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Garvan Woodland Gardens is a sprawling 210-acre botanical and woodland garden located near Hot Springs, Arkansas, within the scenic Ouachita Mountains region. Situated on a peninsula with 4.5 miles of shoreline along Lake Hamilton, this unique destination, owned by the University of Arkansas, seamlessly blends cultivated beauty with the natural forest landscape. Rising to an elevation of approximately 136 meters, it offers a tranquil escape for nature lovers and garden enthusiasts alike.
Visitors consistently praise the gardens for their exceptionalβ¦
Tips
October 15, 2019
Hiking
September 7, 2023
Hiking
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Best routes near Garvan Woodland Gardens
2
hikers
2.84km
00:45
30m
30m
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Elevation 140Β m
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Saturday 14 March
25Β°C
6Β°C
0Β %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 12.0Β km/h
Most visited during
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The admission fee for Garvan Woodland Gardens is currently $20 per adult. This fee helps support the garden's mission of education, research, and public service.
Yes, Garvan Woodland Gardens offers several paved and well-maintained paths that are wheelchair accessible. While some areas feature rocky inclines, many of the main attractions, including the Anthony Chapel and parts of the Children's Adventure Garden, are designed to be accessible. It's advisable to check their official website or contact them directly for the most current information on accessible routes.
Garvan Woodland Gardens generally has a strict no-pet policy to protect the delicate plant collections and ensure the comfort of all visitors. Service animals are, of course, permitted. It's always best to confirm their current policy before your visit.
Families will love the 1.5-acre Evans Children's Adventure Garden, which features an interactive waterfall, a cave, and the iconic Evans Treehouse. There's also a charming fairy village to discover, making it an engaging destination for children of all ages.
To fully experience Garvan Woodland Gardens and explore its diverse sections, including the Japanese Garden, architectural features, and various plant collections, most visitors recommend allocating at least 2 to 3 hours. If you plan to enjoy a leisurely pace, take photos, or spend time in the Children's Adventure Garden, you could easily spend half a day.
The gardens boast an impressive collection of hundreds of rare shrubs and trees. Highlights include a wide variety of camellias, magnolias, and roses, alongside more than 160 different types of azaleas. The Garden of the Pine Wind Japanese Garden is particularly noted for its Japanese maples and tree peonies.
While Garvan Woodland Gardens itself has limited dining options, there are various restaurants and cafes available in nearby Hot Springs, Arkansas. Hot Springs National Park is approximately six miles away and offers a range of culinary choices to suit different tastes.
Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended, as you'll be exploring 210 acres of gardens with 4.5 miles of shoreline trails. Dress in layers, especially during spring and fall, to adapt to changing temperatures. Sunscreen and a hat are advisable during warmer months, and rain gear might be useful depending on the forecast.
Garvan Woodland Gardens is closed for the entire month of January. However, during the rest of the winter season (typically November and December), the gardens host their spectacular Holiday Lights display, featuring five million lights across 18 acres. This transforms the gardens into a magical wonderland, drawing thousands of visitors.
Upon entry, visitors are typically provided with a physical map of Garvan Woodland Gardens. You can also often find digital maps on their official website to help plan your route in advance and navigate the various walking trails and loops within the 210-acre property.
Key landmarks include the stunning Anthony Chapel, known for its soaring vaulted ceiling and predominantly glass design, and the Verna Cook Garvan Pavilion. Visitors also enjoy exploring unique bridges like the Bridge of the Full Moon and the Floating Cloud Bridge, as well as the highly-ranked Garden of the Pine Wind Japanese Garden.