Toledo Bend Reservoir - Area Attractions

Toledo Bend Reservoir is a large artificial lake on thehour.
Sabine River between Texas and Louisiana.Hodges Gardens World famous Hodges Gardens is a
Construction on the Toledo Bend Dam began on Mayshort, pleasant drive South of Many, Louisiana.
11, 1964, and water impoundment began on October 3,Hodges Gardens is the nation's largest privately
1966. The lake has an area of 185,000 acres (749owned horticultural parkland and wildlife refuge and is
km2), and the dam is capable of generating 92one of Sabine Parish's most celebrated attractions.
megawatts of electrical power. It is the largest lakeThe gardens have a staff of 23 full time and 5
either wholly or partially in Texas.part-time employees. Most of these work in the formal
The reservoir is a popular location for freshwatergarden, gift shop and greenhouse areas, though there
fishing.is a small administrative staff. The greenhouse
Sabine National Forest and Hiking Trails Wild Azaleapersonnel raise many of the Garden's flowers and
Canyons - Famous since the 1800s, this area providesfoliage from either seeds or cuttings. However, some
a wonderful spot for year round hiking and in March itflowers, such as 42,000 tulips from Holland, must be
blossoms with wild Azaleas - about a 30 minute drivebought from outside growers. The flowers are used to
South.fill the 75 beds located throughout the 60-acre main
Canyon Rim Woodlands Trail - Nearby, easy access,garden area. The gardeners replace the plants several
well marked trails, and an easy walk in the woodstimes each year with the different spring, summer and
makes this trail a great one to visit. About 20 minutesautumn seasonal plant groups.
driving time from the resort.Horseshoe Casino - Shreveport Gaming A scenic
Trail Between the Lakes - This 28 mile trail, primarilydrive North will take you to Shreveport - Bossier City
through Sabine National Forest, has many pointsand some exciting riverboat gambling on the historic
where you can enter or leave the trail to make yourRed River, fine restaurants, shopping and
excursion in the woods as long - or brief - as you like.entertainment.
It begins "just down the road" from Fin & Feather, atTwo Indian casinos in Marksville and Coushotta are
the Lakeviw Recreation Site. and passes right by thealso only a pleasant drive away from the resort.
resort.Other Attractions Nearby Hemphill, Texas offers some
Boles Field Recreation Area - The Boles Field area ischarming craft and gift shops, a historic county jail and
a tradition with fox hunters and is home to the Nationalmuseum, and the unforgettable "Cedar Tree Domino
Fox Hound cemetery. Boles Field is about a 45 minutePlayers".
scenic drive away.Sabine Speedway is a quarter mile oval stock-car
Moore Wildlife Management Area: A few miles up theracing track that has races March through November
road, the 27,034 acre Moore Plantation Wildlifeon Saturday nights - just North of Many, Louisiana.
Management Area offers hunting and camping.Many major fishing tournaments are held on Toledo
Portable deer stands may be used but may not be leftBend Reservoir - some weekends will find two
unattended for more than 72 hours.tournaments being held at the same time! Frequent
Birding Blessed with many native species and afestivals in the area such as: Zwolle Tamale Fiesta,
multitude of migratory species passing through, theFisher Sawmill Days, Battle of Pleasant Hill Festival,
area is a favorite among bird watchers. A number ofFlorien Free State Festival, Zwolle Loggers Festival
eagles makes their homes on the lake.Fort Polk - Ft. Polk is the nation's fifth largest military
Cypress Bend Golf Resort Area Golfing Cypressinstallation and is the cornerstone of this west central
Bend is a championship 18-hole golf course. Experiencepart of Louisiana. It began as Camp Polk in the early
playing through an impressive series of inlets and bluffs1940's, but has evolved into one of the U.S. Army's
while overlooking the lake on all 18 holes. Cypressmost modern facilities. It now serves as the home of
Bend is across the lake, a pleasant drive of about anthe Army's Joint Readiness Training Center.