Louisiana State Arboretum State Preservation Area

Located within Chicot State Park. Established in 1961, the Louisiana State Arboretum was the first such area in the South and the first state-supported arboretum in the United States. The Louisiana State Arboretum is large – more than 600 acres of natural growth, embellished with additional plantings of species that are indigenous to the state. A Visitor Center, located within Chicot State Park and dedicated to the memory of J.D. "Prof" LaFleur, an outdoor enthusiast instrumental in establishing the Arboretum, houses interactive exhibits and meeting facilities. Nature trails take you deep into the wooded areas and longer trails take you along Walker Branch or Ferguson's Gully where several of the footpaths converge.