Public garden featuring native plant collections, themed horticultural displays, and educational exhibits across a diverse landscape.

How to Get There

Take Nicholasville Road southbound, turn left onto Alumni Drive, and continue straight to the entrance near the University of Kentucky campus.

Overview

The Arboretum, State Botanical Garden of Kentucky is a 100-acre living museum dedicated to showcasing the diverse plant life and natural landscapes of the Commonwealth. Visitors can explore the “Walk Across Kentucky,” a unique trail that winds through representations of the state’s seven physiographic regions, from Appalachian plateaus to western wetlands. The garden also features themed horticultural displays, a rose garden, and the Kentucky Children’s Garden, which offers interactive exhibits designed to inspire young nature lovers.

Founded in 1991 and operated by the University of Kentucky, the Arboretum serves as a hub for environmental education, conservation, and research. It is open year-round and offers a tranquil retreat for walkers, gardeners, and families alike. Seasonal events, educational programs, and citizen science projects make it a dynamic destination for both locals and tourists. With its blend of natural beauty and educational value, the Arboretum is a vital green space in the heart of Lexington.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the The Arboretum, State Botanical Garden of Kentucky, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.