Highlands Biological Station and Nature Center
1 / 10

Highlands Botanical Garden

4.8
·115 reviews·Highlands, United States

Discover unique carnivorous plants and native flora on scenic trails, with chances to spot local wildlife. Free admission!

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Summer mornings

Vibrant blooms and active wildlife

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Highlands Biological Station and Nature Center

Highlands Botanical Garden

Best Time

Spring & Summer mornings

Vibrant blooms and active wildlife

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover unique carnivorous plants and native flora on scenic trails, with chances to spot local wildlife. Free admission!

4.8
(115 reviews)

"Spectacular! More than imagined. Really worth the visit even with some rain."

Vertical photo
TIP

🐾 Embrace the Wild

Be aware of local wildlife; sightings of bears are possible. Stay on marked trails.

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Trails

Enjoy easy, well-maintained trails perfect for walking and photography. Dogs are welcome on leash.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.8 · 115 reviews

Type

Park

👶 Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Carnivorous Plant Bog Gardens

Carnivorous Plant Bog Gardens

Bog Gardens

Marvel at fascinating carnivorous plants and unique bog flora in meticulously maintained gardens.

Native Plant Trails

Native Plant Trails

Various Trails

Wander through diverse habitats showcasing the rich native plant life of the region.

Wildlife Encounters

Wildlife Encounters

Throughout the Garden

Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including bears and other fascinating creatures.

Themed Walks & Lectures

Themed Walks & Lectures

Various Locations

Engage with nature through informative lectures and unique themed walks, including night explorations.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Wild: What to Expect

Discover the unique flora and fauna of the Highlands Botanical Garden. From carnivorous plants to native wildlife, this garden offers an immersive natural experience. Check for special events like night walks for a different perspective.

Plan Your Visit: Trails & Times

Explore well-maintained trails suitable for all fitness levels, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a photography expedition. Consider visiting during themed walks or educational programs for deeper insights into the local ecosystem.

Best Times

When
Spring & Summer mornings
Why
Vibrant blooms and active wildlife
Crowd
Medium
When
Evening themed walks
Why
Unique nocturnal nature experiences
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

This place is a-mooooooo-zing 🐮 Show me someone who doesn’t like Highland Cows and I’ll show you a liar. This Highland Cow experience is such a hidden gem. It’s located in Steeple Morden where you’ll find 4 of the loveliest cows ready to play. You’ll be able to interact with the cows doing things like brushing and hand feeding, and if you’re feeling extra fancy you can also book one of the after...
@lotteboo3
137.3K likes • 2.4M views

🐾 Embrace the Wild

Be aware of local wildlife; sightings of bears are possible. Stay on marked trails. Instagram+1

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Trails

Enjoy easy, well-maintained trails perfect for walking and photography. Dogs are welcome on leash. Reddit

Had the best time at Kelty Highland Coos, the baby was only 4 weeks old🥹🥹🥹 #highlandcows #keltycoos #thingstodo #Scotland #cuteanimals #edinburghdaytrip #thingstodoinscotland #edinburghscotland
@niamh23m
128.3K likes • 974.5K views
🎃 Halloween Week is here, and Highlands is packed with spooky fun for everyone! Here’s what’s happening: 🌲 Enchanted Forest at Highlands Botanical Garden: Meet Spot the Spotted Salamander, trick-or-treat along forest trails, and discover Halloween animals! Tuesday, Oct. 29 | 5:30-7pm | Free Admission | Costumes encouraged! @highlandsbiostation 🐶 Mr. Pickles Howl-O-Ween Party: Dress yourself and...
visithighlandsnc
277 likes • 7.2K views

💡 Attend a Program

Check the schedule for educational lectures and fascinating themed walks, including night events. Reddit

📸 Capture the Beauty

Bring your camera to photograph the diverse plants and potential wildlife encounters. Instagram

I did a collection of landscapes from the Highlands Botanical garden all larger scale! They are available on the site! But I kinda like her angel the best🤍
luliewallace
743 likes • 26K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🐾 Embrace the Wild

Be aware of local wildlife; sightings of bears are possible. Stay on marked trails. Instagram+1

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Trails

Enjoy easy, well-maintained trails perfect for walking and photography. Dogs are welcome on leash. Reddit

💡 Attend a Program

Check the schedule for educational lectures and fascinating themed walks, including night events. Reddit

📸 Capture the Beauty

Bring your camera to photograph the diverse plants and potential wildlife encounters. Instagram

💰 Free Admission

Enjoy the garden's beauty without an entry fee, making it a budget-friendly outing. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(115 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Highlands Botanical Garden for its beautiful native plants, especially the unique carnivorous species in the bog gardens. The well-maintained, easy trails and free admission are frequently highlighted as major positives, making it a delightful and accessible nature experience. Some visitors also appreciate the educational programs and the chance to see local wildlife.

