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Cornell Botanic Gardens Ithaca New York

4.8
·2k reviews·Ithaca, United States

A 4,000-acre sanctuary of specialty gardens, arboretum, and natural areas offering beauty, education, and tranquility.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends

Free parking and vibrant blooms

CrowdMedium
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Scenic view

Cornell Botanic Gardens Ithaca New York

Best Time

Weekends

Free parking and vibrant blooms

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 4,000-acre sanctuary of specialty gardens, arboretum, and natural areas offering beauty, education, and tranquility.

4.8
(2k reviews)

"Absolutely loved it! What a great place to have in the city. The highlight of our trip in NY."

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TIP

🚗 Park Smart

Weekday parking has a fee ($1.50/hr), but weekends are free! Use the QR code for easy payment.

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

With extensive trails and gardens, comfortable footwear is essential for exploring.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Herb and Perennial Garden

Herb and Perennial Garden

Historic Core

The heart of the gardens, featuring a vibrant collection of fragrant and edible plants. A sensory delight!

F.R. Newman Arboretum

F.R. Newman Arboretum

Vast arboretum with diverse trees and walking paths, offering a cool escape even on warm days. Perfect for long strolls.

Sculpture Garden and Pond

Sculpture Garden and Pond

Discover art amidst nature with sculptures dotted around a serene pond. A picturesque spot for reflection.

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Planning Your Visit

Free Admission, Parking Fees Apply

Enjoy the beauty of Cornell Botanic Gardens for free! However, be aware that parking fees are in effect on weekdays. Weekends offer free parking, making it an ideal time for a visit. Reddit

Explore Beyond the Gardens

While the specialty gardens are a must-see, don't miss the vast F.R. Newman Arboretum and over 3,500 acres of natural areas with hiking trails and gorges. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekends
Why
Free parking and vibrant blooms
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Quieter atmosphere, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

sometimes the dreamers finally wale up #filmmaker #cinematographer #director #cornell #lightacademia #ithaca
@iphilgoody
353.2K likes • 2.8M views

🚗 Park Smart

Weekday parking has a fee ($1.50/hr), but weekends are free! Use the QR code for easy payment. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

With extensive trails and gardens, comfortable footwear is essential for exploring. Reddit

why are you here? #acting #directing #cinematagrophy #filmmaking #ithaca #cornell @Timmy Linnik
@iphilgoody
93.6K likes • 506.8K views
Cornell Botanic Gardens Ithaca, New York October 2021 Constantine age 8
elainejavier323
5 likes • 45 views

📸 Capture the Beauty

The gardens offer stunning photo opportunities, especially the herb garden and arboretum. Instagram

🐶 Pet-Friendly Exploration

Well-behaved, leashed pets are welcome, making it a great spot for furry friends too. Reddit

Come with me on a (mostly free) summer weekend trip to Ithaca, New York! 🌤️   @RideOurBus offers affordable bus tickets, starting at $25 from New York City [AD]   Some favorite free things to do in Ithaca:   🏫Explore Cornell University’s beautiful campus (Go Big Red!), including the Botanic Gardens 🌊 Hike through Ithaca’ stunning gorges (Buttermilk Falls, Robert H. Treman State Park, Cascadilla G...
nyc_forfree
2.4K likes • 99.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Park Smart

Weekday parking has a fee ($1.50/hr), but weekends are free! Use the QR code for easy payment. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

With extensive trails and gardens, comfortable footwear is essential for exploring. Reddit

📸 Capture the Beauty

The gardens offer stunning photo opportunities, especially the herb garden and arboretum. Instagram

🐶 Pet-Friendly Exploration

Well-behaved, leashed pets are welcome, making it a great spot for furry friends too. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Cornell Botanic Gardens for its stunning beauty, free admission, and expansive grounds, particularly the well-maintained herb garden and arboretum. Many appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and the opportunity for long walks. Some minor drawbacks include weekday parking fees and a desire for more sensory experiences like tasting samples.

"Formerly known as the Cornell Plantations and consisting of 25 acres, Cornell Botanic Gardens is one of the most popular attractions around Ithaca and has something for everyone, which is why my partner, his family, and I came for a visit on this beautiful Saturday.

Located in the center of the Cornell University campus, but also including the adjoining F.R. Newman Arboretum and over 3,500 acres of natural areas, there were hiking trails, nature walks, gardens, ponds, woodlands, meadows, glens, waterfalls, fens, bogs, and, of course, “gorges.”

The well-kept gardens were easy to access, easy to walk around, and were extremely quiet. It’s very kid- and pet-friendly. The historic core revolves around the herb and perennial garden. Admission is FREE, but one does need to pay a parking fee to enter the park on weekdays. It runs you $1.50 per hour, so it's exceptionally reasonable, but it's free on weekends.

We enjoyed our drive through the campus to get to the botanic garden, which we can recommend."

Eloy Yip

"Absolutely loved it! What a great place to have in the city. With the arboretum, it's huge and you can walk in the nice climate of the trees even in warm weather for hours. This was the highlight of our trip in NY."

Tomáš Gregor

"Wonderful layout garden that so rich in knowledge. My personal favorites are the fragrance plants and eatables. Wish there were samples that offer smells, and Tastes"

Keqi Gan

What People Like

Beautifully maintained gardens
Free admission
Expansive arboretum

What People Dislike

Weekday parking fees
Wish for taste samples

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Cornell Botanic Gardens is located on the Cornell University campus. If you're in Ithaca without a car, you can take a local bus or a taxi/rideshare service to reach the gardens. Many visitors enjoy driving through the campus to get there. Reddit

Yes, parking is available. On weekdays, there is a parking fee of $1.50 per hour, payable via QR code. Parking is free on weekends. Reddit

Absolutely! While having a car offers flexibility, you can easily access the gardens via public transport, taxi, or rideshare from Ithaca. The campus is also walkable. Reddit

Focus on the historic core's herb and perennial gardens, then take a quick stroll through a section of the F.R. Newman Arboretum. The sculpture garden and pond are also easily accessible. Reddit

Cornell University campus itself is worth exploring, and Ithaca is known for its stunning gorges and hiking trails like Buttermilk Falls. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, admission to Cornell Botanic Gardens is free! You only need to pay for parking on weekdays. Reddit

The gardens are generally open year-round during daylight hours. Specific building hours may vary, but the outdoor spaces are accessible. It's best to check the official Cornell Botanic Gardens website for any seasonal updates. Reddit

No advance booking is required for general admission as it is free. Parking fees are handled on-site. Reddit

Cornell Botanic Gardens often hosts educational programs and guided tours. Check their website for schedules and availability. Reddit

Yes, the gardens offer unique beauty in every season. Spring brings blooms, summer is lush and green, autumn offers vibrant foliage, and winter provides a serene, snow-covered landscape. Reddit

🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience

Don't miss the historic Herb and Perennial Garden, the expansive F.R. Newman Arboretum, the picturesque Sculpture Garden and Pond, and the various themed gardens. Reddit

Many of the main paths are well-maintained and accessible. The historic core and arboretum paths are generally good for strollers. Some natural trails might be more challenging. Reddit

Yes, leashed dogs are welcome in the gardens and arboretum, making it a great place for a walk with your pet. Reddit

The gardens feature a diverse collection including herbs, perennials, trees from around the world in the arboretum, wildflowers, and various specialty gardens. Reddit

Wi-Fi is generally available on the Cornell University campus, which includes the Botanic Gardens. You may be able to connect to the university's network. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no dedicated dining facilities within the gardens themselves. However, you can find numerous cafes and restaurants on the Cornell University campus or in downtown Ithaca. Reddit

Picnicking is generally allowed in designated areas. It's a lovely way to enjoy the scenery. Remember to pack out all your trash. Reddit

The Cornell University campus has several dining halls and cafes. Downtown Ithaca offers a wide array of restaurants, from casual eateries to more upscale dining. Reddit

Typically, there are no regular food trucks or vendors within the Botanic Gardens. It's best to plan your meals accordingly. Reddit

While there aren't dedicated cafes within the gardens, you might find some limited concessions or vending machines in nearby campus buildings. Bringing your own snacks and water is recommended. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The Herb and Perennial Garden is incredibly colorful, the F.R. Newman Arboretum offers grand tree vistas, and the Sculpture Garden provides artistic backdrops. The pond area is also very scenic. Instagram

Yes, personal photography is generally allowed and encouraged. However, commercial photography or drone usage may require special permits. Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon 'golden hours' offer the best natural light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a warm glow. Reddit

