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University of Delaware Botanic Gardens

4.5
·138 reviews·Newark, United States

Discover diverse plant collections and a vibrant Lepidoptera Trail at the University of Delaware Botanic Gardens, adjacent to the famous UDairy Creame...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Summer mornings

Peak bloom and active pollinators

CrowdLow
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Photo by Ray Bojarski

University of Delaware Botanic Gardens

Best Time

Spring & Summer mornings

Peak bloom and active pollinators

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover diverse plant collections and a vibrant Lepidoptera Trail at the University of Delaware Botanic Gardens, adjacent to the famous UDairy Creamery.

4.5
(138 reviews)

"A great place to see unusual plants and enjoy delicious ice cream from the UDairy Creamery!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Parking App Essential

Download the parking app before you arrive; payment is required for parking. :iphone:

📸 Macro Photography Paradise

Ideal for macro photographers, especially for capturing insects and flowers. :camerawithflash:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 138 reviews

Type

Botanical Garden

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lepidoptera Trail

Lepidoptera Trail

University of Delaware Botanic Gardens

Discover native plants and host plants for caterpillars, a haven for butterflies and moths.

Diverse Garden Zones

Diverse Garden Zones

University of Delaware Botanic Gardens

Explore various garden types, from swampy areas to meticulously labeled plant collections.

UDairy Creamery

UDairy Creamery

Adjacent to the gardens

Indulge in delicious ice cream made with milk from the university's own cows.

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Planning Your Visit

Parking and Access

Parking requires a mobile app and payment, typically around $1.50 for 30 minutes. Download the app beforehand to avoid delays. The outdoor gardens are free to wander, but some areas might be less developed or temporarily removed for seasonal changes.

Best Viewing Times

While the gardens are open, consider visiting during warmer months for peak bloom. Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light for photography and fewer crowds, especially if you plan to visit the nearby UD Creamery.

Best Times

When
Spring & Summer mornings
Why
Peak bloom and active pollinators
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
Combine with UD Creamery visit
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

From farm to cone,🍦UDairy Creamery’s ice cream is made with milk from their own cows! 🐮 Try their wild, exclusive flavors, take home a container, and wander the beautiful University of Delaware Botanic Gardens for free! 🌷 #UDairy #udbotanicalgardens #universityofdelaware #delawarefood #icecream #delaware
302.life
111 likes • 5.2K views

🚗 Parking App Essential

Download the parking app before you arrive; payment is required for parking. :iphone:

📸 Macro Photography Paradise

Ideal for macro photographers, especially for capturing insects and flowers. :camerawithflash:

reddit.com

What are some things to do and see in Newark?

I moved to Wilmington last month and went to Newark for the first time today to check out the grocery co-op. It sounds like a neat town so I'm thinking I'll head back tomorrow for a longer visit. What are some things you recommend? I like books, coffee, history, and art. Also,…

reddit.com

Date ideas? Newark/wilmington

What are your go to date ideas for upper Delaware? Besides a bar or main event. I'm running out of ideas

🦋 Pollinator Haven

Look for diverse milkweed and host plants, perfect for spotting butterflies. 🦋

🍦 Sweet Treat Nearby

Don't miss the UDairy Creamery for unique ice cream flavors. 🍨

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking App Essential

Download the parking app before you arrive; payment is required for parking. :iphone:

📸 Macro Photography Paradise

Ideal for macro photographers, especially for capturing insects and flowers. :camerawithflash:

🦋 Pollinator Haven

Look for diverse milkweed and host plants, perfect for spotting butterflies. 🦋

🍦 Sweet Treat Nearby

Don't miss the UDairy Creamery for unique ice cream flavors. 🍨

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the paths and trails. :athletic_shoe:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(138 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the University of Delaware Botanic Gardens a pleasant, free outdoor space with diverse plant collections and a notable Lepidoptera Trail. The adjacent UDairy Creamery is a popular draw for its unique ice cream flavors. While the gardens are lovely for a short visit, some find them small, and parking requires a mobile app.

