Cornell Botanic Gardens
Cornell Botanic Gardens
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Cornell Botanic Gardens inspires people - through the cultivation of 150 acres of specialty gardens, conservation of plants and 3400 acres of natural areas, and the education of lifelong learners - to understand, appreciate, and nurture plants and the cultures they sustain. The botanic gardens are located at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY and are open year-round, dawn to dusk, free of charge. The Nevin Welcome Center and Gift Shop is open Mon, Tues, Wed, Thu, and Sun 9:00 - 5:00 p.m. Fri - Sat 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
367 reviews
Excellent
275
Very good
84
Average
6
Poor
2
Terrible
0
Beth C
Rochester, NY549 contributions
Jul 2021
Although my husband and I have been to Ithaca many times (he was a graduate student at Cornell), we had never before been to the Cornell Botanical Gardens, located a bit away from the center of campus on the north side (far but a walkable distance). The visitor center is currently closed, but there are maps available, and the main gardens were open for viewing. There are many beautiful varieties of flowers, all labelled and well maintained. as well as both sunny and shady pathways. Since the area is so large (the gardens extend well beyond the main area, including into the area of nearby Beebe Lake), we didn't get to see everything. We wanted to go to the wildflower garden area but didn't make it because 1) the path wasn't well marked and 2) the trail through the woods looked extremely secluded as well as wet and muddy. We were there in summer (July); I think it would be worth going back in fall or spring for another look.
Written July 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jinxminx
Takoma Park, MD381 contributions
Aug 2019
This is one of the reasons it's worth spending a day on the Cornell campus. There's no conservatory associated with the gardens, but there is one on campus in the agriculture program.
The gardens are beautiful. We didn't go to the arboretum or the wildflower garden. Usually I would be all over a wildflower garden but this is basically a forested spring one, and we were there in August. Also, we looked at all the steps down, and thought about all the steps back up - we'd already done some hiking in the area and we weren't feeling it. If it was spring I probably would have gone for it.
The lilies were a standout - they had a lot of really tall ones that smelled amazing. The gardens outside the visitor center are pretty compact and then you can strike out on the trails through the arboretum and wildflower garden. There are a lot of stairs, it didn't seem very wheelchair accessible. There are little nooks with benches, shade and sun.
There was also a new sculpture by UK blacksmith artist Jenny Pickford in steel and glass which was pretty special. It had just been installed a month or two before so I felt pretty lucky about that. The gift shop was nice - a little pricey but we bought some good gifts there.
Honestly I wish we had more time and better hiking legs.
The gardens are beautiful. We didn't go to the arboretum or the wildflower garden. Usually I would be all over a wildflower garden but this is basically a forested spring one, and we were there in August. Also, we looked at all the steps down, and thought about all the steps back up - we'd already done some hiking in the area and we weren't feeling it. If it was spring I probably would have gone for it.
The lilies were a standout - they had a lot of really tall ones that smelled amazing. The gardens outside the visitor center are pretty compact and then you can strike out on the trails through the arboretum and wildflower garden. There are a lot of stairs, it didn't seem very wheelchair accessible. There are little nooks with benches, shade and sun.
There was also a new sculpture by UK blacksmith artist Jenny Pickford in steel and glass which was pretty special. It had just been installed a month or two before so I felt pretty lucky about that. The gift shop was nice - a little pricey but we bought some good gifts there.
Honestly I wish we had more time and better hiking legs.
Written January 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NieSam
Maine953 contributions
Jun 2022
This garden is beautiful and I was surprised that there was no charge to visit. We were fortunate to visit when the perennials were starting to flower and while the peonies were blooming. We’d just missed the rhododendrons.
Sections were differentiated well and were easy to step back to if an area was crowded. I’d be hard pressed to pick a favorite area as they were all beautiful. They were also well labeled!
The shade/ground covers were beautifully grouped and well maintained. The herb garden was delightful as was the hillside garden. I was surprised at how gorgeous the 'winter garden' was even in summer. The variety of shapes and textures was amazing! I regret not having stopped here in the past!
Sections were differentiated well and were easy to step back to if an area was crowded. I’d be hard pressed to pick a favorite area as they were all beautiful. They were also well labeled!
The shade/ground covers were beautifully grouped and well maintained. The herb garden was delightful as was the hillside garden. I was surprised at how gorgeous the 'winter garden' was even in summer. The variety of shapes and textures was amazing! I regret not having stopped here in the past!
Written August 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cheri D
Yardville, NJ391 contributions
Aug 2022
So much to see here. Just beautiful. The visitor center was closed when we visited so we walked the grounds. The herb garden is a wonder! So many different herbs planted in raised beds sectioned off into different categories. We also walked a little bit of the trails and then drove to the arboretum. We did a drive through and stopped at the pond and a lookout point, which had a beautiful view of Ithaca and the surrounding areas. You could probably spend 2 days alone in total in the gardens if you want to walk every trail and all the grounds. We also walked the trail around Beebe Lake and to Triphammer Falls.
Written September 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Loren B
6 contributions
Aug 2020
We enjoyed the garden very small but beautiful. there's a $3 parking fee up to 3 hours. We spent 1 1/2 hours good enough to take pictures and leisurely walk. then we went to Suspension Bridge"Fall Creek George (1.1 miles away) My kids want to see the bridge coz it was popularly known for "Cornell Gorge Suicides"
Written August 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robin M
Brookville, PA573 contributions
Oct 2021
Our group did a guided tour of the Cornell Botanical Gardens. The guide was very knowledgeable. He knew the names of nearly every plant and tree. He also told us about the history of the gardens.
There is walking up hills and stairs on this tour. The entire tour took approximately 1.5 hours. Unfortunately the gift shop was closed and seemed to be empty.
There is walking up hills and stairs on this tour. The entire tour took approximately 1.5 hours. Unfortunately the gift shop was closed and seemed to be empty.
Written October 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bill K
Spencerport, NY1,420 contributions
Aug 2020
The visitor center is closed but the gardens and arboretum and something to see. It is easy to spend a number of hours walking the gardens and various paths, taking it various trees, shrubs, flowers and herbs.
At 100 acres, it will take some time to explore every nook and cranny but on a nice day, it is very worthwhile to get out in the fresh air and enjoy. I took a nice drive around the arboretum and watched many walkers, joggers and dog walkers enjoying their surroundings.
I then walked some of the gardens around the visitor center and admit I would be here often if I lived in the area. If you visit Ithaca, this is a place to stop by and enjoy.
At 100 acres, it will take some time to explore every nook and cranny but on a nice day, it is very worthwhile to get out in the fresh air and enjoy. I took a nice drive around the arboretum and watched many walkers, joggers and dog walkers enjoying their surroundings.
I then walked some of the gardens around the visitor center and admit I would be here often if I lived in the area. If you visit Ithaca, this is a place to stop by and enjoy.
Written October 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debra B
13 contributions
Aug 2022
We were happily surprised by the beauty and extent of the botanical gardens at Cornell. No entrance fee, lovely visitor center and a welcoming, friendly atmosphere everywhere. The flower and herb gardens were marvelous. The hike to the wildflower area was mostly forest but the serenity was divine. We missed the arboretum because we ran out of time. You can have a worthwhile visit in an hour, but spend more time to get the full experience if you can. Thank you, Cornell University for sharing this wonderful resource with everyone!
Written August 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David F
14 contributions
Jul 2020
If you want to spend a day in a beautiful garden/park, this is a great place. You can go to the area near the visitors center to see the garden and walk around for a little while. Or you can drive into the arboretum area, where you could walk around for the better part of a day.
The visitors center itself was closed, and we could only find information and guides online, but just being there was good enough. If you are earnest about learning more about plants, trees, and so on, do your research on the website and you'll have a great visit.
The visitors center itself was closed, and we could only find information and guides online, but just being there was good enough. If you are earnest about learning more about plants, trees, and so on, do your research on the website and you'll have a great visit.
Written July 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wieslaw K
Staten Island, NY9 contributions
Aug 2021
From Ithaca's downtown take University Ave. which at the campus becomes Forest Home Drive. Make a right turn into Arboretum Road. Look for parking, on the left, for Gardens visitors; payment required Mon. - Fri 7:30 AM - 5 PM.
Written August 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Whats the weather like in mid to late ictober
Q. C
Trumansburg, NY619 contributions
It could be cold and wet...but def. a jacket/heavy sweater. It also could be brilliant and colorful. Prepare for weather (rain) and be pleasantly surprised. Temperatures could be mid 60s...with cooler (40s) at night.
Whats the weather like in mid to late ictober
brendajok
Whitney Point, NY121 contributions
October is usually a wonderful weather month. Fall can be hot or cool. It's definitely a mixed package. Sometimes we get 'Indian Summer' and it's in the 80's. Usually days are 60's but it gets really cool at night. We also start anticipating a frost so flowers and vegetables gardens start to worry us. Fall festivals are starting such as the Apple Festival in Lafayette, NY (Columbus Day Weekend). I always suggest wearing layers.
What are the plantations like in late October? Is it worth seeing?
maritzabruno
Pompton Plains, NJ239 contributions
Yes if you like to walk around and see the fall leaf changes but more spectacular is a drive along Cayuga lake - Breath taking that time of the year, plus visit a few wineries on the way !
Cornell Botanic Gardens (Ithaca) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Cornell Botanic Gardens
- Cornell Botanic Gardens is open:
- Sun - Sun 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Tue - Sat 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Hotels near Cornell Botanic Gardens:
- (0.56 mi) The Statler Hotel at Cornell University
- (1.31 mi) The William Henry Miller Inn
- (1.43 mi) Hilton Garden Inn Ithaca
- (5.83 mi) Thomas Farm Bed & Breakfast
- (1.27 mi) Argos Inn
- Restaurants near Cornell Botanic Gardens:
- (0.16 mi) Cornell Dairy Bar
- (0.55 mi) Taverna Banfi
- (0.83 mi) Collegetown Bagels
- (1.40 mi) The Heights Restaurant
- (0.87 mi) AGAVA Restaurant
Cornell Botanic Gardens Information
Excellent Reviews | 275 |
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Very Good Reviews | 84 |
Cornell Botanic Gardens Photos | 251 |