For personal use, tripods are usually fine. However, for professional shoots or large equipment, it's advisable to contact the gardens administration to inquire about any specific policies or permits. Reddit

Visitors often capture macro shots of flowers and pollinators, landscape views of the arboretum, and artistic shots of the sculptures. Family portraits are also common. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Cornell Botanic Gardens is a fantastic, family-friendly destination. The gardens are well-maintained and easy to navigate, making them accessible for strollers. Kids will love exploring the different themed gardens, spotting pollinators, and enjoying the open spaces in the arboretum. InstagramReddit

Remember that while admission is free, weekday parking has a fee. Weekends offer free parking, which can be a great perk for families. Pack snacks and drinks, as on-site food options are limited. The natural setting provides a wonderful opportunity for children to connect with nature and learn about plants. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Explorers

For solo travelers, Cornell Botanic Gardens offers a peaceful and enriching experience. You can wander at your own pace, taking in the diverse plant collections and serene landscapes. The F.R. Newman Arboretum provides ample space for quiet contemplation or a long, unhurried walk. Reddit

It's a great place to decompress, read a book, or simply enjoy the tranquility. The free admission and reasonable parking (on weekdays) make it an accessible solo adventure. Don't hesitate to explore the less-trafficked natural areas for a more secluded experience. Reddit

📸 Photographers & Nature Lovers

This is a photographer's paradise! From macro shots of intricate flowers and buzzing insects in the herb garden to sweeping vistas of the arboretum, the opportunities are endless. The sculpture garden adds an artistic element to your shots. Instagram

Visit during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon for the best light. Be mindful of any restrictions on professional equipment if you're planning a dedicated photoshoot. The changing seasons ensure there's always something new and visually stunning to capture. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Living Laboratory: The Gardens' Educational Mission

Founded in 1875, Cornell Botanic Gardens is more than just a beautiful landscape; it's a vital center for research, education, and conservation. Spanning over 4,000 acres, it includes not only the meticulously curated specialty gardens but also the vast F.R. Newman Arboretum and extensive natural areas. These diverse ecosystems serve as living laboratories for students and researchers, contributing to our understanding of plant science and ecology. Reddit

Visitors can engage with this educational mission through various programs, workshops, and interpretive signage throughout the grounds. The gardens offer a unique opportunity to learn about plant diversity, sustainable horticulture, and the importance of preserving natural habitats. Whether you're a budding botanist or simply curious about the natural world, there's always something new to discover. Reddit

The commitment to education and conservation is evident in every corner, from the carefully labeled specimens to the ongoing research projects. It’s a place where beauty and knowledge intertwine, offering a rich experience for all who visit. Reddit

Navigating the Expansive Grounds

Cornell Botanic Gardens is a sprawling destination, encompassing the main gardens, the F.R. Newman Arboretum, and over 3,500 acres of natural areas. While the core gardens are easily walkable, exploring the full extent requires some planning. The F.R. Newman Arboretum alone is vast, offering miles of trails through diverse tree collections. Reddit

For those without a car, getting around Ithaca and to the gardens is feasible via local buses or rideshares. Once on campus, the gardens are interconnected, but distances can be significant. Consider wearing comfortable shoes, as you'll likely be doing a lot of walking. Reddit

Pro Tip: If you're visiting on a weekday and plan to drive between different sections of the gardens or arboretum, factor in the parking fees. Weekends offer a more relaxed experience with free parking, making it easier to hop between areas. Reddit

Seasonal Splendor: A Year-Round Destination

Cornell Botanic Gardens transforms with the seasons, offering a unique experience throughout the year. In spring, the gardens burst into life with blooming flowers and fresh greenery. Summer is a time of lush foliage and vibrant colors, with the arboretum providing a cool, shaded retreat. Reddit

Autumn brings a spectacular display of fall foliage, painting the landscape in fiery reds, oranges, and yellows. Even in winter, the gardens possess a quiet beauty, with snow-covered branches and the stark elegance of dormant trees. Each season offers a different perspective and a reason to visit. Reddit

The wildflower section might be less vibrant outside of its peak season, but the forest walks remain beautiful year-round. Visitors often remark on how the gardens offer a different charm depending on when you visit. Reddit

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