"The outdoor garden areas are small. You only need about 30 minutes to see everything. The cow pasture is right next to the gardens, so you might get to see the cows a little closer up. I'm not sure if there are any indoor areas. We didn't see any type of public entrance. You have to download an app to pay for parking. The instructions are on the posted signs in the parking lot. We paid about $1.50 for 30 minutes, so not bad. It was nice walking the gardens and seeing all the different plants. There was no fee to walk the outside gardens. There's also a trail, but we didn't go down it. If all you want are small gardens to walk through, these gardens are perfect, especially since they're free except for the parking."

P. Dixon

"This is a great place to see what unusual plants can be grown in the region! It doesn’t hurt that the creamery is in the same parking lot 🍨"

Karl Gercens

"This place has several different zones to perause ranging from swamp lands to gardens. The plants are labeled and there are nice paths to walk on. Most of the buildings we're closed when I went in the afternoon. The gardens are really close to the UD creamery which is nice."

Hunter Richman

What People Like

Free outdoor gardens
Lepidoptera Trail
UDairy Creamery ice cream

What People Dislike

Small garden size
Parking app required
Seasonal plant changes

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The gardens are located on the University of Delaware campus in Newark. Parking is available nearby and requires payment via a mobile app. Check signage for specific instructions. Reddit

Information on public transportation routes to the University of Delaware campus can be found on local transit websites. Once on campus, the gardens are accessible by walking. Reddit

Specific driving directions will depend on your starting point. Use a GPS navigation system and search for the University of Delaware Botanic Gardens or the UDairy Creamery, as they share parking facilities. Reddit

The gardens are open to the public and do not have a formal entrance gate. You can access the outdoor garden areas directly from the parking lot. Reddit

Yes, the University of Delaware Botanic Gardens are open to the public. Enjoy the beautiful plant collections and trails. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there is no fee to enter and walk through the outdoor garden areas. Parking, however, requires payment through a mobile app. Reddit

The outdoor gardens are generally accessible during daylight hours. Specific hours may vary, and it's advisable to check for any campus event closures. Reddit

Yes, parking is paid and typically managed through a mobile application. Expect to pay around $1.50 for 30 minutes. Reddit

Parking is usually on a first-come, first-served basis, and payment is handled via the app upon arrival. It's recommended to download the app before your visit. Reddit

Based on visitor experiences, most of the accessible areas are outdoors. It's unclear if there are any indoor botanical exhibits. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Absolutely! It's a fantastic spot for macro photography, especially for capturing insects, flowers, and butterflies. The Lepidoptera Trail is particularly popular. TikTokReddit

Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light, ideal for photography. Night macro photography has also been reported as a unique and rewarding experience. Reddit

Generally, personal photography is welcome. However, for commercial or professional shoots, it's always best to check with the university for any specific guidelines or permits. Reddit

You'll find a variety of subjects, including diverse plant species, blooming flowers, bees, butterflies, caterpillars, and potentially cows from the adjacent pasture. TikTokReddit

The Lepidoptera Trail is highly recommended for its native plants and host species. Exploring the different garden zones also offers varied photographic opportunities. Reddit

🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience

Most visitors spend about 30 minutes to an hour exploring the outdoor gardens. Nature enthusiasts and photographers might spend up to two hours. Reddit

Yes, there are nice paths to walk on throughout the gardens. Comfortable shoes are recommended for exploring. Reddit

The cow pasture is located next to the gardens, so you might get to see the cows up close while you're there. TikTokReddit

Yes, the plants are labeled, and placards are informative, providing details about the species. Reddit

You can see a variety of unusual plants that can be grown in the region, including native plants, host plants for caterpillars, and diverse garden collections. Reddit

🍽️ 🍦 Food & Dining

While there are no dining facilities within the gardens themselves, the UDairy Creamery is located in the same parking lot, offering delicious ice cream. TikTokReddit

UDairy Creamery is known for its unique and exclusive flavors made with milk from their own cows. They offer a rotating selection of creative ice cream options. TikTok

Picnicking is generally allowed in campus green spaces, but it's always a good idea to check university policies regarding food and beverages in specific garden areas. Reddit

Newark offers various dining options. You can find cafes, restaurants, and eateries in the town center, a short distance from the university campus. Reddit

Operating hours for the UDairy Creamery can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information. TikTok

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