Audio Guide of Cleveland Botanical Garden

The garden is generally open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sundays from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., remaining closed on Mondays (except holidays). It is located in the University Circle district at 11030 East Blvd, and has its own parking as well as access by public transportation.

Admission requires a ticket; the general price is around $20 USD for adults and $14 USD for children (ages 3-12), although children under 2 enter free. It is recommended to buy tickets in advance on the official website to secure entry.

To enjoy both the outdoor gardens and the Eleanor Armstrong Smith Glasshouse, it is recommended to plan for between 1.5 and 2 hours. If you plan to visit the Hershey Children's Garden area or eat there, consider extending your visit to 3 hours.

Founded in 1930 as the first civic garden center in the United States, it is famous for its spectacular glasshouse that contains two exotic biomes: the thorny desert of Madagascar and the cloud forest of Costa Rica. It is a landmark for conservation and environmental education in Ohio.

Spring is ideal for seeing the tulips and summer for the outdoor gardens, although in winter its 'Glow' event is not to be missed. To avoid crowds and enjoy a calmer visit, we suggest going on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning right at opening time.

Yes, the main building and the glasshouse are fully accessible with elevators, and most outdoor paths are paved. In addition, they have a limited number of complimentary wheelchairs available on a first-come, first-served basis at the information desk.

Since it is in University Circle, you can walk just a few steps to visit the impressive Cleveland Museum of Art (free admission) or the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. It is a dense cultural area, perfect for spending the whole day.

Do not miss the daily butterfly release in the Costa Rica biome (usually at 2:00 p.m.), and bring layers of clothing, since the climate changes drastically between the tropical glasshouse and the outdoor gardens. Download our audio guide to learn more about the history of each plant.