Located across from Milner Plaza on Museum Hill, the Santa Fe Botanical Garden invites visitors to explore the rich botanical diversity of Northern New Mexico. Spanning more than 12 scenic acres, the Garden showcases regional plants, historic structures, and immersive educational exhibits—offering something for gardeners, nature lovers, and families alike.

Recommended For

The Garden is an ideal destination for:

  • Plant enthusiasts—interested in native and adapted species
  • Families and children—with hands-on learning experiences
  • Nature lovers—who want to explore New Mexico’s unique ecosystems
  • History and culture buffs—through ethnobotanical exhibits and restored landmarks

Main Locations

  • Santa Fe Botanical Garden at Museum Hill: Featuring gardens, sculptures, trails, and education spaces
  • Leonora Curtin Wetland Preserve: A 35-acre nature preserve with diverse plant communities and wildlife
  • Ortiz Mountains Educational Preserve: A protected area offering hikes and geology-focused programs

Garden Highlights at Museum Hill

  • Orchard Gardens: Home to fruit trees, perennial borders, and meadows
  • Shrub Rose & Lavender Walk: A fragrant stroll through seasonal blooms
  • Meadow Garden Sculpture: Blends art and nature in a beautiful open space
  • Ojos y Manos: Eyes and Hands: Explore ethnobotany through interactive features, crop gardens, and classrooms
  • Kearny’s Gap Bridge: A restored 1913 Warren truss bridge that honors New Mexico’s past
  • Walking Trails: Main and secondary trails wind through the Arroyo de Los Pinos and connect key garden areas

Ojos y Manos: Eyes and Hands

  • Designed by landscape architect W. Gary Smith
  • Dedicated to the intersection of people and plants in Northern New Mexico
  • Includes:
    • 100-seat pavilion
    • Outdoor classrooms
    • Tiered crop gardens
    • Ethnobotanical plantings
  • Educational topics: Art, cooking, weaving, science, and sustainability

Leonora Curtin Wetland Preserve

  • Location: Adjacent to El Rancho de las Golondrinas, south of Santa Fe
  • Size: 35 acres
  • Habitat: Features three plant communities—riparian/wetland, transitional, and dry uplands
  • Wildlife: Home to birds, invertebrates, and native wetland species
  • Nature Walks: Held on the first and third Saturday of each month at 10:00 a.m. No reservation needed

Education & Programs

  • Adult Programs: Botany classes, garden tours, lectures, and guided hikes
  • Youth & Family Programs:
    • Garden Sprouts
    • Arts Alive!
    • Wetland Wanderings
    • Tuesday Family Mornings

Visitor Services

  • Temporary Visitor Center: Open year-round with helpful information and guides
  • Garden Shop: Located at the front entrance; offers:
    • Books on gardening and botany
    • Tools, clothing, and scarves
    • Decorative and nature-themed gifts
  • Free Guided Tours: Offered daily with expert guides to deepen your visit

Library Resources

  • Terence S. Terr Botanical and Horticultural Library: Houses over 2,000 titles on:
    • Botany, horticulture, landscaping
    • Regional flora and botanical history

Historical Highlights

  • Founded: 1987 by local gardeners, botanists, and conservationists
  • Museum Hill Location: Established in 2006 after receiving 11 acres from the City of Santa Fe
  • Ortiz Mountains Preserve: Acquired in 2001 for educational exploration of geology and native habitats
  • Kearny’s Gap Bridge:
    • Built in 1913 by Missouri Valley Bridge and Iron Company
    • Measures 62 feet long by 16 feet wide
    • A steel subdivided Warren pony truss bridge
  • Leonora Curtin: A respected naturalist and herbalist who arrived in New Mexico in 1889

Location & Contact

Visit the Santa Fe Botanical Garden and discover the intersection of nature, history, and culture in the high desert

Plan Your Trip