If you're visiting Austin, Texas, and love nature, make time for Zilker Botanical Garden. Tucked into the heart of the city, this 26-acre oasis offers themed gardens, prehistoric fossils, and hands-on learning experiences—perfect for anyone looking to unwind, explore, or get inspired by sustainable landscaping and local heritage.

Recommended For

  • Bring the whole family—kids love the dinosaur garden and butterfly trail.
  • If you're into landscaping or gardening, you'll pick up great sustainable tips.
  • History fans will enjoy the pioneer exhibits and blacksmith shop.
  • Teachers and parents—this is a great spot for field trips and educational outings.
  • Planning a wedding or event? The garden offers beautiful outdoor venues.

What to Expect

  • Explore 26 acres filled with themed gardens and historic displays.
  • Check out educational programs, guided tours, and a garden-focused lending library.
  • Join over 300,000 annual visitors who come to learn and relax in nature.
  • Let kids participate in workshops or children's activities led by friendly docents.
  • Book private spaces for weddings, conferences, or social events.

Garden Highlights

  • Green Garden: Learn practical, water-saving techniques you can try at home using native and drought-tolerant plants.
  • Hartman Prehistoric Garden: Take a walk through ancient times with fossilized dinosaur tracks and prehistoric plants.
  • Isamu Taniguchi Japanese Garden: Find peace in this meticulously designed garden, a gift from the heart built by a 70-year-old master gardener.
  • Mabel Davis Rose Garden: Stroll past fragrant blooms and pause at the Rose Memorial Arch, dedicated to community leaders.
  • Doug Blachly Butterfly Trail and Garden: Watch butterflies flutter among colorful flowers—perfect for photos or a quiet moment.

Pioneer Village

  • Organic Garden: Discover how early settlers used plants for food, medicine, and pest control—ideas you can still use today.
  • Blacksmith Shop: Peek into the past through historic tools and ironworks that show how early craftsmen lived and worked.
  • Swedish Pioneer Cabin: Step inside a real 1800s log cabin and imagine life as one of Austin’s early settlers.

Founding & History

  • Founder: Learn about Colonel Andrew “Andy” Zilker, who came to Austin with just fifty cents and left a legacy of giving.
  • Legacy: His donation of Barton Springs in 1918 helped shape the garden’s mission to educate and inspire future generations.
  • Development: Over the years, the garden has stayed true to its roots, evolving to reflect Austin’s love for community and conservation.

Visitor Information

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