Lauritzen Gardens Omaha
Omaha's 100-acre botanical oasis, featuring diverse themed gardens, a conservatory, and a popular children's play area.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Flowers in full bloom, pleasant weather
Lauritzen Gardens Omaha
Best Time
Flowers in full bloom, pleasant weather

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Omaha's 100-acre botanical oasis, featuring diverse themed gardens, a conservatory, and a popular children's play area.
"A beautiful, charming, peaceful place with unbelievable pictures and a lot of walking!"
🎟️ Book Tickets in Advance
Especially for special events like Bright Nights, booking online ahead of time is essential .
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across 100 acres, so comfy footwear is a must!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sophia's Play Garden
Children's Play Area
An incredible, interactive space for kids with a puppet stage, craft station, splash pad, and more!

Model Railroad Garden
Model Railroad Garden
Charming miniature trains chugging through beautifully crafted landscapes, a delight for all ages.

Rose Garden
Rose Garden
A fragrant and visually stunning collection of roses, especially vibrant during bloom season.

Conservatory
Donald F. & Marilyn K. Nelson Conservatory
A soaring glass structure filled with diverse plants and tranquil water features, offering a peaceful escape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Explore Beyond the Main Path
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets in Advance
Especially for special events like Bright Nights, booking online ahead of time is essential.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across 100 acres, so comfy footwear is a must!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring water bottles, especially during warmer months. Some areas have water features for cooling off.
☀️ Prepare for Sun
Hats and sunglasses are recommended, even on partly cloudy days, as many paths are exposed.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets in Advance
Especially for special events like Bright Nights, booking online ahead of time is essential.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across 100 acres, so comfy footwear is a must!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring water bottles, especially during warmer months. Some areas have water features for cooling off.
☀️ Prepare for Sun
Hats and sunglasses are recommended, even on partly cloudy days, as many paths are exposed.
📸 Capture the Beauty
The gardens offer countless photo opportunities, from intricate blooms to sweeping landscapes.
👨👩👧👦 Kids Love Sophia's Garden
This new play area is a huge hit with children and offers interactive fun for all ages.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Lauritzen Gardens for its beauty, tranquility, and extensive grounds. The addition of Sophia's Play Garden has made it a top family destination. While the heat can be a factor in summer, the overall experience is highly regarded, with many visitors planning return trips.
"A beautiful, charming, peaceful place. The vast gardens were SO beautiful, the pictures I got here were unbelievable. I’m so glad we stopped by here. We walked to all the gardens our feet allowed us to (be prepared for a lot of walking!), and then took the tram to see the rose garden and model train garden. We will definitely be coming back! Thank you Omaha for such a beautiful vacation 💚💛"
Sarah P
"For those who love being one with nature, this is the place for you! I wish I could have seen more flowers in bloom, but the scenery is worth its weight in silver alone. Most gardens I’ve seen are confined by the layout of the city surrounding it; that’s not the case here. Lauritzen Gardens sits on 100 acres! It’s a wonderful location for a romantic stroll, for children to release energy during a nature scavenger hunt, or for finding peace and solitude. I appreciate what this place offers and visit more cities that use this model when building their gardens."
Alexander Vallar
"Today was free admission day, so I went with my family to check out some of the new things. They built a new outdoor area called Sofia’s Playground. So many fun and interactive plants, structures, and activities. Great for younger kids, and my 14 year old daughter loved it as well. So excited for the new renovations coming soon! Hoping to have so much more in the near future. Great place for families. Make sure to bring fans, hats walking shoes, and sunglasses. You will need them! Mostly shaded trails depending on the time of day but it doesn’t hurt to be prepared!"
Deeya Gandhi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lauritzen Gardens is located at 100 Bancroft Street in Omaha, NE. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. Public transportation options may also be available; check local transit schedules for routes serving the area.
Yes, Lauritzen Gardens provides parking for visitors. It's generally ample, but can fill up during peak times or special events.
Yes, some local libraries offer a Discover Pass that can provide free admission to Lauritzen Gardens, making it a budget-friendly option.
Information on public transport routes to Lauritzen Gardens can be found on the Omaha Metro website. It's advisable to check their schedule for the most up-to-date information.
The gardens span 100 acres, so comfortable walking shoes are essential. For those who prefer not to walk long distances, a tram service is available to reach various garden sections.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission prices vary. Adults are typically around $15, and children (ages 3-12) are about $9. Kids 2 and under are often free. Annual household memberships are also available for around $130.
Lauritzen Gardens is generally open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, though hours can vary seasonally and for special events. It's always best to check their official website for the most current operating hours.
While not always required for general admission, purchasing tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially for popular events like Bright Nights, to ensure entry.