"A delightful botanical garden highlighting the diverse native plants of the area. Included are wonderful bog gardens with many carnivorous species and other bog plants. Also, they feature informative lectures and themed walks. Some walks are at night. We went last year on a night-time spider walk. It was fascinating. I've seen them advertise for bat and moth walks. The many trails make it a great place to walk. Short and easy trails."

Patricia Walker

"Came here for an educational presentation about invasive plants! Beautiful habitat,, well maintained and a great information hub for all things natural and bio scientific. I hope to take advantage of more of these free programs!"

Jennifer Perrey

"This was spectacular! More than imagined. Really worth the visit even with some rain. Would go back for sure."

Susan Spicker

What People Like

Beautiful native plants
Carnivorous bog gardens
Well-maintained trails

What People Dislike

Limited signage for some areas

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Highlands Botanical Garden is located in the Highlands region. Specific directions can be found on their official website or by using GPS navigation. It's often mentioned as a destination for day trips from nearby areas. Reddit

Yes, parking is typically available for visitors. It's advisable to arrive a bit early, especially during peak seasons or for special events, to secure a spot. Reddit

Absolutely! The garden is a popular day trip destination, offering a rich natural experience that can be enjoyed within a few hours. Instagram

The garden features well-maintained and easy trails, making it simple to explore. Maps are usually available on-site to help you navigate the different sections. Reddit

The surrounding Highlands area offers other natural attractions and scenic drives. Consider exploring nearby waterfalls or other natural reserves for a fuller experience. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Highlands Botanical Garden offers free admission, making it an accessible and budget-friendly destination for all visitors. Reddit

Operating hours can vary, especially for special events. It's best to check the official Highlands Botanical Garden website or their social media for the most up-to-date information on opening times. Instagram

For most regular visits, no advance booking is required due to free admission. However, for popular themed walks or special events, it's wise to check if reservations are recommended or required. Instagram

Generally, the garden is open to the public. However, specific rules may apply, such as leash requirements for dogs and guidelines for interacting with wildlife. Reddit

Yes, dogs are welcome at the Highlands Botanical Garden, provided they are kept on a leash at all times. This allows everyone to enjoy the natural beauty responsibly. Reddit

🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience

Don't miss the unique bog gardens featuring carnivorous plants, the diverse native plant trails, and keep an eye out for local wildlife like bears. InstagramReddit

Yes, the trails are described as short, easy, and well-maintained, making them suitable for visitors of all ages and fitness levels. Reddit

Visitors have reported seeing black bears and other native animals. The garden is a habitat for diverse local fauna. Instagram+1

The garden offers informative lectures and themed walks, including night-time events like spider, bat, and moth walks, providing a deeper understanding of the ecosystem. Reddit

The trails are generally well-maintained, suggesting good accessibility. However, for specific accessibility needs, it's recommended to contact the garden directly for detailed information. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The bog gardens with their unique plants, the winding native plant trails, and any areas where wildlife is spotted offer excellent photographic opportunities. InstagramReddit

While casual photography is encouraged, professional photoshoots might require prior arrangement or specific permissions. It's best to inquire with the garden management. Instagram

Mornings often provide softer light and increased wildlife activity. However, the garden's natural beauty can be captured at various times, with unique opportunities during evening walks. Instagram

Generally, standard photography equipment is permitted. However, drone usage or professional lighting setups may be restricted. Always check garden guidelines. Instagram

Visitors often photograph the vibrant carnivorous plants, the scenic trails, and any wildlife encounters, such as bears or other native creatures. Instagram+1

You may also like

Highlands Botanical Garden (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide