University of Delaware Botanic Gardens - Image 1
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University of Delaware Botanic Gardens

4.5
·138 reviews·Newark, United States

Discover diverse plant collections and a vibrant Lepidoptera Trail at the University of Delaware Botanic Gardens, adjacent to the famous UDairy Creame...

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Summer mornings

Peak bloom and active pollinators

CrowdLow
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University of Delaware Botanic Gardens - Image 1

University of Delaware Botanic Gardens

Best Time

Spring & Summer mornings

Peak bloom and active pollinators

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover diverse plant collections and a vibrant Lepidoptera Trail at the University of Delaware Botanic Gardens, adjacent to the famous UDairy Creamery.

4.5
(138 reviews)

"A great place to see unusual plants and enjoy delicious ice cream from the UDairy Creamery!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Parking App Essential

Download the parking app before you arrive; payment is required for parking. :iphone:

📸 Macro Photography Paradise

Ideal for macro photographers, especially for capturing insects and flowers. :camerawithflash:

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lepidoptera Trail

Lepidoptera Trail

University of Delaware Botanic Gardens

Discover native plants and host plants for caterpillars, a haven for butterflies and moths.

Diverse Garden Zones

Diverse Garden Zones

University of Delaware Botanic Gardens

Explore various garden types, from swampy areas to meticulously labeled plant collections.

UDairy Creamery

UDairy Creamery

Adjacent to the gardens

Indulge in delicious ice cream made with milk from the university's own cows.

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Planning Your Visit

Parking and Access

Parking requires a mobile app and payment, typically around $1.50 for 30 minutes. Download the app beforehand to avoid delays. The outdoor gardens are free to wander, but some areas might be less developed or temporarily removed for seasonal changes.

Best Viewing Times

While the gardens are open, consider visiting during warmer months for peak bloom. Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light for photography and fewer crowds, especially if you plan to visit the nearby UD Creamery.

Best Times

When
Spring & Summer mornings
Why
Peak bloom and active pollinators
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
Combine with UD Creamery visit
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

From farm to cone,🍦UDairy Creamery’s ice cream is made with milk from their own cows! 🐮 Try their wild, exclusive flavors, take home a container, and wander the beautiful University of Delaware Botanic Gardens for free! 🌷 #UDairy #udbotanicalgardens #universityofdelaware #delawarefood #icecream #delaware
302.life
111 likes • 5.2K views

🚗 Parking App Essential

Download the parking app before you arrive; payment is required for parking. :iphone:

📸 Macro Photography Paradise

Ideal for macro photographers, especially for capturing insects and flowers. :camerawithflash:

reddit.com

What are some things to do and see in Newark?

reddit.com

Date ideas? Newark/wilmington

🦋 Pollinator Haven

Look for diverse milkweed and host plants, perfect for spotting butterflies. :butterfly:

🍦 Sweet Treat Nearby

Don't miss the UDairy Creamery for unique ice cream flavors. :ice_cream:

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking App Essential

Download the parking app before you arrive; payment is required for parking. :iphone:

📸 Macro Photography Paradise

Ideal for macro photographers, especially for capturing insects and flowers. :camerawithflash:

🦋 Pollinator Haven

Look for diverse milkweed and host plants, perfect for spotting butterflies. :butterfly:

🍦 Sweet Treat Nearby

Don't miss the UDairy Creamery for unique ice cream flavors. :ice_cream:

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the paths and trails. :athletic_shoe:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(138 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the University of Delaware Botanic Gardens a pleasant, free outdoor space with diverse plant collections and a notable Lepidoptera Trail. The adjacent UDairy Creamery is a popular draw for its unique ice cream flavors. While the gardens are lovely for a short visit, some find them small, and parking requires a mobile app.

