The Garden is OPEN, Wednesday-Monday 9am-5pm | Last admission is 4pm. Closed on Tuesday's.
As summer arrives and the days stretch longer, many of us feel an instinctual pull to get outside. It’s more than just the lure of warm sunshine or the scent of blooming flowers—spending time in nature has real, measurable effects on our well-being. At the Idaho Botanical Garden, our mission is to foster meaningful connections between people and plants—and one of the most powerful ways we do this is by simply inviting you to walk among them.
Over the past decade, research has increasingly shown that green spaces play a vital role in supporting mental and physical health. A growing body of evidence reveals that walking in natural environments can:
These benefits don’t require a weeklong retreat to the mountains—just 20 to 30 minutes immersed in a green space can significantly improve your health. Even “micro-doses” of nature throughout the week can be protective against anxiety and depression.
In our fast-paced, screen-heavy world, disconnecting from daily stressors is more important than ever. Nature offers a kind of medicine you can’t get in a bottle: peace, perspective, and presence. The simple act of walking through a Garden, listening to birdsong, and observing the seasonal changes in plants can recalibrate the nervous system and provide a moment of stillness and clarity.
For families, children, and seniors, accessible green spaces like the Garden become essential resources for play, movement, social connection, and learning. At the Garden, we welcome people of all ages and abilities, and our 15 curated garden spaces across 32 acres are intentionally designed to support both beauty and wellness.
At the Idaho Botanical Garden, we are more than just a collection of plants—we are a living, growing refuge that embraces the connection between horticulture and healing. Our Living Collections are carefully curated with ecological stewardship, educational value, and sensory experience in mind. Whether you're walking through the soft textures of the Meditation Garden, breathing in the scent of the Herb Garden, or marveling at the resilience of native species in the Idaho Native Plant Garden, each space is designed to promote restoration and inspiration.
Our commitment to Educational Excellence means that we continuously seek out ways to share the wellness benefits of nature. From interpretive signage and guided programs to hands-on workshops and seasonal events, we believe in making the therapeutic power of plants accessible to all.
This summer, we invite you to make the Garden part of your wellness routine. Whether you walk the trails solo, gather with a friend for conversation under the trees, or join one of our guided Summer Wellness Walks, every visit is an opportunity to reconnect—with nature, with others, and with yourself.
For schedules, passes, and wellness event details, visit idahobotanicalgarden.org.