Yes, Lauritzen Gardens sometimes offers free admission days, which can be a great opportunity to visit with family. Keep an eye on their announcements for these special dates.
General admission typically grants access to all outdoor gardens, walking paths, and the conservatory. Special exhibits or events may require separate tickets.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
Don't miss Sophia's Play Garden for kids,
the Model Railroad Garden, the Rose Garden, and the Conservatory. The gardens are always changing with the seasons, offering something new to discover.Absolutely! Sophia's Play Garden is a major draw for families, offering interactive and engaging activities. The vast grounds also provide space for kids to explore and burn energy.
Lauritzen Gardens hosts a variety of events, including the annual Antiques & Design Show,
Bright Nights holiday display, bonsai shows, and seasonal celebrations. Check their calendar for upcoming events.Yes, Lauritzen Gardens is a very photogenic location. Visitors are encouraged to take photos, and it's a popular spot for photographers, especially during golden hour on Mondays and Tuesdays when they have later hours.
In the past, parts of the gardens like the conservatory or coffee shop have undergone construction. It's always a good idea to check their website for any current or upcoming renovation notices before your visit.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Lauritzen Gardens has a cafe and a gift shop where visitors can purchase refreshments and snacks. For more extensive dining options, there are many restaurants in the surrounding Omaha area.
Picnicking is generally allowed in designated areas of the gardens. It's best to confirm their specific policies on outside food and beverages before your visit.
The area around Lauritzen Gardens offers a variety of dining choices, from casual cafes to more upscale restaurants. Exploring downtown Omaha or the Old Market district will provide numerous options.
Yes, Lauritzen Gardens typically has a coffee shop, which can be a nice spot to relax and refuel. However, it may be subject to seasonal hours or construction closures.
Occasionally, Lauritzen Gardens hosts special events that may include catering or dining experiences, particularly for private events or their Antiques & Design Show.
📸 📸 Photography
Every corner of Lauritzen Gardens offers stunning photo opportunities. The Conservatory, Rose Garden, and the various themed gardens provide diverse backdrops. The Model Railroad Garden and Sophia's Play Garden are also great for capturing unique shots.
Generally, personal photography is allowed and encouraged throughout the gardens. However, commercial photography or drone usage may require special permits. Always check their guidelines.
The 'golden hour' shortly after sunrise and before sunset offers beautiful, soft lighting perfect for photography. Lauritzen Gardens' later hours on Mondays and Tuesdays are ideal for capturing this magical light.
While tripods are usually permitted for personal use, large professional setups or extensive lighting equipment might require prior approval. It's wise to contact the gardens directly if you plan on a professional photoshoot.
Yes, photography is typically allowed during events like Bright Nights, allowing you to capture the festive holiday displays. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect the exhibits.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond Sophia's Play Garden, the Model Railroad Garden is another hit with younger visitors. The sheer size of the gardens (100 acres) means there's plenty of space to run around and explore. Consider utilizing the tram service to navigate between different garden areas if little legs get tired. Free admission days or using a library's Discover Pass can make it an even more budget-friendly outing.
❤️ Couples & Romantic Getaways
For a truly magical experience, consider visiting during the golden hour on Mondays or Tuesdays when the gardens stay open later, offering stunning light for photos and a peaceful ambiance. The sheer beauty and peacefulness of the 100-acre landscape make it an ideal spot for a romantic afternoon or a picturesque picnic.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
For the best light, aim for the golden hour shortly after sunrise or before sunset. The gardens' extended hours on Mondays and Tuesdays are particularly beneficial for photographers seeking this optimal lighting. While personal photography is welcome, professional shoots or extensive equipment may require prior arrangements with the garden administration.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Sophia's Play Garden: A Kid's Paradise
Parents rave about the thoughtful design and the sheer amount of fun packed into this area. The inclusion of water features means bringing a change of clothes is a smart move. It's a place where children can be wild, carefree, and deeply connected with the natural world. The garden's staff are also praised for their welcoming attitude towards families, making it a stress-free outing for everyone involved.
Seasonal Spectacles and Special Events
During the holiday season, the gardens transform into a magical wonderland with 'Bright Nights,' an indoor floral display illuminated by festive lights that requires advanced ticket purchase. The annual Lauritzen Gardens Antiques & Design Show is another significant event, drawing exhibitors and design experts from across the country. Other events, like the Nebraska Bonsai Society's Spring Show, highlight specific horticultural interests and offer unique viewing opportunities. Checking their event calendar is key to experiencing the full breadth of what Lauritzen Gardens offers.
Exploring the 100 Acres: Beyond the Main Paths
The Donald F. & Marilyn K. Nelson Conservatory is a year-round attraction, housing a diverse collection of plants within its soaring glass structure. It offers a peaceful environment with water features and lush greenery, providing a welcome respite regardless of the weather outside. For those who wish to cover more ground or have mobility concerns, a tram service is available to transport visitors to different sections of the gardens, ensuring everyone can experience its full splendor.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit