Posted in Louisiana Attractions, Parks & Gardens April 20, 2021 by

170 Acres Of Beautiful Blooms Await You At The Jungle Gardens In Louisiana

Stretching for three miles long and two and a half miles wide, Avery Island is most well-known for being the home to that famous little red bottle, Tabasco. A day spent touring the factory and eating at the delicious Restaurant 1868 is well worth a road trip from any corner of the state, that’s for sure. But this popular salt dome is also home to Jungle Gardens, an enchanting collection of gardens that’s a picture-perfect outing the whole family can enjoy.

Jungle Gardens was created by Edward Avery “Ned” McIlhenny, the son of E. McIlhenny, the inventor of Tabasco.
KristinalynRN/Trip Advisor
Ned grew up on the island and studied the plants and animals in the area from a very early age. He eventually built a home on the island and continued to grow both his family Tabasco business as well as the landscape around it.
Ned began the Jungle Gardens in the 1920s, adorning the property with several exotic plants from around the world.
Jungle Gardens/Facebook
Over the years, he expanded the gardens and today it stretches across an impressive 170 acres.
He decided to open the gardens to the public in 1935, much to the delight of nature lovers everywhere.
Jungle Gardens/Facebook
No matter what time of year you visit, something is always in bloom.
While you’re there, be sure to check out Bird City, another Ned creation.
Jungle Gardens/Facebook
Ned founded what would become Bird City in 1895 in response to hunters who would slaughter these beautiful birds by the thousands to use their feathers for women’s hats.
Ned started with eight egrets, raising them in captivity on the island before releasing them to migrate across the Gulf.
Jungle Gardens/Facebook
To his surprise, the birds returned that following spring, brought their friends, and the migration continues to this day. Today, the bird sanctuary is home to countless feathered friends living their best lives on the island (much to the misfortune of that poor crawfish).
From the birds to the Buddha, Jungle Gardens is one of the most enchanting places in Louisiana.
Jungle Gardens/Google
You may never want to leave - and we wouldn't blame you.

For more information, be sure to check out the Jungle Gardens website and give them a follow on Facebook.

Have you ever toured the Jungle Gardens? Share your experience with us in the comments!

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Address: Jungle Gardens, Louisiana 329 &, Main Rd, Avery Island, LA 70513, USA