LSU Hilltop Arboretum
About
Free 14-Acre LSU Arboretum on Highland Road
LSU Hilltop Arboretum is a 14-acre university-managed arboretum donated to LSU in 1981. Free public garden showcasing native Louisiana and southeastern US plants with walking paths, demonstration gardens, and a Friends-of-Hilltop pavilion.
What Kids Can Do
Walking paths wind through native plant collections - Magnolia Walk, Live Oak Allee, and Native Azalea Garden. Demonstration gardens show what grows in Louisiana climate. Picnic tables in shaded areas. Children's educational programs scheduled seasonally through Friends of Hilltop. Free guided tours first Saturdays of the month [marked: best garden bloom March-May for native azaleas, October for fall foliage].
What's Included
Free admission daylight hours seven days a week. Friends of Hilltop programs and workshops priced separately.
Experience
Plan 1-2 hours. Almost entirely outdoor - bring sun protection, water, bug spray (heavy mosquitos spring-fall). Stroller-friendly main paths. About 9 miles south of downtown Baton Rouge on Highland Rd. Free on-site parking.