I was there several decades ago when it was privately owned. Today it is still beautiful. The big difference is that the rose gardens are not still there. Now that it is a state park, they are not allowed to interfere with the deer, and the deer destroy the roses. The paths and walkways are well kept, and the plant life is gorgeous. This is a little oasis in the middle of what is not the most beautiful part of Louisiana. It's worth the stop for a couple of hours of relaxation.
Visited weekend of 4/26/14. Overall, it was "ok", glad it was only $5/per person. A nice serene place to visit, but if you're hoping to wander about lively, awe-inspiring gardens, go visit a plantation. The rose garden only had 1 blooming rose bush. We missed the bloom-time for the azaleas and camellias (our own fault). The stairstep garden was nothing but weeds! Disgraceful. They could've planted petunias, sweet pea, or something en masse in there. The water feature for the stairstep garden was not operational. The irises in the bog garden were nice. Not too much blooming to be honest. I realize that the gardens feature a lot of flowering shrubs, trees, and other perennials (read: low/no maintenance), that bloom at different times, but they really should supplement with annual flowers or other bulbs too. To be honest, I have more blooming in my yard. There were broken branches and other debris on some of the paths that should have been picked up. I'm guessing the grounds staff doesn't do a walk through every morning to clear branches or check on things.The map you receive at the fee station is hard to understand and read due to poor graphics and being photocopied over and over. Please update the maps and make it easier to read. A clean, legible map, be it in black & white or color would be appreciated. Maps of the trails would be nice too.There are lots of trails to hike. The trailheads are well marked, but the trails themselves could use some markings. We hiked the wild azalea trail, but weren't sure if we were going the right way. May be a boyscout or girlscout troop could make some trail markers? I'd like to visit again when the azaleas are blooming, but I feel like 1/2 of the advertised features (water falls, geyser, etc) are not operational. The bathrooms were clean. There are PLENTY of picnic tables and places for families to have a picnic. No exactly handicap accessible.
Hodges Gardens is still beautiful, but it is not what it used to be. Years ago it was full of beautiful flower beds that were meticulously kept up. Today it is much more of a natural beauty-not a lot of flowers. There are nice walking trails and great views of the water. The place is rather run-down and there are quite a few weeds. It is now much more of a "state park" and not so much a garden. Also, the greenhouse has closed down. It has broken glass and graffiti on it. Also, Flag Island had no flags when we were there, only flag poles. My husband and I still had a nice time walking the trails and we had a great picnic. I think this state park needs more funding.
My family and I visit Hodges Gardens might near every year. My husband declared his love to me in the "Old Rose Garden"; he proposed in the "Boat house"; we were married in the "Old Rose Garden", we honeymooned in one of the cabins. We have lots of wonderful memories of these Gardens. After Hurricane Rita damaged of much of the garden, it has taken the state a while to repair the damages. Some will never be repaired, BUT they have done a wonderful job of restoring the most important features. We enjoy their cabins, gardens, and hiking.... and just plain ol' relaxing!!! It is best to bring your own food and water. We plan to visit every year ... so we pray that they will not close it this summer due to "budget cuts".
Hodges Gardens is a wonderful place to spend the day. Rent a canoe, hike the trails, tour the garden. Horse trails and pens, camping....... a little bit of everything. I have enjoyed many pleasurable times.
We were taken here by family that we were visiting. It was quite nice, scenic and serene. We thought it would be more colorful with flowers in bloom, but that part seems to be a thing of the past. I guess it used to be more spectacular when privately held, but the State probably just doesn't have the money to maintain it as much. We only had a short time to visit, so didn't get to see too much...wish we had more time.
The garden was so relaxing and well kept. the walking trail was clear and cleans. The rose garden was beautiful. Great place to take a lot of memorable photos.
You could tell, that at one time it was completely Beautiful. I think with the lack of funds, it's been neglected. There's no flags on Flag Island. The roads are terrible. And the grass is taking over the lake, to limit prime fishing spot's. Just needs some real prideful care; to make it what it once was. Still worth the visit.
Paid $10 to get in to the park for the easter egg hunt and because of the park's dysfunctional staff my 4 year old along with about 50 other kids never even saw an egg.