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The Magical Story of Hilltop
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Hours: The Arboretum is open to the public free of charge during daylight hours seven days a week.
Tours: Self-guided tour maps are located on the grounds of the Arboretum. To schedule Group Tours, contact the Hilltop Office at (225) 767-6916 Tuesday-Friday between the hours of 9 AM - 3 PM.
The Hilltop property was purchased in 1929 by Emory Smith and his wife, Annette, as a country retreat. In 1981, because of his love of the natural world, he chose to preserve Hilltop by donating the property to LSU. His fascination with the native plants of Louisiana is evident as you stroll along winding woodland paths skirting ravines. Many of the species found at the Arboretum were collected and planted by Mr. Smith. Among the most unusual is the "Emory Smith" magnolia, collected by Mr. Smith and cultivated at Hilltop.
Please send your comments and questions to hilltop@lsu.edu.