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Ohio's Top Ten Spring Garden Destinations

April 30, 2025

Whether you’re planning a day trip, looking for some inspiration for your own backyard, or just want to soak up some floral beauty, these ten garden destinations should be at the top of your spring must-visit list.

Springtime in Ohio means one thing for nature lovers and garden enthusiasts: everything is blooming. From sprawling botanical gardens bursting with color to hidden local gems offering peaceful trails, Ohio’s gardens have something for every traveler. Whether you’re planning a day trip, looking for some inspiration for your own backyard, or just want to soak up some floral beauty, these ten garden destinations should be at the top of your spring must-visit list.

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens


What makes it unique: This Columbus gem features lush indoor biomes, walking paths lined with thousands of tulips in spring, and stunning glass artwork by Chihuly.


  • Address: 1777 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43203
  • County: Franklin
  • Phone: (614) 715-8000
  • Email: info@fpconservatory.org


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Cleveland Botanical Garden


What makes it unique: Located in the heart of University Circle, this garden combines outdoor beauty with the exotic plants of the Eleanor Armstrong Smith Glasshouse, featuring butterflies and desert blooms.


  • Address: 11030 East Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44106
  • County: Cuyahoga
  • Phone: (216) 721-1600
  • Email: info@cbgarden.org


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Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden


What makes it unique: Not just a top-rated zoo, this spot boasts a world-famous tulip display and themed gardens throughout the grounds.


  • Address: 3400 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45220
  • County: Hamilton
  • Phone: (513) 281-4700
  • Email: info@cincinnatizoo.org


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Kingwood Center Gardens


What makes it unique: The 47-acre estate is home to historic greenhouses, tranquil duck ponds, and vibrant spring beds surrounding a French-inspired mansion.


  • Address: 50 N Trimble Rd, Mansfield, OH 44906
  • County: Richland
  • Phone: (419) 522-0211
  • Email: info@kingwoodcenter.org


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Cox Arboretum MetroPark


What makes it unique: A favorite for locals in Dayton, this park hosts native wildflowers, a butterfly house, and the one-of-a-kind Tree Tower with sweeping views of the blossoming grounds.


  • Address: 6733 Springboro Pike, Dayton, OH 45449
  • County: Montgomery
  • Phone: (937) 275-7275
  • Email: edu@metroparks.org


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Fellows Riverside Gardens


What makes it unique: Overlooking Lake Glacier in Youngstown, this free-to-enter public garden features themed beds, seasonal displays, and cozy walking paths.


  • Address: 123 McKinley Ave, Youngstown, OH 44509
  • County: Mahoning
  • Phone: (330) 740-7116
  • Email: millcreekmetroparks@millcreekmetroparks.org


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Holden Arboretum


What makes it unique: Adventure meets gardening with the Murch Canopy Walk and Emergent Tower, plus trails winding through acres of blooming rhododendrons and azaleas.


  • Address: 9550 Sperry Rd, Kirtland, OH 44094
  • County: Lake
  • Phone: (440) 946-4400
  • Email: holdenarboretum@holdenfg.org


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Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens


What makes it unique: Historic mansion gardens meet modern horticulture at this Akron landmark, with formal gardens, conservatories, and seasonal blooming concerts.


  • Address: 714 N Portage Path, Akron, OH 44303
  • County: Summit
  • Phone: (330) 836-5533
  • Email: info@stanhywet.org


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Dawes Arboretum


What makes it unique: Stretching across nearly 2,000 acres, Dawes offers everything from cherry blossoms and azalea glens to a 36-foot observation tower and serene Japanese gardens.


  • Address: 7770 Jacksontown Rd SE, Newark, OH 43056
  • County: Licking
  • Phone: (740) 323-2355
  • Email: info@dawesarb.org


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Toledo Botanical Garden


What makes it unique: Art and nature come together here, with sculpture gardens, artist studios, and a dazzling display of spring blooms at every turn.


  • Address: 5403 Elmer Dr, Toledo, OH 43615
  • County: Lucas
  • Phone: (419) 270-7500
  • Email: metroparkstoledo@metroparkstoledo.com


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Plan Your Ohio Spring Garden Tour


With all these dazzling options, why not map your route and try to see a few (or all!) of these gardens throughout the season? Each offers its own slice of Ohio’s natural beauty, wonderful for families, solo travelers, or anyone keen to experience spring at its brightest.


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