Laurens H Cohn Arboretum

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Lauren H Cohn Arboretum, also known as the LSU Hilltop Arboretum, is located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.


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Summary

It is a 14-acre natural area that features various types of forestry, including grassy meadows, wetlands, and mature forests. There are several reasons to visit the arboretum, including its extensive collection of native Louisiana plants and its beautiful scenery. Visitors can take a guided tour of the arboretum or explore the trails and gardens on their own.

Some specific points of interest to see at the arboretum include the Louisiana Iris Garden, the Shade Garden, and the Azalea Trail. The arboretum also features a pond that is home to various types of wildlife, including turtles and fish. Additionally, the arboretum hosts various events throughout the year, including plant sales and educational workshops.

Interesting facts about the area include that it was once used as a dairy farm before being transformed into an arboretum. The arboretum also features a historic house that was built in the 1930s and is now used for events and educational programs.

The best time of year to visit the arboretum is in the spring when the wildflowers are in bloom and during the fall when the leaves change colors. However, the arboretum is open year-round, and each season offers unique sights and experiences.

Overall, the Lauren H Cohn Arboretum is a beautiful and educational destination in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, that offers plenty of opportunities for visitors to explore and learn about the natural world.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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