SHREVEPORT, LA – Spring is in full bloom at the American Rose Center, which officially opened its 51st blooming season on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. The nation’s largest park dedicated to roses invites the public to enjoy its vibrant floral displays, with peak bloom expected between mid-April and mid-May.
Visitors can explore more than 6,000 rose plants and an additional 5,000 trees and flowering species across the serene, landscaped grounds. The American Rose Society, which continues celebrating the 50th anniversary of establishing its national headquarters in Shreveport, has introduced new seasonal hours:
Wednesday–Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday–Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Admission is $5 per person or $10 per family, making it an affordable destination for locals and tourists alike.
Upcoming April Events
The Center is also hosting two signature events in April, welcoming visitors for an immersive experience of art, education, and natural beauty.
Besties, Bubbly & Blooms
Date: Thursday, April 10
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Guests will sip wine and savor charcuterie while enjoying a guided painting session with renowned local artist Sarah-Katherine Semon. This unique blend of creativity and nature offers a perfect girls’ night out or relaxing evening under the stars.
🎟️ Tickets available here: Besties, Bubbly & Blooms Registration
Celebration of Spring Bloom
Date: Saturday, April 26
Enjoy a full day of gardening insights with presentations from regional experts. Topics range from antique roses to propagation techniques, culminating in a garden walk and the re-dedication of the Thigpen-Harold Administration Building.
Admission to the Green Thumb Lectures is $10 and includes lunch.
Gates open at 9:00 a.m.
🗓️ Full Schedule:
- 10:00 – Mike Shoup, Brenham, TX: My Life with Roses and the Antique Rose Emporium
- 11:00 – Claude Graves, Dallas, TX: The Exciting Re-emergence of Rambler Roses
- 12:00 – Lunch
- 1:00 – Dr. Allen Owings, Baton Rouge, LA: The Best of New Plant Introductions
- 2:00 – Steve Roussell, Lake Charles, LA: The Art (and Science) of Making New Roses from Cuttings
- 3:00 – Re-dedication of Thigpen-Harold Administration Building
- 3:30 – Garden Walk – Rambler Reveal with Claude Graves
More to Explore
With continued renovations, expanded plantings, and enhanced garden features, the American Rose Center offers a scenic escape perfect for a morning stroll, family outing, or even a leisurely dog walk. Visitors can follow updates and bloom photos via the Center’s Facebook page: facebook.com/americanrosecenter.
As Shreveport continues to grow its tourism and quality-of-life offerings, the American Rose Center remains a blooming centerpiece—welcoming visitors of all ages to stop and smell the roses.