Overview
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.
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 1200 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. Discover tropical Africa, the jungles of Asia and the rainforests of South America. Seasonal displays include Easter lilies, poinsettias, and orchid exhibits. 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.
TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR OF THE WASHINGTON PARK BOTANICAL GARDEN
Hours
Business Hours Open to the Public:
Mon-Fri 12pm - 4pm
Sat & Sun 12pm - 5pm
(Closed on all state holidays. Please call the Garden for specific dates of closure.) The grounds can be viewed anytime from dawn to dusk. Patrons must be out of the park by 10:30pm.
Admission
Admission to the grounds and conservatory are free, however we do sell a Washington Park Botanical Garden Membership Pass that comes with a variety of of perks and reciprocal privileges.
Activities
For a list of activities held at the Washington Park Botanical Garden, please click the button below.
ACTIVITIES
Amenities
- Free Wi-Fi
- Free Parking
- Water Fountain
- Restrooms
- Diaper Changing Stations
- Benches and shade respite areas
- Vending Machines
Botanical Exhibit Hall CAP: 120
Botanical Garden Annual Display Bed CAP: 200+
Botanical Garden Outdoor Plaza CAP: 200+
Botanical Garden Rose Garden CAP: 100+
Botanical Garden Roman Cultural Garden CAP: 100
For full details on each of these amenities, just go to our Facility Rentals page.
LEARN MORE
Staff
Alexa Bryan Potts
Botanical General Manager
BOTANICAL GARDENS
1740 W Fayette Ave, Spfld IL 62704
Mandy McCann
Botanical Horticulture Curator
BOTANICAL GARDENS
1740 W Fayette Ave, Spfld IL 62704
Charli Swain
Facility Program Supervisor
BOTANICAL GARDENS
1740 W Fayette Ave, Spfld IL 62704
FAQs
General
Are there restrooms at the garden?
Yes, the facility has restrooms for patrons to use during regular business hours of Mon-Fri: 12:00 - 4:00pm, Sat-Sun: 12:00 - 5:00pm
Is there parking at the garden?
Parking is free at the WPBG. We have a main parking lot off Fayette Avenue, and we also have additional parking south of the Rose Garden.
Is the garden wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the facility is wheelchair accessible. Most of the Garden grounds are also wheelchair accessible, but there are some areas that are off paved pathways. With advance notice and availability, patrons and visitors who request closer access to the building can pull into the employee lot behind the WPBG facility for drop-offs.
Can you purchase plants at the garden? Do you have a Gift Shop?
We do not have a gift shop available. We offer plant sales throughout the calendar year where plants may be purchased. Please call the Washington Park Botanical Garden for specific dates of plant sales, 217-546-4116.
Can visitors picnic on the garden grounds?
Yes, visitors are welcome to have picnics on our grounds. We do not have a designated picnic area with tables. There are only a few picnic tables situated on the Washington Park Botanical Garden grounds. All waste must be disposed of in the nearest trash receptacle. Food/drink is not
permitted inside the Garden Conservatory.
Are dogs welcome at the garden?
Yes, we allow dogs on our grounds. They must be always leashed, and all refuse must be properly disposed of in the nearest trash receptacle. Only service dogs are permitted within the Washington Park Botanical Garden facility.
Can I ride my scooter/rollerblades/bicycle/skateboard at the Washington Park Botanical Garden?
While we welcome visitors on our grounds, wheeled patrons included, we do discourage riding these wheeled items over our garden pavers, benches, walls, and other hardscapes for choreographed stunts performed with rollerblades and skateboards.
Do you allow professional photography at the garden? What about drone photography?
Visitors are welcome to take photographs on their visit to the Washington Park Botanical Garden. We do permit professional photography too but ask that they respect the flower beds and not have their clients posed within the flower beds. A permit must be obtained from the Springfield Park District before the flying of any model aircraft (drones) on District property.
Is smoking allowed at the garden?
Patrons are permitted to smoke on the garden grounds only; however, they must dispose of their refuse in the nearest trash receptacle. Smoking cannot be done within 15 feet of the Washington Park Botanical Garden facility.
Park District Code of Conduct
These are just a few of the rules for the use of grounds and facilities with the Springfield Park District at the Washington Park Botanical Gardens. We expect that all vendors and patrons abide by our District Code of Conduct and will be held accountable for their behaviors when visiting the property. Please see a full copy of this document, just click the link to view. PARK DIST CODE CONDUCT