Spring hours: 9a-5p (last entry 4p); Wed-Mon
Closed Tuesdays
Explore our Garden
Garden General Admission Prices
Members — FREE
Non-members — $14
Seniors (65+)/Students — $12
Youth 4-12 — $8
Kids 3 & under — FREE
* $1 off/ticket for Groups of 10+
Collections
Managed plant collections are what sets botanical gardens apart from other gardens, parks, and green spaces. Records for each of the plants in our garden are maintained in a way similar to items in a museum. Because of this, the plants in our collection have more than simply aesthetic value; they have educational, historical, and scientific value that plants without a known provenance do not.
Garden Ambassador Tours
Join Idaho Botanical Garden Ambassadors on a free hour-and-a-half-long tour of the grounds. This walk introduces you to the history of the Garden and the major features of the grounds. No need for reservations; arrive 15 minutes before the tour start time.
Garden tours begin mid-May and run every other Thursday and Saturday morning through the end of September. Tours start at 10a and last for approximately an hour and a half. Tour dates are subject to change due to event schedules.
Call us at 208-343-8649 to confirm a date or for more information.
Plan Your Visit
Nestled against the Boise foothills, the Idaho Botanical Garden covers roughly 15 acres that was once the Idaho Penitentiary. The seven main gardens feature a variety of native and adapted plants complemented by smaller collections set amongst art, water features and other historical landmarks.
A leisurely stroll through the Garden takes roughly 60-90 minutes, depending on your pace. We have a small Information Station that sells water, beverages, and snack items. Drinking fountains and a water station are also available.
Not allowed in the garden:
Outside alcohol, smoking or vaping, weapons/firearms or pets.
*Service dogs are allowed on a leash.
Best Garden in Idaho! A garden built on passion for the growing botanical world. Beautiful place during winter or spring and summer…many cool events and is handily located next to historic old prison as well as 5 minutes from down town.
- Elbotino
This is small in acreage, but is just packed with flowers of all different kinds. I took far more pictures here than I did on all of the rest of my trip to Idaho combined
- Rheinhold
The individual gardens were wonderfully marked with botanical information and some history. It was a refreshing way to meander on a hot day in cool shade and seeing a huge variety of flowers and foliage. The many volunteers were very helpful.
- Judi
Last admission is 4:00 pm. Special events or inclimate weather may close the Garden on occasion.
Photography & Filming
Thank you for choosing the Garden as your photography destination. We believe the Garden is a special place and a spectacular location to capture the beauty of our hard work and dedication to horticulture.
We require all photographers to schedule photo shoots with the Garden, due to other events taking place.
Accessibility
Most of the paths are gentle slopes with crushed rock. There are two brick pathways and a central plaza with brick. Plan on wearing sturdy walking shoes and being able to navigate stairs.
Some of the staircases are made of sandstone and have a degree of unevenness, but many have another path as an option. Strollers can be pushed on most paths, and all-terrain wheelchairs are available at no charge. The walk from the admission kiosk to the more cultivated, shaded portion of the Garden is 212 yards long. This includes a 24 yards-long ramp that meets ADA slope requirements. The kiosk offers free all-terrain wheelchairs on a first come basis.