"The outdoor garden areas are small. You only need about 30 minutes to see everything. The cow pasture is right next to the gardens, so you might get to see the cows a little closer up. I'm not sure if there are any indoor areas. We didn't see any type of public entrance. You have to download an app to pay for parking. The instructions are on the posted signs in the parking lot. We paid about $1.50 for 30 minutes, so not bad. It was nice walking the gardens and seeing all the different plants. There was no fee to walk the outside gardens. There's also a trail, but we didn't go down it. If all you want are small gardens to walk through, these gardens are perfect, especially since they're free except for the parking."

P. Dixon

"This is a great place to see what unusual plants can be grown in the region! It doesn’t hurt that the creamery is in the same parking lot 🍨"

Karl Gercens

"This place has several different zones to perause ranging from swamp lands to gardens. The plants are labeled and there are nice paths to walk on. Most of the buildings we're closed when I went in the afternoon. The gardens are really close to the UD creamery which is nice."

Hunter Richman

What People Like

Free outdoor gardens
Lepidoptera Trail
UDairy Creamery ice cream

What People Dislike

Small garden size
Parking app required
Seasonal plant changes

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The gardens are located on the University of Delaware campus in Newark. Parking is available nearby and requires payment via a mobile app. Check signage for specific instructions. Reddit

Information on public transportation routes to the University of Delaware campus can be found on local transit websites. Once on campus, the gardens are accessible by walking. Reddit

Specific driving directions will depend on your starting point. Use a GPS navigation system and search for the University of Delaware Botanic Gardens or the UDairy Creamery, as they share parking facilities. Reddit

The gardens are open to the public and do not have a formal entrance gate. You can access the outdoor garden areas directly from the parking lot. Reddit

Yes, the University of Delaware Botanic Gardens are open to the public. Enjoy the beautiful plant collections and trails. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there is no fee to enter and walk through the outdoor garden areas. Parking, however, requires payment through a mobile app. Reddit

The outdoor gardens are generally accessible during daylight hours. Specific hours may vary, and it's advisable to check for any campus event closures. Reddit

Yes, parking is paid and typically managed through a mobile application. Expect to pay around $1.50 for 30 minutes. Reddit

Parking is usually on a first-come, first-served basis, and payment is handled via the app upon arrival. It's recommended to download the app before your visit. Reddit

Based on visitor experiences, most of the accessible areas are outdoors. It's unclear if there are any indoor botanical exhibits. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Absolutely! It's a fantastic spot for macro photography, especially for capturing insects, flowers, and butterflies. The Lepidoptera Trail is particularly popular. TikTokReddit

Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light, ideal for photography. Night macro photography has also been reported as a unique and rewarding experience. Reddit

Generally, personal photography is welcome. However, for commercial or professional shoots, it's always best to check with the university for any specific guidelines or permits. Reddit

You'll find a variety of subjects, including diverse plant species, blooming flowers, bees, butterflies, caterpillars, and potentially cows from the adjacent pasture. TikTokReddit

The Lepidoptera Trail is highly recommended for its native plants and host species. Exploring the different garden zones also offers varied photographic opportunities. Reddit

🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience

Most visitors spend about 30 minutes to an hour exploring the outdoor gardens. Nature enthusiasts and photographers might spend up to two hours. Reddit

Yes, there are nice paths to walk on throughout the gardens. Comfortable shoes are recommended for exploring. Reddit

The cow pasture is located next to the gardens, so you might get to see the cows up close while you're there. TikTokReddit

Yes, the plants are labeled, and placards are informative, providing details about the species. Reddit

You can see a variety of unusual plants that can be grown in the region, including native plants, host plants for caterpillars, and diverse garden collections. Reddit

🍽️ 🍦 Food & Dining

While there are no dining facilities within the gardens themselves, the UDairy Creamery is located in the same parking lot, offering delicious ice cream. TikTokReddit

UDairy Creamery is known for its unique and exclusive flavors made with milk from their own cows. They offer a rotating selection of creative ice cream options. TikTok

Picnicking is generally allowed in campus green spaces, but it's always a good idea to check university policies regarding food and beverages in specific garden areas. Reddit

Newark offers various dining options. You can find cafes, restaurants, and eateries in the town center, a short distance from the university campus. Reddit

