Monarch Butterfly
ParkIowa, US
Lauritzen Gardens
Lauritzen Gardens is a captivating urban oasis in Omaha, Nebraska, offering a stunning botanical escape for all ages.
About
Lauritzen Gardens is a captivating urban oasis in Omaha, Nebraska, offering a stunning botanical escape for all ages. It is one of the nation's premier botanical gardens, celebrated for its ability to inspire awe, showcase natural beauty, and educate visitors about the wonders of the natural world, both local and global.
Spanning 100 acres, the gardens feature a diverse array of meticulously designed outdoor and indoor displays, each offering a unique experience throughout the year. Visitors can explore a formal Rose Garden blooming with nearly 2,000 rose plants, meander through the tranquil Japanese Garden with its replica of Mt. Fuji, and discover the vibrant colors of the Festival Garden. The Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory, an impressive glass structure, provides a tropical and temperate escape year-round, housing thousands of plants from around the world and featuring waterfalls and streams.
From the playful Model Railroad Garden to the immersive Sofia's Play Garden, Lauritzen Gardens offers a memorable journey for every visitor. Whether seeking peaceful reflection amidst beautiful flora, engaging educational programs, or family-friendly adventures, the gardens serve as a vital community resource that cultivates diverse plant collections and contributes to plant conservation. Be ready to snap and learn! Get the Snappit app to identify any nature species you find here.
The concept for a botanical center in Omaha began to take shape in the early 1980s, driven by community leaders and horticulture advocates. Following extensive planning and site selection, a former limestone quarry and landfill on a bluff overlooking the Missouri River was chosen for its potential to become a unique botanical garden. After years of development, the gardens officially opened in 1994 as the Omaha Botanical Gardens. The visitor center opened in 2001, and the institution was rebranded as Lauritzen Gardens, named in honor of the Lauritzen Family. Major additions over the years include the Model Railroad Garden in 2007, and the Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory in 2014, a 17,000-square-foot glasshouse. The newest addition, Sofia's Play Garden, a 1-acre sensory-friendly space, opened in May 2025.
What to do here
Explore the diverse themed gardens, enjoy seasonal floral displays, ride the tram (May-October), and engage with educational programs. Special events like outdoor concerts at The Oasis and holiday light displays add to the experience.
Seasonal info
Spring: Hundreds of thousands of daffodils, tulips, and tree peonies bloom, especially along the Spring Flowering Walk.
Summer: The Rose Garden is at its peak, the Model Railroad Garden is active, and native wildflowers fill the Song of the Lark Meadow. Outdoor concerts take place at The Oasis.
Fall: Expect vibrant autumn colors in the arboretum and themed seasonal displays.
Winter: The Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory offers a warm, lush retreat. The "Bright Nights" event transforms the gardens with festive lights and holiday displays, including a poinsettia tree and model garden trains.
Accessibility
The indoor facilities, including the Visitor & Education Center and the Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory, are wheelchair and stroller accessible. Paved paths are available throughout much of the outdoor gardens, though some areas may have inclines. Ramps are available to avoid steps in most indoor areas. The tram tour provides a convenient way to see the expansive grounds.
Don't miss
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Don't miss the Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory, the Robert H. Storz Family Rose Garden, the tranquil Japanese Garden, the whimsical Model Railroad Garden, and the family-favorite Sofia's Play Garden. The Spring Flowering Walk is stunning in spring, while the Song of the Lark Meadow showcases native wildflowers in summer.
Wildlife you might spot
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Snap map for this place
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Good to know before you go
Wear comfortable shoes
The gardens cover 100 acres, so there's a lot of walking involved to fully explore all the outdoor areas.
Consider the tram tour
Especially during warmer months (May-October) or if you have limited time or mobility, the narrated tram tour is an excellent way to see the highlights and learn about the gardens.
Check the event calendar
Lauritzen Gardens hosts numerous seasonal events, including "Bright Nights" in winter, summer concerts, and various plant-focused shows. Planning your visit around an event can enhance your experience.
Bring a camera
With stunning plant collections, themed gardens, and unique architectural features, there are countless photo opportunities throughout the year.
Visit Sofia's Play Garden with kids
If visiting with children, dedicate ample time to Sofia's Play Garden, a 1-acre sensory-friendly space designed for interactive nature play.
Pack sunscreen and a hat
During warmer months, much of the outdoor exploration is in direct sunlight.
Frequently asked questions
- Visitors should definitely explore the Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory for tropical plants and seasonal displays, the Robert H. Storz Family Rose Garden, the authentic Japanese Garden, the captivating Model Railroad Garden, and the innovative Sofia's Play Garden. Each offers a distinct and memorable experience.
- Yes, Lauritzen Gardens strives for accessibility. The Visitor & Education Center and the Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory are fully accessible with elevators and ramps. Many outdoor paths are paved, and a tram tour is available from May through October to help visitors navigate the 100-acre site.
- Absolutely! Lauritzen Gardens provides a wide range of educational programs and workshops for all ages, from "Lil' Sprouts" classes for preschoolers to adult courses on floral arranging, drawing, and meditation. They also host special events and seasonal programming throughout the year.
Recent snaps at this place
Jun 1, 2026
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Jun 6, 2026
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