Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center is the perfect setting to explore with a group of friends, co-workers, your organization, family members or anyone else you choose. The gardens’ history, plants and seasonal highlights offer a remarkable set of experiences that will make any Group Tour a truly memorable one.
Although tours are now free of charge, any donations will help support our educational programs.
Group Tours are offered Tuesday through Saturday by appointment only and include a guided Garden Tour and/or Outpost Tour. Group Tours are reserved only after you have received written confirmation. Please submit your request three weeks prior to your intended arrival date to:
All tours are wheelchair accessible and are all outdoor. Visitors should pack plenty of water and wear appropriate attire. Cameras and binoculars are also a must!
Garden Tour
The Garden Tour is a walking tour of our formal landscape botanical gardens led by a knowledgeable guide who provides information and interpretation about Shangri La Gardens.
A minimum of 10 participants per group is required. All participants must attend the same tour, though to accommodate large groups, participants may be split among multiple tours.
Duration: Approximately 90 – 120 minutes; > 1 mile walk
Meeting place: Guides will meet groups at the garden entrance/passenger drop-off
Participants requiring assistance must have supervision at all times.
Garden guides are contingent upon volunteer availability and cannot be guaranteed. If a tour is canceled due to inclement weather, we will make every effort to reschedule it.
Outpost Tour
The Outpost Tour is a guided journey along Adams Bayou on a specially outfitted pontoon watercraft to one of our Outpost Pavilions in the Cypress-Tupelo Swamp. A knowledgeable guide provides interpretation of Adams Bayou, associated habitats, wildlife, and a brief historical overview of portions of Shangri La Gardens and the local community.
A minimum of 18 participants per group is required to reserve an Outpost Tour. Availability is limited to a maximum of 24 participants per tour vessel with a maximum of 48 participants per group.
Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes
Meeting Place: Guides will meet groups at the garden entrance/passenger drop-off
Children under 4 years of age are not allowed on Outpost Tours. Participants requiring assistance must have supervision at all times.
Life vests are provided and must be worn at all times – no exceptions.
Outpost Tours may be cancelled in the event of inclement weather, heat index > 100, unsafe water conditions, or operational considerations beyond our control.
Self-Guided Visit
If we are unable to schedule a tour guide for your group, we encourage you to visit the gardens and explore at your own pace. We ask groups to schedule self-guided visits so that we know when to expect your group and can communicate any changes which may affect your visit.