Garvan Woodland Gardens Memberships Now More Valuable Than Ever

Marion Ball

Tulips in bloom at Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs.

For more than 20 years, Garvan Woodland Gardens has provided a unique experience to Arkansas residents and visitors from around the world. The garden, an outreach center and learning laboratory of the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, and the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design, has evolved into the nation's premier woodland garden, welcoming more than 2.5 million total visitors.

In this special setting of nature and design, visitors have explored the 2.5 miles of trails, witnessed the four seasons of Arkansas outdoors, enjoyed the holiday season during the annual Holiday Lights Display, been united in marriage in the Anthony Chapel and taken advantage of diverse educational opportunities. 

Over the past two decades, Garvan Woodland Gardens has aimed to keep this garden experience available to all with affordable admission fees. These fees have only been raised twice during that time. Yet, the garden has experienced extraordinary growth in the last two years, setting an attendance record in 2021. With this growth, the demands on maintenance and stewardship of the garden have risen. And the garden still has ambitions to grow to accommodate even more visitors, activities and features in the future.

To continue to provide a world-class experience at Garvan Woodland Gardens, it has become necessary to increase the cost of adult admissions to $20 beginning April 1, 2022. Importantly, there will be no changes to the costs of memberships and children's admissions, as well as group rates and special rates for U of A students and staff. With the dual level membership starting at only $75 a year for two adults, all it takes is two visits to pay for a membership.

As Garvan Woodland Gardens continues to grow, it will offer enhanced attractions and provide educational opportunities to all visitors.

The garden is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Admission is $15 for adults through March 31, $5 for children ages 4-12, free for children ages 3 and younger and $5 for dogs on a short leash.

For more information about these events or to check on upcoming events, call 501-262-9300 or 800-366-4664.