
University of Delaware Botanic Gardens
Discover diverse plant collections and a vibrant Lepidoptera Trail at the University of Delaware Botanic Gardens, adjacent to the famous UDairy Creame...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak bloom and active pollinators

University of Delaware Botanic Gardens
Best Time
Peak bloom and active pollinators
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.
"A great place to see unusual plants and enjoy delicious ice cream from the UDairy Creamery!"

🚗 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:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lepidoptera Trail
University of Delaware Botanic Gardens
Discover native plants and host plants for caterpillars, a haven for butterflies and moths.

Diverse Garden Zones
University of Delaware Botanic Gardens
Explore various garden types, from swampy areas to meticulously labeled plant collections.

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
Best Viewing Times
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 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:
What are some things to do and see in Newark?
Date ideas? Newark/wilmington
🦋 Pollinator Haven
Look for diverse milkweed and host plants, perfect for spotting butterflies. :butterfly:
🍦 Sweet Treat Nearby
Don't miss the UDairy Creamery for unique ice cream flavors. :ice_cream:
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. :butterfly:
🍦 Sweet Treat Nearby
Don't miss the UDairy Creamery for unique ice cream flavors. :ice_cream:
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the paths and trails. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, the University of Delaware Botanic Gardens are open to the public. Enjoy the beautiful plant collections and trails.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no fee to enter and walk through the outdoor garden areas. Parking, however, requires payment through a mobile app.
The outdoor gardens are generally accessible during daylight hours. Specific hours may vary, and it's advisable to check for any campus event closures.
Yes, parking is paid and typically managed through a mobile application. Expect to pay around $1.50 for 30 minutes.
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.
Based on visitor experiences, most of the accessible areas are outdoors. It's unclear if there are any indoor botanical exhibits.
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! It's a fantastic spot for macro photography, especially for capturing insects, flowers, and butterflies. The Lepidoptera Trail is particularly popular.
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light, ideal for photography. Night macro photography has also been reported as a unique and rewarding experience.
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.
You'll find a variety of subjects, including diverse plant species, blooming flowers, bees, butterflies, caterpillars, and potentially cows from the adjacent pasture.
The Lepidoptera Trail is highly recommended for its native plants and host species. Exploring the different garden zones also offers varied photographic opportunities.
🎫 🌿 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.
Yes, there are nice paths to walk on throughout the gardens. Comfortable shoes are recommended for exploring.
The cow pasture is located next to the gardens, so you might get to see the cows up close while you're there.
Yes, the plants are labeled, and placards are informative, providing details about the species.
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.
🍽️ 🍦 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.
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.
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.
Newark offers various dining options. You can find cafes, restaurants, and eateries in the town center, a short distance from the university campus.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that parking requires a mobile app and payment, so be prepared for that. The outdoor gardens are free to explore, making it an affordable activity. Pack snacks and drinks, as on-site facilities are limited, but the nearby creamery offers a delightful treat.
📸 Photographers
Experiment with different times of day for optimal lighting; early mornings and late afternoons are ideal. Some photographers have even found success with night macro photography. The variety of garden zones also offers diverse visual backdrops for your shots.
🚶♀️ Nature Walkers & Garden Enthusiasts
While the outdoor gardens are free, remember to factor in parking costs. The experience is best enjoyed at a relaxed pace, allowing time to appreciate the plant diversity and observe any wildlife present. Combine your visit with a stop at the UDairy Creamery for a refreshing treat.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Lepidoptera Trail
This trail is particularly appealing for those interested in pollinator gardens and conservation efforts. The well-marked plants provide valuable information for educational purposes, and the abundance of milkweed, for instance, highlights its importance for Monarch butterflies, even if sightings are not guaranteed.
For photographers, the Lepidoptera Trail offers excellent opportunities for macro photography, capturing intricate details of insects and flora. The variety of species and the natural setting make it a rewarding location for both casual snapshots and more serious photographic endeavors.
Photography Opportunities
Beyond macro, the various garden zones offer different aesthetic backdrops. From swampy areas to meticulously curated collections, photographers can find unique compositions. The Lepidoptera Trail is a prime location for capturing wildlife in its natural habitat.
For the best photographic results, consider visiting during the golden hours – early morning or late afternoon – when the light is soft and flattering. Some photographers have even experimented with night macro photography, reporting surprisingly good results and unique perspectives.
The UDairy Creamery Experience
The creamery is celebrated for its unique and exclusive flavors, which change regularly. Visitors often rave about the creative combinations and the quality of the ice cream, making it a perfect treat after a stroll through the gardens. Taking home a container of their signature flavors is also a popular option.
Its proximity to the gardens makes it an ideal stop for a sweet conclusion to your visit. Combining a walk through the beautiful botanical displays with a scoop of delicious, locally-sourced ice cream is a highly recommended experience for many.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit