Monarch Butterfly
ParkVirginia, US
Norfolk Botanical Garden
Norfolk Botanical Garden is a stunning 155-acre horticultural haven in Virginia, offering a year-round display of natural beauty and diverse plant life.
About
Norfolk Botanical Garden is a stunning 155-acre horticultural haven in Virginia, offering a year-round display of natural beauty and diverse plant life. Renowned for its exceptional scenery and educational programs, it boasts one of the largest collections of azaleas, camellias, roses, and rhododendrons on the East Coast, making it a premier example of horticultural excellence.
The garden features over 60 distinctive themed gardens, each offering a unique experience. Explore the vibrant Bicentennial Rose Garden, home to over 3,000 rose plants representing more than 430 varieties, particularly breathtaking in June. Discover the tranquility of the Japanese Garden, wander through the impressive Camellia Collection, or marvel at the diverse array of native butterflies in the seasonal Bristow Butterfly House. Families will delight in the WOW Children's Garden, designed for immersive and educational play. The garden is also a sanctuary for wildlife, with over 175 bird species, including bald eagles, and numerous butterflies.
Whether you choose to stroll through its extensive walking trails, enjoy a relaxing tram tour, or experience a unique perspective from a boat gliding along its canals, Norfolk Botanical Garden provides an immersive and inspiring connection to nature. Its vibrant seasonal blooms, intricate garden designs, and commitment to environmental education offer a memorable escape for visitors of all ages and interests, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the plant world. Turn your visit into a safari! Use the Snappit app to scan and log wildlife sightings here.
The Norfolk Botanical Garden's roots trace back to 1938, when Norfolk City Manager Thomas P. Thompson and horticulturalist Frederic Heutte envisioned a grand azalea garden. They secured 75 acres of high, wooded ground and reservoir land, initiating what was then known as the Norfolk Azalea Garden. A significant Works Progress Administration (WPA) grant in 1938 allowed 200 African-American women and 20 men to clear the dense land and plant thousands of azaleas, rhododendrons, and other trees and shrubs by March 1939, laying the foundation for the sprawling garden seen today. In 1958, the Old Dominion Horticultural Society assumed maintenance, officially renaming it the Norfolk Botanical Garden. Throughout the 1950s and 60s, the garden continued to expand, adding themed areas like the Japanese Garden, Desert Plants Garden, Colonial Garden, and Rose Garden. It was recognized for its historical significance in 2005 when it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
What to do here
Enjoy leisurely walks on extensive trails, take a guided tram tour (included with admission), or experience a relaxing boat tour (additional fee) through the canals. Engage in birdwatching—over 175 species have been documented. Explore the various themed gardens, participate in educational programs, or attend seasonal events.
Seasonal info
Spring: Bursting with azaleas, rhododendrons, daffodils, and tulips.
Summer: Peak rose blooms, active Butterfly House, and lush greenery.
Fall: Rich autumn foliage, asters, Black-Eyed Susans, and the Harvest Festival.
Winter: Tranquil landscapes, unique winter blooms, and the dazzling Dominion Energy Garden of Lights.
Accessibility
Wheelchairs are available to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis at the Visitor Center (manual wheelchairs are free; electric wheelchairs have a rental fee). While many paths are paved, some are permeable, packed gravel, which can be tricky but navigable for wheelchairs and strollers.
Don't miss
1
Bicentennial Rose Garden
A magnificent display with thousands of roses.
2
Bristow Butterfly Garden & House
Home to diverse native butterflies (open seasonally).
3
WOW Children's Garden
An interactive adventure garden for younger visitors.
4
Japanese Garden
A serene and thoughtfully designed cultural landscape.
Wildlife you might spot
12Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.
Snap map for this place
Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.
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Good to know before you go
Wear comfortable walking shoes
With 155 acres and extensive trails, you'll be doing a lot of walking.
Bring a reusable water bottle
The Garden provides filtered water dispensers and bottle refill stations, promoting environmental action.
Check tram and boat tour schedules in advance: Times can vary by season and day, so it's good to plan if you wish to experience these guided tours.
Visit in spring for azaleas or June for roses: These periods offer some of the most spectacular floral displays.
Consider a boat tour
It offers a unique and relaxing perspective of the gardens and a chance to spot waterfowl.
Don't miss the WOW Children's Garden if with kids: It's a three-acre area dedicated to interactive and educational fun.
Frequently asked questions
- Yes, picnicking is welcomed and encouraged at Norfolk Botanical Garden. However, open containers of alcohol are not permitted on the property, in accordance with City of Norfolk rules.
- Manual wheelchairs are available to rent for free on a first-come, first-served basis from the Baker Hall Visitor Center. A limited number of electric wheelchairs are also available for a rental fee.
- The Garden is primarily designed for self-guided walking tours. You cannot drive your personal vehicle through the garden, but guided tram tours are available and included with garden admission. Boat tours are also offered for an additional fee.
Recent snaps at this place
May 30, 2026
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Photo attribution
no rights reserved
License: CC0 1.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
May 17, 2026
i
Photo attribution
(c) Gold eagle Kroll, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
May 17, 2026
i
Photo attribution
(c) Gold eagle Kroll, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
May 17, 2026
i
Photo attribution
(c) Gold eagle Kroll, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
May 17, 2026
i
Photo attribution
(c) Gold eagle Kroll, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
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