Visitors are greeted at the entrance to Shangri La by a large bell purchased by Lutcher Stark in the 1930s from a church in Louisiana. In the novel, Lost Horizons, bells would ring each time a person entered "Shangri-La."
After entering this magical place, you can orient yourself at the Guide Stone. This large map is made of marble to show the Shangri La property. This map shows the relationship in distance of all the different areas within Shangri La's boundaries.
The gray white cobblestones forming lines on the entrance path are from Bordeaux, France. It is rumored that Joan of Arc walked on these stones. They were found in the ballast of a ship.
Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center was awarded a Platinum Certification for
LEED®-NC. The plaque is located on the Administration building wall to the left of the administration window. For more information on this recognition, please look at the
Awards.