Shangri La reopens Nov. 18

Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center has announced it will reopen to the public on Wednesday, Nov. 18. Normal operating hours each week will be Tues. - Fri. from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., and admission is free.

“We have missed everyone so much and are excited to welcome back the young and young at heart to explore beauty of the gardens, enjoy wildlife and the outdoors, and experience the wonderful seasonal changes in Southeast Texas late in the year. It has been a challenging year with COVID-19 as well as hurricanes Laura and Delta. Despite these difficulties we are looking forward to seeing our friends and neighbors again,” said Rick Lewandowski, Director of Shangri La Gardens.

Please note that Shangri La Gardens has implemented a range of practices to ensure the safety and well-being of its visitors and staff during the COVID-19 outbreak, including optional timed ticketing to maintain adequate social distancing. To reserve timed tickets, visit shangrilagardens.org. Walk-up entry is still welcome, but contingent upon availability.

Other safety precautions the venue has implemented include:

•       new signage and a one-way route through the gardens

•       mandatory mask use during entry to Shangri La Gardens and all indoor spaces (mask use is optional throughout the gardens)

•       limited maximum occupancy in select indoor locations

•       additional hand sanitizing stations

•       increased cleaning schedule in public areas

•       some areas remain closed (including the café) for the safety of the public

If you aren’t ready to visit yet, there is a wide array of Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center content available through Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and the venue’s website: shangrilagardens.org.

About Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center

Shangri La is a 250-plus acre space in Orange, along the waterways of Adams Bayou that combines botanical gardens and an education nature center in a unique way. Imagine a place where you can escape the routine and stroll along garden paths surrounded by fragrant flowers. Bird watch for hours and spend time with friends and family.

Shangri La is a program of the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation, a privately operating foundation that aims to encourage and assist education and to improve and enrich the quality of life in Southeast Texas by providing significant resources for the study and enjoyment of art, history, nature and culture.

Located at 2111 West Park Ave. in Orange, Shangri La Gardens is open to the public Tuesday through Friday, free of charge, from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. For more information call (409) 670-9113 or visit shangrilagardens.org.