
LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden
Explore 5 miles of serene walking paths, a fragrant rose garden, and unique wetlands at this beautiful, free-to-enter botanical oasis.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Tranquil and uncrowded

LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden
Best Time
Tranquil and uncrowded

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore 5 miles of serene walking paths, a fragrant rose garden, and unique wetlands at this beautiful, free-to-enter botanical oasis.
"This place is Beautiful and free to enter. the walking trails are very well kept."

🚶♀️ Free Entry, Enjoy the Stroll
Most of the gardens are free to enter, perfect for a relaxing walk.
🎟️ Book Special Events Early
Tickets for events like the Corn Maze sell out fast! Book online in advance.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Walking Trails
Throughout the gardens
Meander through 5 miles of well-maintained paths, offering serene escapes and beautiful scenery year-round.

Rose Garden
Designated Rose Garden area
A fragrant and colorful display of roses, perfect for a leisurely stroll and photo opportunities.

Wetlands Area
Designated Wetlands area
Explore the unique ecosystem of the wetlands, offering a different perspective on Louisiana's natural beauty.

Seasonal Events
Various locations within the gardens
From festive holiday lights to a challenging corn maze, these ticketed events offer unique seasonal fun.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry, But Plan for Special Events
Best Times for a Peaceful Stroll
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Free Entry, Enjoy the Stroll
Most of the gardens are free to enter, perfect for a relaxing walk.
🎟️ Book Special Events Early
Tickets for events like the Corn Maze sell out fast! Book online in advance.
📸 Photo Pass for Portraits
Professional photos of people require a photo pass from the visitor center.
☀️ Bring Sun Protection
Shaded trails are great, but bring sunscreen and hats for open areas.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Free Entry, Enjoy the Stroll
Most of the gardens are free to enter, perfect for a relaxing walk.
🎟️ Book Special Events Early
Tickets for events like the Corn Maze sell out fast! Book online in advance.
📸 Photo Pass for Portraits
Professional photos of people require a photo pass from the visitor center.
☀️ Bring Sun Protection
Shaded trails are great, but bring sunscreen and hats for open areas.
🌱 Check for Plant Sales
LSU AgCenter often hosts plant sales; a great place to find unique plants.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden for its beautiful, well-maintained walking trails and free admission, making it a highly accessible and enjoyable natural escape. While some find certain areas less spectacular than anticipated, the overall experience is praised for its tranquility and family-friendly atmosphere, especially during special events.
"This place is Beautiful and free to enter. the walking trails are very well kept. They allow Photography, but if you are taking professional photos of people you need to buy a photo pass from the very friendly staff at the visitor center. the museum was great too."
Tim Stetz
"I had a really high expectations for this botanical Garden especially after visiting the University of Tennessee’s one. I’ve seen multiple post of sunflowers but didn’t see any, not really much flowers at all. This was a little underwhelming but I also feel like I was missing something. Maybe it will improve over the years. Is great for a stroll that is shaded."
Jeanie Roussel
"This place is huge and free! Suitable for trails, or just short visit for flowers."
Uyen DIEP
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The gardens are located at 4560 Essen Lane in Baton Rouge. They are easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. Public transportation options may be limited, so driving is often the most convenient method.
Yes, there is parking available at the gardens. During special events, parking might be more congested, so arriving early is recommended.
Yes, you can use GPS by entering 'LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden' or the address '4560 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA' into your navigation app.
Information on public transport can vary. It's best to check local Baton Rouge transit schedules for routes that may service the Essen Lane area.
The gardens are quite extensive. Pick up a map at the visitor center or use the walking paths to explore different sections.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The general admission to the gardens is free, making it a wonderful accessible attraction. However, special ticketed events like the Corn Maze or Louisiana Lights require separate purchases.
Admission for the Corn Maze is typically $15 per person, with children 2 and under free. Tickets are usually pre-sale only and can sell out.
Yes, for popular events like the Corn Maze and Louisiana Lights, advance ticket purchase is highly recommended, and often required, as they can sell out.
General garden hours are typically from dawn to dusk, but specific event hours vary. Always check the official LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens website for the most up-to-date information.
It's best to assume tickets for special events are pre-sale only. On-site availability is not guaranteed, so purchasing online in advance is the safest bet.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
