UT Gardens Knoxville
A free, beautiful botanical garden on the UT campus, offering diverse plant collections, art, and a charming children's area.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak blooms, fewer crowds
UT Gardens Knoxville
Best Time
Peak blooms, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A free, beautiful botanical garden on the UT campus, offering diverse plant collections, art, and a charming children's area.
"A true gem in Knoxville, offering stunning beauty and a peaceful escape for free!"
🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun
Leashed dogs are welcome! Enjoy the beautiful grounds with your furry friend.
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
The gardens are a dream backdrop for photos, especially during golden hour.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Children's Garden
Near the main entrance
A whimsical wonderland with tunnels, hobbit mounds, and bunny-themed surprises for little explorers.
Fern Room
Shaded, cool area
A tranquil, cool retreat showcasing a diverse collection of ferns, offering a unique sensory experience.
Art Installations
Throughout the gardens
Discover delightful sculptures and art pieces seamlessly integrated into the natural landscape.
Seasonal Blooms
Various garden sections
Experience a vibrant tapestry of flowers and plants that change with the seasons, offering year-round beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Admission, Big Rewards
Seasonal Surprises & Family Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun
Leashed dogs are welcome! Enjoy the beautiful grounds with your furry friend.
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
The gardens are a dream backdrop for photos, especially during golden hour.
🧺 Picnic Paradise
Pack a lunch and enjoy a peaceful picnic amidst the stunning flora.
🚗 Parking Pointers
Visitor parking is limited; consider arriving early or on a weekday.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun
Leashed dogs are welcome! Enjoy the beautiful grounds with your furry friend.
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
The gardens are a dream backdrop for photos, especially during golden hour.
🧺 Picnic Paradise
Pack a lunch and enjoy a peaceful picnic amidst the stunning flora.
🚗 Parking Pointers
Visitor parking is limited; consider arriving early or on a weekday.
💡 Plant Identification
Most plants are labeled, making it a great learning experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise UT Gardens Knoxville for its beauty, accessibility, and free admission, calling it a true gem in the city. Many highlight the charming children's garden and the delightful art installations. While generally well-maintained, some visitors have noted occasional issues with mosquitoes during warmer months.
"Very nice gardens. Easily walkable paths and most plant species have identification labels. Cost is free but donations accepted. Dedicated parking behind Vet School. Also has a very neat children's area with tunnels, hobbit mounds and shady seating areas. Plant selection is great and I can see they planned for extended blooming during the warm seasons."
mcqueen family
"What a super place to meet old friends living far apart. We ate lunch nearby and then spent a couple of hours wandering through the plants, trees, and flowers. Beautiful layout! Trails are accessible for all. There were so many places to sit and visit tucked within the gardens. I just loved it. And a children's play area. Loved the Bunny theme. A great place to enjoy a quick picnic lunch or wander for hours. Highly recommend."
sarita carlin
"The most beautiful exquisite gardens and I only saw them in the later stages. And still gorgeous. Spring may be best for the flowers. But , there are sculptures and fun surprises in the gardens. It's a great walk , many flat areas to walk as well.
There are vegetable gardens that are organic and pesticides separate gardens , run by the UT students with utmost care.
I've never seen such a variety of trees, plants, flowers cactus 🌵.
This is FREE ya'll! A gem in Knoxville. Though, I'm sure support would be welcome!"
Dee S
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
UT Gardens Knoxville is located at 218 Jacob Drive, Knoxville, TN. It's easily accessible by car, and visitor parking is available behind the Vet School. Some visitors note that parking can be limited, so arriving early or on a weekday is recommended.
While specific public transport routes are not detailed in the provided content, it's advisable to check local Knoxville transit schedules for bus routes that may service the University of Tennessee campus area.
Navigate to 218 Jacob Drive, Knoxville, TN. The gardens are situated on the University of Tennessee campus.
Visitor parking is available behind the Vet School, but it can be limited, especially during peak times or events. Arriving early or on a weekday is a good strategy to secure a spot.
While not explicitly mentioned, cycling to the gardens is likely feasible given its campus location. Be sure to check for bike racks upon arrival.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to UT Gardens Knoxville is completely free! +2 Donations are accepted and appreciated to support the gardens.
Yes, UT Gardens offers annual membership drives. Membership provides benefits and is a way to support the State Botanical Garden of Tennessee across its campuses.
The gardens are generally open and maintained year-round, so there is always something to see. Specific hours are not detailed, but it's implied to be accessible during daylight.
No, tickets are not required as admission is free. You can visit anytime during their open hours. +1
While the gardens are free, special events like the 'Howloween Pooch Parade' do occur. It's always a good idea to check their official channels for any event-specific information.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Explore diverse plant collections, art installations, a dedicated children's garden, and peaceful walking trails. +2 It's a great place for a relaxing stroll or a family outing.
Absolutely! The gardens feature a fantastic children's area with tunnels and hobbit mounds, making it a fun and engaging experience for kids.
Yes, UT Gardens is dog-friendly! Leashed dogs are welcome to explore the beautiful grounds with their owners.
The gardens have easily walkable paths, with many flat areas suitable for all visitors, including those with mobility considerations.
You'll find a wide variety of trees, plants, flowers, and succulents, with seasonal blooms offering continuous beauty. +1
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, UT Gardens is a photographer's dream! It's a popular spot for engagement, family, and nature photography due to its beautiful flora and art installations.
Golden hour, the period shortly after sunrise or before sunset, offers magical lighting for stunning photographs.
While generally welcoming to photographers, it's always wise to be mindful of other visitors and avoid disruptive practices. Professional photographers may want to inquire about any specific guidelines.
The vibrant flower beds, art sculptures, the fern room, and the children's garden all offer unique and picturesque opportunities.
Information regarding drone usage is not provided. It's recommended to check with the UT Gardens administration for their policy on drones.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack a picnic to enjoy amidst the beautiful scenery, making it a perfect, budget-friendly family day out. 🐶 Dog Lovers
It's a fantastic opportunity for your dog to enjoy new sights and smells in a safe and scenic environment. Remember to bring water for your pet and always clean up after them. 📸 Photographers & Content Creators
+2 It's a popular location for engagement, family, and nature photography. +1 Be sure to visit during different seasons to capture the garden's ever-changing beauty. 🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the UT Gardens: A Horticultural Haven
The gardens are not just about plants; they also incorporate artistic elements. You'll find various art installations scattered throughout, adding an extra layer of visual interest to your stroll.
This blend of natural beauty, art, and horticultural research makes UT Gardens a unique and enriching destination.Key Features:
* Year-round maintenance: Always something to see.
* Diverse plant collections: Including succulents and cacti.
* Accessible pathways: Suitable for all visitors.
* Integrated art installations: Adding visual appeal.
* Horticultural research: Showcasing innovation.
Family Adventures at UT Gardens
Beyond the dedicated children's area, the entire garden provides a wonderful opportunity for families to connect with nature. You can enjoy a leisurely walk, discover different plant species, and even have a picnic amidst the beautiful scenery.
The accessibility of the paths ensures that even families with strollers or very young children can navigate the grounds comfortably. Photography Hotspots in UT Gardens
+1 It's a particularly popular spot for engagement and family portraits, with photographers often highlighting the magical quality of the light during 'golden hour.' +1Beyond posed portraits, the gardens offer countless candid moments. Capture the intricate details of flowers, the serene flow of the koi pond, or the playful antics of the resident bunnies.
Remember to be respectful of other visitors and the garden's delicate ecosystem while you capture its beauty. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit