Top Botanical Gardens to Visit in Arkansas

1. Overview

Explore the breathtaking botanical gardens of Arkansas, a region renowned for its stunning natural beauty. Discover vibrant landscapes, unique flora, and serene environments perfect for relaxation and education.

2. Introduction

Nothing is better than spending the day outside surrounded by the beauty of nature. Walking through a botanical garden can be relaxing, invigorating, and a fun learning experience. Arkansas, known as the Natural State, boasts several botanical gardens that flourish with color and life during the spring and summer months.

3. Benefits of Visiting Botanical Gardens

Many botanical gardens feature native plants, allowing visitors to learn about the local flora while enjoying the outdoors. Some of these enchanting gardens are located within the city limits of Little Rock or nearby, making them accessible for a quick trip.

4. Top Botanical Gardens in Arkansas

Here are some of the most beautiful botanical gardens worth visiting:

4.1 The Old Mill at T.R. Pugh Memorial Park

The Old Mill is a replica of an 1800’s grist-mill and is famously recognized as the last standing structure from the classic 1939 film Gone with the Wind. Located in North Little Rock, it features impressive gardens on its grounds.

• Location: 3800 Lakeshore Drive, North Little Rock
• Phone: (501) 791-8538

4.2 Garvan Woodland Gardens

This 210-acre park, located near Hot Springs National Park, showcases beautiful floral landscapes, flowing streams, waterfalls, and a variety of architectural structures in a natural woodland setting.

• Location: 498 Arkridge Road, Hot Springs National Park
• Phone: (501) 262-2711 or (888) 530-6873

4.3 Botanical Garden of the Ozarks

This 86-acre site offers a seasonal planting area, a meadow for wildlife spotting, a lakeside hiking trail, and a tree identification tour. Future developments promise an even more impressive garden space.

• Location: 4703 N. Crossover Road, Fayetteville
• Phone: (479) 750-2620

4.4 Blue Spring Heritage Center

This wonderful garden features 33 acres of hardwood trees, native plants, and diverse wildlife. The thoughtfully designed spaces offer a tranquil experience amidst nature.

• Location: 1537 Co Road 210, Eureka Springs
• Phone: (501) 253-9244

4.5 South Arkansas Arboretum

The Arboretum is focused on preserving the native and economically valuable flora of the West Gulf Coastal Plain. It’s an excellent spot for observing a variety of trees, flowers, and birds.

• Location: 1506 Mt Holly Rd, El Dorado
• Phone: (870) 862-8131

4.6 Wildwood Park for the Arts

Located on 105 acres, the gardens of Wildwood celebrate both the arts and nature. The park features diverse gardens, including a daffodil garden, an Asian garden, and several habitats for native flora.

• Location: 20919 Denny Road, Little Rock
• Phone: (501) 821-7275

4.7 Peel Mansion Museum & Heritage Gardens

This garden effectively recreates a 19th-century garden, drawing on interviews and research to reflect the style of the time through various vignette gardens.

• Location: 400 S Walton Boulevard, Bentonville
• Phone: (501) 273-9664

4.8 The Historic Arkansas Museum

Although not a true garden, the Historic Arkansas Museum features a remarkable medicinal herb garden highlighting plants utilized by local settlers and Native Americans for healing purposes.

• Location: 200 E 3rd Street, Little Rock
• Phone: (501) 324-9351

4.9 State Capitol Rose Gardens

The Capitol grounds are adorned with over 1,500 rose bushes and beautiful cherry blossoms, creating an enchanting atmosphere during blooms.

• Location: 500 Woodlane Street, Little Rock
• Phone: (501) 682-3000

4.10 Mountain Valley Spring: Hydroponics

The Mountain Valley Spring Water company showcases hydroponic gardens that demonstrate how plants can thrive in natural mineral water without soil, offering a unique educational experience.

• Location: 150 Central Avenue, Hot Springs National Park
• Phone: (501) 246-8017