Operating hours for the UDairy Creamery can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The University of Delaware Botanic Gardens offer a pleasant and educational outing for families. The Lepidoptera Trail is particularly engaging for children, providing opportunities to spot butterflies and learn about their life cycle. The presence of cows at the nearby UDairy Creamery is also a big hit with younger visitors. TikTokReddit

Keep in mind that parking requires a mobile app and payment, so be prepared for that. The outdoor gardens are free to explore, making it an affordable activity. Pack snacks and drinks, as on-site facilities are limited, but the nearby creamery offers a delightful treat. Reddit

📸 Photographers

This location is a gem for photographers, especially those interested in macro photography. The diverse plant life, blooming flowers, and abundant insect activity provide endless subjects. The Lepidoptera Trail is a must-visit for capturing butterflies and other pollinators in their natural habitat. Reddit

Experiment with different times of day for optimal lighting; early mornings and late afternoons are ideal. Some photographers have even found success with night macro photography. The variety of garden zones also offers diverse visual backdrops for your shots. TikTokReddit

🚶‍♀️ Nature Walkers & Garden Enthusiasts

For those who enjoy a leisurely stroll through well-maintained gardens, this spot is perfect. You can explore various garden zones, from swampy areas to collections of regional plants, all with informative labels. The Lepidoptera Trail offers a focused experience on native flora and pollinator habitats. Reddit

While the outdoor gardens are free, remember to factor in parking costs. The experience is best enjoyed at a relaxed pace, allowing time to appreciate the plant diversity and observe any wildlife present. Combine your visit with a stop at the UDairy Creamery for a refreshing treat. TikTokReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Lepidoptera Trail

The Lepidoptera Trail is a standout feature for nature lovers and photographers at the University of Delaware Botanic Gardens. This section is thoughtfully designed with native plants and specific host plants crucial for the life cycle of moths and butterflies. Visitors have reported seeing a variety of caterpillars, bees, and butterflies here, making it a vibrant spot for observing local insect life. Reddit

This trail is particularly appealing for those interested in pollinator gardens and conservation efforts. The well-marked plants provide valuable information for educational purposes, and the abundance of milkweed, for instance, highlights its importance for Monarch butterflies, even if sightings are not guaranteed. Reddit

For photographers, the Lepidoptera Trail offers excellent opportunities for macro photography, capturing intricate details of insects and flora. The variety of species and the natural setting make it a rewarding location for both casual snapshots and more serious photographic endeavors. Reddit

Photography Opportunities

The University of Delaware Botanic Gardens are a dream for photographers, especially those with a penchant for macro photography. The diverse plant life, vibrant blooms, and abundant insect activity provide endless subjects. Visitors have shared stunning images of bees, butterflies, and intricate flower details captured within the gardens. Reddit

Beyond macro, the various garden zones offer different aesthetic backdrops. From swampy areas to meticulously curated collections, photographers can find unique compositions. The Lepidoptera Trail is a prime location for capturing wildlife in its natural habitat. Reddit

For the best photographic results, consider visiting during the golden hours – early morning or late afternoon – when the light is soft and flattering. Some photographers have even experimented with night macro photography, reporting surprisingly good results and unique perspectives. TikTokReddit

The UDairy Creamery Experience

A significant draw for many visitors to the University of Delaware Botanic Gardens is the adjacent UDairy Creamery. This popular spot serves ice cream made with milk from the university's own cows, offering a farm-to-cone experience. TikTok

The creamery is celebrated for its unique and exclusive flavors, which change regularly. Visitors often rave about the creative combinations and the quality of the ice cream, making it a perfect treat after a stroll through the gardens. Taking home a container of their signature flavors is also a popular option. TikTok

Its proximity to the gardens makes it an ideal stop for a sweet conclusion to your visit. Combining a walk through the beautiful botanical displays with a scoop of delicious, locally-sourced ice cream is a highly recommended experience for many. TikTokReddit

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