared to pay the balance of your facility rental fee upon your arrival at the park.
• Reservations for overnight facilities are held until check-out time the day after your scheduled arrival.
• Early departures will be treated as cancellations
• Golden Age/Golden Access Passport holders must present a valid card at check-in.
• Persons who rent park facilities can be held responsible for any damage done to those facilities.
• All park buildings are smoke free environments including cabins and lodges.
• Cabins and Lodges are furnished with basic kitchen utensils, pots, bed linens, pillows, and towels.
• A maximum stay of 14 consecutive days is allowed at the park.
• Reservations must be made at least 1 day in advance

If you are reserving a cabin, lodge or group camp 10 months or more in advance of the arrival this reservation will adhere to the following:

• This reservation must be paid in full no later than 30 days after the reservation is made.
• If you call the reservation center to drop off any days or cancel you will be charged one days rental.