PLAN YOUR
VISIT
Connecting People with Nature & One Another
Nestled on the east side of Lake Fayetteville, the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks offers a serene escape into nature with 12 themed gardens and Arkansas’s only butterfly house. Spanning 40 acres, this member-supported public garden is dedicated to education, environmental awareness, and community engagement.
Hours and Admission
The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks is open to the public Friday through Wednesday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Final admission to the Garden is 4:45 pm. We are closed on Thursdays.
Please note that hours may vary on holidays or during special events.
Admission
- Children 3 & under: Free
- BGO Members: Free
- Adults (18+): $13
- Children (ages 4–17): $6
A discount on admission is available to college students, educators, current and former members of the military, and guests over the age of 65.
Getting Here
The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks is just a short trip from anywhere in Northwest Arkansas – typically 30 minutes or less by car and easily accessible via I-49. Free parking is available, including reserved spaces for guests needing easier access. Additional parking is available in an overflow lot located just south of the Garden entrance.
We also warmly welcome cyclists! Located right off the Razorback Greenway, the Garden is a convenient and scenic ride, with secure on-site bike racks.
Safety & Accessibility
To help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience:
- Please refrain from picking, collecting, or consuming any plants, seeds, flowers, fruits, or vegetables.
- The Garden is a tobacco-free campus.
- Firearms and drones are not permitted on the grounds.
- We kindly ask that all visitors stay on designated paths and turf areas.
The Garden is largely accessible, with most paths paved and wheelchair ramps available throughout. Reserved parking is available near the entrance for guests who need easier access to the Garden. Please note that we do not offer stroller or wheelchair rentals at this time.
Before you visit
Garden Highlights
Themed Gardens: Stroll through 12 unique gardens, each designed to offer inspiration for every type of outdoor space – from backyards to patios. Highlights include the Japanese Garden, the Rose & Perennial Garden, the Children’s Garden, and the Sensory Garden.
Butterfly House: Experience Arkansas’s only butterfly house, home to native butterflies along with their host and nectar plants. The Butterfly House is open year-round, with butterfly season running each May to October.
Educational Features: Discover more than a dozen points of interest across our campus like our on-site apiary, newly expanded and refurbished wild bird feeding station, and bioswale, all designed to help visitors of all ages better understand our shared environment.
Know Before You Go
Admissions & Guest Services: Located in the Admissions Office, our Guest Services team is your resource for the many Garden amenities and services including Borrowed Backpack checkout, Lost & Found, maps, tickets and information about upcoming programs and events.
Borrowed Backpack Program: BGO provides a Borrowed Backpack Program for our young guests. There are 4 themed backpacks available for free to Garden guests. Sensory-Friendly bags are also available. Ask for more information at the Admissions Office.
Citizen Science at BGO: The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks has teamed up with University of Arkansas to study butterfly behavior. Pick up a checklist from the Admissions Office and keep your eyes out for butterflies as you wander through the Garden! The data you collect will help scientists address questions concerning animal behavior, diversity, and NWA pollinator community health. (Butterly Data Collection Form)
Food & Drink: Picnicking is encouraged in the Garden; trash and recycling is available in the parking lot.
Inclement Weather: For more information regarding inclement weather affecting outdoor events at BGO, please call (479) 750-2620 during our operating hours.
Pets: At this time, service animals are welcome in the Garden, but pets should remain at home.
Photography: Professional, promotional, and commercial photography requires a reservation at least one week in advance and a fee. Photography permits are not granted when our venue is reserved for a private event. On the day of your photo shoot, please check in at the Admissions Office. (Photo Permit Application)
Restrooms & Water Fountains: Restrooms and water fountains are available on-site; no admission is required for use.
Strollers & Wheelchairs: The majority of the paths in the Garden are accessible. Most paths are paved. Wheelchair ramps are present. BGO does not offer stroller or wheelchair rental.
Regional Resources
Northwest Arkansas is easily accessible by plane and by car. The Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) is served by several international airlines. Other metropolitan areas such as Tulsa, Little Rock, Kansas City, St. Louis, Memphis, and Dallas are within a half-day’s drive.
While you’re here, be sure to check out the rest of what Northwest Arkansas has to offer. Music, theater, restaurants, shopping, sports, outdoor activities, and attractions abound. Exploring more of Arkansas during your visit? Discover what you can see and do in the Natural State.
Resources for more information: Fayetteville |Springdale | Bentonville | Rogers | Finding NWA
Download our visitor's guide
Download our handy visitor’s guide for an easy reference to plan and enjoy your visitor to our gardens.
Our Gardens
Points of Interest
Tours
