Do you know the saying “April showers bring May flowers”? Well, I am happy to report that May and all its promised glory are just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate this colorful time of year than by visiting a fragrant garden or two? If you are looking to get your garden fix, be sure to check out these hidden (and not-so-hidden) botanical gardens in Kansas. Springtime in Kansas has never been so wonderfully fragrant, right?

1. International Forest of Friendship (Atchison)

International Forest of Friendship, Allingham Dr, Atchison, KS 66002, USA
Sam Lyda/Google Local
Enjoy spring amongst incredible trees and xeriscape gardens at this beloved Atchison site that features impressive trees from George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate, Amelia Earhart's grandfather's farm, and much more. The International Forest of Friendship serves as a living memorial to the history of aerospace and aviation.

2. Kansas Landscape Arboretum (Wakefield)

Kansas Landscape Arboretum, 488 Utah Rd, Wakefield, KS 67487, USA
Sabreena Leach/Google Local
Established in 1972, the large Kansas Landscape Arboretum is home to several walking paths, 1,000 species of woody plants, native habitats, and several other surprises. The best part? Admission is FREE.

3. Botanica, The Wichita Gardens (Wichita)

Botanica, The Wichita Gardens, 701 Amidon St, Wichita, KS 67203, USA
Botanica, The Wichita Gardens/Facebook
Pansies, butterflies, and wildflowers... it doesn't get any more lovely than the memorable (and ever-popular) Botanica, The Wichita Gardens. It's a true work of art.

4. Dyck Arboretum of the Plains (Hesston)

Dyck Arboretum of the Plains, 177 W Hickory St, Hesston, KS 67062, USA
Dyck Arboretum of the Plains/Facebook
Another resident arboretum is that of the Dyck Arboretum of the Plains, which covers 13 acres of the Hesston College campus and features plants and flowers from a variety of different terrains.

5. Bartlett Arboretum (Belle Plaine)

Bartlett Arboretum, 301 N Line St, Belle Plaine, KS 67013, USA
Bartlett Arboretum/Facebook
Since 1910, the 15-acre Bartlett Arboretum has been making the area a bit brighter with their colorful flowers, trees and shrubbery. I mean, are you seeing these tulips? I can't even get ONE to grow!

6. Kansas State University Gardens (Manhattan)

Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
Kansas State University Gardens/Facebook
One look at the impressive 19-acre garden and you'll understand why K-State is nationally known for their horticulture program. The Gardens at K-State University are an experience to be had - bring a friend. Or ten. I'm not here to judge.

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7. Parsons Arboretum (Parsons)

Parsons Arboretum, S 21st St & Briggs Ave., Parsons, KS 67357, USA
Bruce Larsen/Google Local
Parsons Arboretum, which is across the street from an area park, boasts stunning wildflowers, daylilies, and even a small wetlands habitat.

8. Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead (Overland Park)

Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead, 13800 Switzer Rd, Overland Park, KS 66221, USA
Juan Rey Casas/Google Local
If you have little ones who need to break free from the confines of your home, take them to the Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, which not only houses gorgeous gardens but farm animals and kiddie rides as well.

9. Ward-Meade Park Botanical Gardens (Topeka)

Ward-Meade Park, 124 NW Fillmore St, Topeka, KS 66606, USA
Old Prairie Town at Ward-Meade Historic Site and Botanical Garden/Facebook
Doesn't this serene scene of botanic gardens make you want to pack a picnic and a good book so you can camp out for awhile? Yes? Me too! See you there. The Ward-Meade Park Botanical Gardens is a can't miss!

10. Reinisch Rose Garden and Doran Rock Garden (Topeka)

Rose Garden Lane & Southwest Rock Garden Drive, Rose Garden Ln & SW Rock Garden Dr, Topeka, KS 66604, USA
Marion Doss/Wikimedia Commons
The Reinisch Rose Garden and Doran Rock Garden has the two R's covered; roses and rocks. Enjoy more than 400 varieties of roses and a ravishing rock garden at this community treasure.

11. Carlyle Garden Labyrinth (Carlyle)

Carlyle, KS 66749, USA
Carlyle Garden Labyrinth
The Carlyle Garden Labyrinth is privately owned, so make sure to call ahead to schedule your tour.

12. Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens (Overland Park)

Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, 8909 W 179th St, Overland Park, KS 66013, USA
Karen D./Yelp
Whether you're looking to frolic among 300 acres worth of gardens, enjoy a romantic date, or just experience something new, the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is the perfect place for you.

Do you have any favorite botanical gardens in Kansas? What are they? Let us know all about ’em in the comments! Just visiting and need a place to stay? Be sure to check out all the awesome options available on Booking.com!

What’s something about springtime in Kansas that you look forward to every year? Let us know.

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More to Explore

Botanical Gardens in Kansas

Tori Jane | March 14, 2024

What are some amazing botanical gardens in Kansas?  

Kansas is a stunningly beautiful state that does NOT get the credit it deserves. All too many people assume it’s boring and flat, when this isn’t true at all (save for in a few places, of course). As it turns out, there’s a lot to do and see while in Kansas – for example, some of our botanical gardens are among the best in the nation. Some of the best botanical gardens in Kansas are:  

  • Dyck Arboretum – This incredible arboretum is located in the small town of Hesston, and it showcases everything that’s right with the plains.  
  • Overland Park Arboretum – This 300-acre wonder is proof of just how beautiful Kansas can be, with a host of native plants and some others as well.  

Learn more about some of our most amazing parks and gardens in Kansas.   

Where are some of the most amazing gardens in Kansas?  

Obviously, the above list is nowhere near complete; there are so many more awe-inspiring gardens in Kansas that we can’t possibly list them all in these short squibs. That being said, there are more gardens in Kansas worthy of a shout-out, so here are a couple more:  

  • K-State University – Hidden on this college campus is the K-State University Gardens, and they are beautiful and meticulously cared for.  
  • Botanica Wichita – This amazing botanical garden in Wichita, KS is an experience and must be seen to be believed.  
  • The Japanese Friendship Garden – This stunning Japanese garden in Lawrence is breathtaking.  

Learn more about the best parks and gardens in Kansas.  

What is springtime in Kansas like?  

Springtime in Kansas is a wonderful time of year, with brilliant green grass and leaves exploding back to life after what always feels like a long, chilly winter. Temperatures gradually climb into the high 60s and low-to-mid 70s, depending on where you’re located. Spring thunderstorms are always looked forward to; sure, there’s a risk of severe weather, but the overall chances that any one person will be affected are surprisingly low. Hiking and mountain biking become favorite activities alongside camping, so folks who love the outdoors in Kansas have plenty to look forward to. Check out all the best things to do in Kansas in the spring.   

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