Pennsylvania is not only home to America’s first botanical garden, but it’s also home to a plethora of lush, spectacular arboretums, and other wonderful oases. All across the state, Happy Travelers can pursue their happiness reveling in breathtaking floral beauty in Pennsylvania!
Bartram’s Garden - Philadelphia and the Countryside
Philadelphia
Surrounded by the urban bustle of Philadelphia, Bartram’s Garden is America's oldest living botanical garden. Bartram’s Garden was founded in 1728 when America’s first botanist, John Bartram, purchased the land and began a collection of North American plants, which he gathered by traveling across the nation. You’ll forget you’re in the city when you see the wildflower meadow, majestic trees, river trail, wetland, stone house, farm buildings, and the historic botanic garden of American-native plants overlooking the Schuylkill River.
Longwood Gardens - Philadelphia and the Countryside
Kennett Square
This jewel situated near the Philadelphia and Lancaster regions is a place of unparalleled beauty. Often referred to as the world's premier horticultural showplace, Longwood Gardens' 1,050 acres of natural woodlands, majestic gardens, opulent conservatories, and dancing fountains are open every day of the year for guests to enjoy with their loved ones. Longwood is also home to the most significant fountain collection in the United States. The crown jewel of that collection, the Main Fountain Garden, reopened in the spring of 2017 after an extensive two-year, $90-million revitalization.
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens Inc. - Pittsburgh and its Countryside
Pittsburgh
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh is full of lush floral displays and exhibits designed to educate and enthrall those who enjoy them. Phipps is set in an elaborate 3,600-square-foot glass Victorian greenhouse, which in 2012 became the first building in the world to earn the status of LEED® Platinum for Buildings: Operations and Maintenance.
Hershey Gardens - Dutch Country Roads
Hershey
Located on 23 acres of horticultural excellence, visitors can appreciate spectacular seasonal displays, themed gardens, a collection of rare trees and more than 7,000 breathtaking roses at Hershey Gardens. Take the family and admire the fluttering beauties in the popular Butterfly Atrium, enjoy the tranquility of the Japanese Garden or explore the Children's Garden that's filled with surprises at every turn. With school programs, Girl Scout© Saturdays and various programs for adults, there is something for everyone to learn and appreciate. Visitors of the Hershey Gardens can also explore the Milton and Catherine Hershey Conservatory, which honors the dynamic couple’s penchant for horticulture with butterfly, educational and horticultural wings.
The Arboretum at Penn State - The Alleghenies
State College
In 1914, 25 acres of Penn State land were set aside to transform into an arboretum, but it wasn’t until 2009 that construction was finally completed. Now the grounds are a popular destination for not only Penn State students, but the surrounding community, as well. Visitors can enjoy the luscious gardens on the Penn State University campus including the Grove of the Ancients, Oasis Garden, and Lotus Pool, as well as the various living plant collections.
Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier Park - Pennsylvania’s Great Lakes Region
Erie
Established in 1998, Lake Erie Arboretum was opened in order to generate greater awareness of the beautiful trees we see each day. Visitors can admire the arboretum’s more than 225 varieties of trees while meditating in the labyrinth or while hiking and biking along its various trails. With an education center for children, and an annual festival, Lake Erie Arboretum offers an educational and recreational oasis for visitors.
Tyler Arboretum - Philadelphia and the Countryside
Media
One of the oldest and largest arboreta in the northeastern U.S., Tyler Arboretum began as a private horticultural collection in the mid-19th century, before officially opening to the public in 1944. Since then, the arboretum has delighted adults and children alike with their 650 acres of plant collections, 17 miles of hiking trails, 10 tree houses, and the 1,400-square-foot butterfly house.
Hope Hill Lavender Farm, LLC - Upstate PA
Pottsville
In 2011, owners Wendy and Troy Jochems began planting the luscious lavender seen at the Hope Hill Lavender Farm. This farm’s four species of lavender are all hand harvested and used for culinary purposes, oil, and dried lavender bouquets. Visitors can enjoy the farm’s more than 1,600 plants in four different varieties: Provence, Grosso, Hidcote, and Munstead. Explore Hope Hill’s gift shop and treat yourself to lavender body lotion, shampoo, and soy candles.
Pittsburgh Botanic Garden - Pittsburgh and its Countryside
Oakdale
The Pittsburgh Botanic Garden is an immense project transforming 460 acres in abandoned coal mining land into a gorgeous, thriving botanic garden. Estimated to be complete in 2020, the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden will be one of the largest botanic gardens in the U.S., as well as the only botanic garden in the U.S. to be built on reclaimed land. The Garden will be comprised of 20 gardens and four woodlands, as well as a visitor’s center, an amphitheater and more. In 2014, the first 60 acres of the Garden were opened, allowing the public to experience the wonder of the Woodlands.
Laurel Hill State Park - Laurel Highlands
Somerset
Laurel Hill State Park consists of 4,062 acres of mountainous terrain in Somerset County. The 63-acre Laurel Hill Lake is a focal point of the park. Laurel Hill is surrounded by thousands of acres of pristine stake park and forestlands. A trail system invites visitors to hike and explore the park and observe the wide diversity of plants and wildlife. While there, visitors should also be sure to view the incredible 63-acre Laurel Hill Lake.
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve - Philadelphia and the Countryside
New Hope
At Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve, visitors will find nearly 800 species of trees, shrubs, and wildflowers, all of which are native to Pennsylvania. Take a relaxing stroll through the Preserve’s meadow and while walking through the native grasses and wildflowers, admire the native Pennsylvania trees including red cedar, black walnut, and sycamore. Keep your eyes open for the more than 110 species of birds in the Preserve, like 31 different species of warblers. Visitors can truly appreciate the native beauty of Pennsylvania at the Preserve, which is dedicated to the conservation and stewardship of Pennsylvania native plants.
Quiet Creek Herb Farm - Pennsylvania Wild
Brookville
Through the beauty of the farm, as well as classes and seminars, Quiet Creek Herb Farm does an excellent job of educating its visitors about conservation, ecological thinking, and sustainable living. In addition to its lush gardens of organic vegetables, herbs, and flowers, Quiet Creek has 30 acres of nature trails, straw bale houses and a wind/solar energy system, which offers a unique experience for visitors.
Chanticleer Garden - Philadelphia and the Countryside
Wayne
Chanticleer has been called the most romantic, imaginative, and exciting public garden in America. The garden is a study of textures and forms, where foliage trumps flowers, the gardeners lead the design, and even the drinking fountains are sculptural. It is a garden of pleasure and learning, relaxing yet filled with ideas to take home. Dating back to the early 20th century, the land surrounding the Chanticleer estate was originally developed as a way for summer homes to escape the heat of Philadelphia. Today, the estate boasts what has been called the most romantic, imaginative, and exciting public garden in America. With more than 5,000 plants on 35 acres ranging from lush green lawns to hardy perennials, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at this breathtaking city escape.