Highlights include 5 miles of walking trails, a beautiful rose garden, a serene wetlands area, and various seasonal attractions like a corn maze and holiday lights.
Yes, there are often family-friendly activities. The Corn Maze event includes hayrides, a petting farm, and a corn crib. There are also playgrounds available.
Photography is allowed, but professional photo shoots of people require a photo pass purchased from the visitor center.
The walking paths are generally well-kept, making them suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. However, some natural areas might be less accessible.
This is a historical exhibit that may have an additional fee to enter and explore. Some visitors find the cost not worth it for the experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the gardens themselves don't typically have a full-service restaurant, special events like Louisiana Lights may offer concessions such as s'mores. It's advisable to bring your own snacks or plan to dine before or after your visit.
Picnicking is generally allowed in designated areas. It's a good idea to check the garden's specific policies on outside food and beverages.
Yes, the gardens are located in Baton Rouge, an area with numerous dining options. You'll find a variety of restaurants along Essen Lane and nearby streets.
Concessions at events often include seasonal treats. For the Louisiana Lights event, expect items like s'mores.
Typically, there isn't a permanent cafe. Concessions are usually event-specific.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, personal photography is permitted and encouraged! It's a beautiful place to capture nature's beauty.
If you are conducting professional photo shoots involving people, you will need to purchase a photo pass from the visitor center.
The rose garden, wetlands, and any blooming areas offer great photo opportunities. During events, the light displays or corn maze provide unique backdrops.
Drone usage policies can vary. It's best to contact the gardens directly to inquire about their regulations regarding drones.
While personal photography is allowed, large professional equipment setups might require special arrangements or permits. Always check with staff if unsure.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the main gardens offer a peaceful environment, consider visiting during a family-friendly event for maximum engagement. Remember to bring snacks and drinks, as food options are usually limited to special event concessions. The gardens provide a great opportunity for children to connect with nature in a safe and beautiful setting.
💰 Budget Travelers
While special events like the Corn Maze or Louisiana Lights have ticket prices, they offer significant entertainment value. For a completely free experience, focus on exploring the diverse flora and enjoying the serene atmosphere. It's a perfect spot for a relaxing day out without breaking the bank.
📸 Photographers
Be mindful of the time of day for the best lighting, and consider visiting during weekdays to avoid crowds for more unobstructed shots. While the gardens are generally peaceful, be aware of the highway noise, which might be a consideration for some types of photography.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Gardens: Trails and Flora
Many visitors appreciate the well-maintained trails, noting they are easy to walk and suitable for a leisurely stroll. While some reviews mention not seeing specific flowers like sunflowers during their visit, the overall consensus is that the gardens offer a beautiful and shaded environment for relaxation and exploration. The Arbor Day events, celebrated in January, highlight the importance of trees and shrubs, further showcasing the garden's commitment to horticultural education.
For those interested in plant acquisition, the LSU AgCenter often hosts plant sales, which are a popular draw for gardeners looking for unique specimens. These events are a great way to support the gardens and take home a piece of their horticultural expertise. Remember to check the garden's event calendar for these special opportunities.
Seasonal Events: Fun for All Ages
During the holiday season, the gardens transform into a magical wonderland for Louisiana Lights. This event features thousands of dazzling holiday lights, creating an enchanting atmosphere with photo opportunities and festive treats like s'mores. It's a popular way to kick off the holiday spirit.
These ticketed events offer a different experience from the usual garden strolls and are highly anticipated by the community. While the general garden admission is free, these special events provide unique entertainment and are a significant draw for visitors looking for seasonal fun.
Visitor Experience and Practicalities
For those planning professional photo shoots, a photo pass is required, which can be obtained from the friendly staff at the visitor center. This policy ensures that the gardens can continue to offer a peaceful experience for all visitors. While the gardens themselves are free, the rustic village/museum area on the property may have an additional entrance fee, which some visitors find to be not worth the cost.
Noise from the nearby highway is a minor drawback mentioned by some, but the overall sentiment remains positive, with many appreciating the opportunity for a shaded stroll and the presence of playgrounds for children. The gardens are a great place for a short visit or a longer exploration, depending on your preference.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit