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Welcome to the Idaho Botanical Garden!

Hours and Admission

Location

2355 Old Penitentiary Rd. Boise, Idaho 83712

Get Directions Garden Rules

Garden Hours

Wednesday to Monday

Closed Tuesday

9AM–5PM - last entry 4pm

Garden hours may fluctuate due to weather conditions or special events. Please visit our website before you come to confirm current hours and any possible closures.

Pricing

* $1 off/ticket for Groups of 10+

Free

For Members

$14

For non Members

$12

For Seniors (65+)

Free

Kids 3 & under

$8

Youth (ages 4-12)

$12

for Students

Garden Map

Explore the Garden with our convenient downloadable map.

Download the Garden Brochure and Map

Group & School Visits

We offer field trips every April through May and again in October. Each field trip lasts approximately 90 minutes.

The Idaho Botanical Garden is a nonprofit living museum dedicated to furthering science education and environmental stewardship in the Treasure Valley and beyond. Our goal is to nurture a fascination with the natural world through a variety of hands-on outdoor programs including on-site field trips. Our programs include multiple learning stations lead by an IBG Educator. Programs are $5 per person and pre-registration is required.

Our spring field trips are full - check back on website in July for information on fall field trips. We appreciate everyone’s interest!

Pre-K:
• Meet Idaho Early Learning Guidelines
• We can accommodate up to 20 learners per time slot
• 75-minute program

K, 1st, 2nd, or 3rd grade:
• Meet Idaho Content Standards
• We can accommodate up to 60 learners per time slot
• 90-minute program

Learn More

Garden Ambassador Tours

Join Idaho Botanical Garden Ambassadors on a free hour-and-a-half-long tour of the grounds. This walk introduces you to the history of the Garden and the major features of the grounds. No need for reservations; arrive 15 minutes before the tour start time.

Garden tours begin mid-May and run every other Thursday and Saturday morning through the end of September. Tours start at 10a and last for approximately an hour and a half. Tour dates are subject to change due to event schedules.

Call us at 208-343-8649 to confirm a date or for more information.

Library Passport Program

$50 for one year

This special passport supports our mission to connect people, plants, and nature in our community. Subscribing libraries may offer the Garden Passport for check out to library patrons, who can visit the Garden during regular admission hours.

Library Passport Program Includes:

The passport is available to library patrons.

Visitors to the Garden must have the Passport letter in their possession to enter.

The passport will allow a group of five (5) general admission during regular Garden hours.

No other member benefits or admission to special events are offered with the Passport.

An added benefit, showing the Library Passport packet provides free rides on Valley Regional Transit (VRT) to the Idaho Botanical Garden. Plan your route by visiting VRT’s routes page.

Collections

Managed plant collections are what sets botanical gardens apart from other gardens, parks, and green spaces. Records for each of the plants in our garden are maintained in a way similar to items in a museum. Because of this, the plants in our collection have more than simply aesthetic value; they have educational, historical, and scientific value that plants without a known provenance do not.

Plan Your Visit

Nestled against the Boise foothills, the Idaho Botanical Garden covers roughly 15 acres that was once the Idaho Penitentiary. The seven main gardens feature a variety of native and adapted plants complemented by smaller collections set amongst art, water features and other historical landmarks.

A leisurely stroll through the Garden takes roughly 60-90 minutes, depending on your pace. We have a small Information Station that sells water, beverages, and snack items. Drinking fountains and a water station are also available.

Not allowed in the Garden

Outside alcohol, smoking or vaping, weapons/firearms or pets.
*Service dogs are allowed on a leash.

Garden Rules

While visiting this museum of plants, please follow the Garden’s rules:

Do stay on paths.

Do enjoy the sweet scents of the Garden.

Do listen for the birds and wildlife.

Do look but don’t touch the Garden residents including lizards, snakes, squirrels, marmots, birds, owls, deer, bobcats and rabbits.

Don’t pick flowers or vegetables or other plant parts.

Don’t climb trees, art or other structures.

No smoking or vaping in the Garden.

No outside alcohol in the Garden.

No firearms or explosives.

No drones in the Garden.

Pets and emotional support animals are not permitted in the Garden. Service animals are always welcome.

Commercial and portrait photography is allowed by prior appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are pets allowed in the Garden?

Pets are not allowed inside of the gates and fence. Well-behaved service animals on a leash or harness that have been trained to provide a service are welcome.

Can I take photos during my visit?

Visitors can engage in non-commercial photography during regular admission days and IBG-sponsored events. Appointments need to be made for commercial photoshoots or filming. Corporate Photographer Memberships available, learn more about becoming a member here.

Is the Garden accessible?

About 75 percent of the grounds are accessible. Our Master Plan, currently under development, will make this a priority as we expand!

The garden covers roughly 15 acres. Most of the paths are gentle slopes with crushed rock. There are two brick pathways and a central plaza with brick. Plan on wearing sturdy walking shoes and being able to navigate stairs. Some of the staircases are made of sandstone and have a degree of unevenness, but many have another path as an option. Strollers can be pushed on most paths, and all-terrain wheelchairs are available at no charge. The walk from the admission kiosk to the more cultivated, shaded portion of the Garden is 212 yards long. This includes a 24 yards-long ramp that meets ADA slope requirements.

The Idaho Botanical Garden is proudly a Wheel the World Verified Destination, which means our grounds have been reviewed for accessibility to help ensure a positive experience for all visitors. Wheel the World is a trusted resource for travelers with disabilities, providing detailed accessibility information and helping connect people with inclusive destinations around the globe. We’re proud to partner with them in our ongoing effort to make the Garden a place where everyone can explore, learn, and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Learn more about Wheel the World and what it means to be a Verified Destination here: https://wheeltheworld.com/destination-verified-partners.

Book Your Event

Idaho Botanical Garden is one of Idaho’s premier destinations and provides a beautiful and unique outdoor setting for a wedding, reception, company meeting, holiday party, and so much more.

Host Your Next Corporate Retreat or Holiday Party at the Garden

Meet Us at the Garden – Where Business Meets Inspiration

Why Choose the Garden for Your Corporate Event?

Escape the ordinary and host your corporate retreat or holiday party in Boise’s most breathtaking natural venue. Whether you’re fostering team collaboration or celebrating year-end successes, the Garden provides a unique, scenic backdrop that inspires creativity and connection. With flexible event options, the ability to work with your preferred vendors, and a variety of customizable experiences, the Garden is the ideal setting for your next gathering.

Corporate Retreats – A Fresh Perspective on Productivity

Spark Creativity in Nature – Trade the boardroom for botanical beauty, where fresh air fuels fresh ideas.
Engaging Team-Building Activities – Enjoy outdoor mindfulness sessions, guided garden tours, and interactive workshops tailored to your team’s goals.
Customizable Experiences – Work with your choice of vendors for catering, décor, and event rentals to create the perfect retreat atmosphere.

Book by May 15 and receive 10% off your corporate retreat!

Winter Garden aGlow – Sparkle in the Garden – A Holiday Celebration Like No Other

A Stunning Winter Wonderland – 500,000+ twinkling lights create an enchanting holiday setting.
Private Event Spaces – Customize your party with festive décor, tents, and catering options.
Unforgettable Experiences – Enhance your event with floral arrangements, private fire pits, or a guided garden tour for an extra touch of charm. (Additional charges may apply.)

Book by September 15 to receive special holiday discounts!

Exclusive Open House Events – Experience the Wonder Firsthand!

May: Corporate Retreat Showcase – Tour our event spaces, experience team-building demos, and enjoy networking with event planners.
RSVP today and receive a complimentary event add-on!

Let’s Plan Your Perfect Event!

Corporate planners & HR professionals: Schedule a private tour or request a custom quote today. The Garden provides a beautiful, natural space where you can customize your experience with the vendors and partners you choose, ensuring an event that aligns perfectly with your vision.

Contact us at events@idahobotanicalgarden.org
Call us at 208.538.3813 | events@idahobotanicalgarden.org

Book Now

Private Celebrations, Weddings & Celebrations of Life at the Garden

Meet Us at the Garden – Celebrate Life's Special Moments in Nature’s Beauty

Create Unforgettable Memories at the Garden

Nestled in the heart of Boise, the Garden offers an inspiring setting for your most meaningful events. Whether you’re tying the knot, honoring a loved one, or celebrating a milestone, our breathtaking outdoor and indoor spaces provide the perfect backdrop for unforgettable moments. With the freedom to work with your preferred vendors and partners, you can fully customize your experience to match your vision.

Weddings – Say "I Do" in a Garden of Beauty

A Stunning Setting for Your Special Day – Exchange vows surrounded by lush greenery, blooming flowers, and picturesque landscapes.
Tailored to Your Vision – Whether you envision an intimate ceremony or a grand celebration, our versatile event spaces adapt to your style.
Personalized Experience – Bring in your favorite caterers, florists, and event planners to create the wedding of your dreams.

Book your wedding by May 15th and enjoy special perks, including a complimentary Garden membership!

Private Celebrations – Celebrate Life’s Milestones in Style

A Venue That Reflects Your Celebration – Host anniversaries, family reunions, birthdays, and other special gatherings in a naturally stunning setting.
Perfect for Every Season – From small outdoor garden gatherings to large-scale tented events, our spaces offer the flexibility to celebrate year-round.
Customizable Options – Work with your chosen vendors for catering, décor, and entertainment to craft a one-of-a-kind event.

Celebrations of Life – Honor Their Memory in a Peaceful, Serene Setting

A Tranquil, Healing Environment – Pay tribute to your loved one in a setting that offers comfort and natural beauty.
Flexible Event Spaces – From intimate gatherings to larger memorial services, our venues provide the perfect space for reflection and remembrance.
Thoughtful Touches – Options for floral tributes, outdoor ceremonies, and private spaces are available to create a meaningful experience.

Exclusive Event Packages & Add-Ons

Intimate Gatherings or Large Celebrations – Whether you’re hosting a small family gathering or a large event, we have spaces to accommodate your vision.
Customized Catering Options – Partner with your preferred caterers to create a menu that fits your celebration.
Special Enhancements – Add-ons like outdoor fire pits, floral arrangements, or guided garden tours are available for an additional charge to make your event even more memorable.

Book now and receive a complimentary floral arrangement for your celebration!

Plan Your Special Event at the Garden

Ready to begin planning your celebration? Schedule a private tour or request more information about our available packages. Our dedicated event coordinators are here to help bring your vision to life.

Weddings | Private Celebrations | Celebrations of Life
Call us at 208.538.3813 | events@idahobotanicalgarden.org

Meet us at the Garden and celebrate life’s most cherished moments in a place where nature’s beauty meets your dreams.

Book Now