Lauritzen Gardens

Just minutes from downtown Omaha, Lauritzen Gardens offers a peaceful escape into nature with its beautifully designed gardens and exhibits. This 100-acre botanical center isn't just a place to admire flowers—it’s an all-seasons destination where guests can explore, learn, and relax. Whether you're a seasoned gardener, a curious visitor, or just looking for a quiet walk among the blooms, Lauritzen Gardens is well worth your time.

Recommended For

Lauritzen Gardens is a great choice if you’re looking for:

A relaxing outdoor retreat—with shady paths, garden views, and peaceful benches throughout
Family-friendly fun—kids love the model trains and interactive Children’s Garden
Seasonal color and blooms—there’s something in flower every month of the year
Inspiration for your own garden—with themed plantings and practical design ideas
Unique events and exhibits—from floral displays to holiday lights and plant sales

What You’ll Find at Lauritzen Gardens

The gardens are thoughtfully laid out, making it easy to explore at your own pace. Start at the Visitor and Education Center, where you’ll find restrooms, a café, gift shop, and rotating floral exhibits. From there, choose your own path through the garden’s many highlights:

Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory: A tropical haven indoors—great for cold or rainy days
Model Railroad Garden: Kids (and adults) will love watching seven trains loop through miniature Omaha landmarks
Robert H. Storz Family Rose Garden: Best viewed mid-June when over 2,000 rose plants are in bloom
Garden of Memories: Ideal for quiet reflection, with its long reflecting pool and thoughtful tributes
Song of the Lark Meadow: For lovers of wildflowers and native prairie plants
Herb Garden: Features culinary and medicinal herbs—great for home gardeners and plant lovers alike

Don’t Miss These Special Gardens

Depending on the season, be sure to stroll through:

Spring Flowering Walk: In early spring, look for crocuses, grape hyacinths, and flowering trees
Peony Garden: Blooms beautifully in late spring with Chinese and Japanese varieties
Victorian and English Gardens: These offer timeless elegance with traditional designs and salvaged Omaha architecture
Festival Garden: Hosts summer events and often features large-scale floral displays

History and Mission

Lauritzen Gardens has grown from a visionary idea in 1980 to a flourishing, community-focused destination. Thanks to a public-private partnership, it now attracts over 220,000 annual visitors and offers a wide range of educational and conservation programs. The gardens continue to expand every year—so there’s always something new to see, even for returning guests.

Helpful Tips for Your Visit

Wear comfortable shoes—many paths are paved, but you’ll want to explore it all
Visit early in the day during warmer months to beat the heat
Bring a camera or phone—there are plenty of photo-worthy moments
Check the event calendar before your visit—there may be classes, exhibits, or seasonal celebrations

Plan Your Visit

For hours, admission, and seasonal events, check out the Lauritzen Gardens website
100 Bancroft St, Omaha, NE 68108
Phone: 402-346-4002