Lauritzen Gardens

About

Lauritzen Gardens is Omaha's botanical center, spread across 100 acres along the Missouri River bluffs in south Omaha. It's a place where carefully designed garden rooms, seasonal displays, and a lush indoor conservatory come together to create something truly special for visitors of all ages and abilities.

The gardens feature more than a dozen distinct areas to explore. You'll find a rose garden, a Victorian garden, an herb garden, and an expansive children's garden that's perfect for families. The Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory houses tropical and desert plants year-round, making it a great destination even during Nebraska's colder months. Inside, you can walk among orchids, palms, and cacti regardless of what's happening outside.

Seasonal highlights keep the experience fresh throughout the year. Spring brings thousands of tulips and daffodils. Summer showcases the rose and perennial collections at their peak. Fall offers rich foliage color, and the holiday poinsettia show draws visitors each December. The gardens also host rotating art installations, concerts, and educational programs.

The Great Hall and visitor center provide a comfortable starting point for your visit. You can grab a map, ask staff questions, and get oriented before heading out into the grounds. There's a gift shop with garden-themed items and a cafe for refreshments.

For anyone planning a visit, Lauritzen Gardens is open daily with seasonal hours. It sits just minutes from downtown Omaha, making it easy to combine with other area attractions like the Henry Doorly Zoo nearby. Parking is free and plentiful. The pace here is unhurried, and benches throughout the grounds invite you to sit and simply enjoy your surroundings.

Whether you're a serious horticulture enthusiast or just looking for a calm, beautiful place to spend an afternoon, Lauritzen Gardens delivers a memorable experience rooted in the natural beauty of the Great Plains.

Accessibility

Lauritzen Gardens offers several accessibility features for visitors with mobility needs. The Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory and the Great Hall are both wheelchair and stroller accessible. While some areas of the outdoor gardens include steps (ranging from individual steps to short flights), alternative routes are available to bypass them.

The conservatory's path does have a grade change, with one end at street level and the other at a different elevation, so visitors using wheelchairs should be aware of the slope. Outdoor garden paths vary in surface and terrain, with some sections more accessible than others.

Wheelchair and motorized scooter rentals are available, which is a significant convenience for visitors who need mobility assistance but may not travel with their own equipment. Service animals are welcome throughout the facility.

Free parking is available on-site. The visitor center and Great Hall provide accessible indoor spaces where you can plan your route through the gardens before heading outside.

For visitors with specific accessibility needs or questions about current conditions on particular garden paths, contact Lauritzen Gardens directly before your visit. Seasonal weather and ongoing garden projects can affect path conditions and available routes. Staff can help you identify the most accessible areas and plan a comfortable visit tailored to your needs.

Contact the venue for current details on accessible restroom locations, sensory accommodations, and any recent improvements to pathway accessibility throughout the grounds.

More accessible places in Nebraska

• Joslyn Art Museum (Omaha)
• The Durham Museum (Omaha)
• Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium (Omaha)
• Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge (Omaha)
• Fun‑Plex Waterpark & Rides (Omaha)
• Omaha Children’s Museum (Omaha)