The Springfield Park District's Washington Park Botanical Garden is a place for enjoyment and education. The Garden provides a scene of tranquility and beauty, an oasis of nature, within an urban environment. Visitors enjoy the color of annual and perennial flower beds, the fragrance of the Rose Garden, and the refreshing shade of our many evergreen and deciduous trees. The Garden is also a place for learning. Only through education can we hope to value and protect the delicate balance of nature. Educational workshops are offered at the Garden throughout the year. School tours for preschool through college level are conducted free of charge. Horticultural information is available in the form of guidebooks, handouts, interpretive labeling and a telephone consultation program. And, of course, there are the plant collections themselves. Over 1200 species of plants can be found at the Garden—the rare and unusual, as well as "old favorites" displayed in new and exciting ways.

Admission Fees
Free

Hours of Operation
Monday through Friday Noon - 4:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday Noon - 5:00 p.m.
(Closed on all state holidays. Please call the Garden for specific dates of closure.)

About the Washington Park Botanical Gardens
The Washington Park Botanical Garden, which is open year round, is one of Central Illinois major horticultural attractions with 20 acres of land featuring more than 1800 species of plants in 10 specific garden areas and the Conservatory. The Conservatory is a 50-ft diameter glass dome containing over 150 species of plants with exotic and economically important plants that are arranged by regions to which they are native. The Botanical Garden also features an additional 9,000 square feet of indoor greenhouse area. Discover tropical Africa, the jungles of Asia and the rainforests of South America. Seasonal displays include Easter lilies, poinsettias, orchid exhibits and Japanese bonsai displays. Surrounding the conservatory are a variety of gardens, including a 5,000 plant rose garden, the largest of its kind in central Illinois, an iris garden, perennial border, Betty Mood Smith Rockery, monocot garden, peony collection, shade garden and Roman Cultural and Learn-to-Grow garden.

Weddings and Rentals
Washington Park Botanical Garden offers one of the most stunning settings for an outdoor wedding in the Springfield area. Additionally, the exhibit hall offers a great venue for wedding receptions and business meetings.

Click here for Rental opportunities