Home › Destinations › Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, United States of America - Things to Do in Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Things to Do in Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, United States of America - Complete Travel Guide

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Columbus, Ohio, stands as one of the Midwest's premier horticultural destinations, featuring over 400 plant species across multiple climate-controlled biomes and outdoor gardens spanning 88 acres. This architectural marvel combines Victorian-era greenhouse design with modern glass structures, housing exotic plants from tropical rainforests, arid deserts, and temperate regions alongside rotating art installations that create a unique fusion of nature and culture. The Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens serves as both a peaceful urban oasis and an educational center, offering visitors immersive experiences through its Pacific Island Water Garden, Himalayan Mountains exhibit, and seasonal butterfly displays that transform throughout the year. Columbus's cultural landscape is significantly enhanced by the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, which anchors the city's commitment to environmental education and artistic expression. The facility's Dale Chihuly glass sculptures permanently installed throughout the gardens create stunning visual contrasts against the living collections, while the seasonal exhibitions ensure that each visit to Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens offers new discoveries and photographic opportunities for nature enthusiasts and art lovers alike.

Top Things to Do in Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Explore the Biome Environments at Franklin Park Conservatory

Navigate through five distinct climate zones within Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, from the humid Rainforest biome with its towering palms and cascading waterfalls to the Desert biome featuring cacti and succulents from around the world. Each biome maintains specific temperature and humidity levels, creating authentic environments where visitors can experience diverse ecosystems without leaving Columbus.

Booking Tip: General admission costs $18 for adults with discounts for seniors, students, and children. Visit weekday mornings for smaller crowds and optimal lighting for photography. Annual memberships at $85 provide unlimited visits plus member-exclusive events.

Discover Dale Chihuly's Glass Art Integration

Marvel at the permanent collection of Dale Chihuly glass sculptures strategically placed throughout Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, where colorful blown glass installations complement the natural plant displays. The Fiori di Como ceiling installation and garden-integrated pieces create magical interactions between artificial and natural beauty.

Booking Tip: Included with regular admission, but photography workshops focusing on the Chihuly installations cost $45 and require advance booking. Golden hour visits between 4-6 PM provide the best lighting conditions for viewing the glass art.

Experience Seasonal Butterfly Exhibitions

Immerse yourself in the seasonal butterfly habitat at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, where hundreds of live butterflies from tropical regions fly freely among visitors during spring and summer exhibitions. The climate-controlled environment allows for close observation of butterfly lifecycles and feeding behaviors.

Booking Tip: Butterfly exhibitions run March through September with an additional $5 fee beyond general admission. Weekend mornings between 10 AM-12 PM offer peak butterfly activity. Pre-purchase tickets online during peak season to guarantee entry.

Stroll Through the Community Garden Plots

Walk the outdoor pathways of Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens to observe demonstration gardens showcasing sustainable gardening practices, native Ohio plants, and seasonal vegetable cultivation. The outdoor spaces provide practical gardening inspiration and connect visitors with local growing conditions.

Booking Tip: Outdoor gardens are included with admission and accessible year-round, though peak viewing occurs May through October. Guided garden tours cost $10 additional and operate Saturdays at 11 AM and 2 PM during growing season.

Attend Seasonal Exhibitions and Events

Participate in rotating seasonal exhibitions at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, including the popular Blooms & Butterflies spring celebration, autumn harvest displays, and winter holiday light installations. These special exhibitions transform the conservatory spaces with themed decorations and plant arrangements.

Booking Tip: Special exhibition tickets range $22-28 depending on the season, with holiday exhibitions commanding premium pricing. Book 2-3 weeks in advance for popular events like the winter holiday display. Members receive 20% discounts on special exhibitions.

Getting There

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens sits in Columbus's Near East Side, easily accessible via Interstate 70 and Interstate 71 with dedicated parking available on-site for $5 per vehicle. Columbus's John Glenn International Airport lies 15 minutes away, while Amtrak service terminates downtown with direct bus connections to the Franklin Park area. The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) Route 5 provides direct public transportation access to Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens from downtown Columbus and major hotel districts.

Getting Around

The Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens complex is entirely walkable, with paved pathways connecting all indoor biomes and outdoor garden areas, plus complimentary wheelchairs and mobility scooters available at the visitor center. Columbus's COTA bus system connects Franklin Park Conservatory to downtown attractions, the Short North Arts District, and German Village with $1 fares and day passes at $4.50. Ride-sharing services operate throughout Columbus with typical fares of $8-12 between Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens and downtown hotels.

Where to Stay

Downtown Columbus
Short North Arts District
German Village
Victorian Village
Italian Village
Brewery District

Food & Dining

The Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens features an on-site café serving light lunches, sandwiches, and beverages with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the gardens. Columbus's diverse culinary scene centers in nearby neighborhoods, with the Short North Arts District offering upscale dining within 10 minutes of Franklin Park Conservatory, while German Village provides historic charm with traditional and contemporary restaurants. Food trucks frequently park near Franklin Park Conservatory during special events and summer weekends, offering convenient dining options for visitors spending full days exploring the botanical collections.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Columbus

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

The Thurman Cafe

4.6 /5
(6666 reviews) 2
bar

Cap City Fine Diner and Bar

4.6 /5
(4112 reviews) 2
bar

Lindey's

4.6 /5
(2737 reviews) 3

Forno Kitchen + Bar

4.5 /5
(2458 reviews) 2

The Old Mohawk

4.5 /5
(2153 reviews) 2
bar

The Guild House

4.5 /5
(1923 reviews) 3

When to Visit

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens welcomes visitors year-round, though spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) provide optimal experiences with moderate outdoor temperatures and peak seasonal exhibitions including butterfly releases and autumn displays. Summer visits to Franklin Park Conservatory offer lush outdoor gardens and extended daylight hours, while winter showcases holiday decorations and provides warm refuge in the climate-controlled biomes when outdoor exploration becomes challenging. The indoor environments of Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens maintain consistent tropical and desert conditions regardless of Ohio's weather, ensuring engaging visits during any season.

Insider Tips

Visit Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens on the first Thursday evening of each month for extended hours until 8 PM with live music and reduced admission rates of $12 for adults.
Download the Franklin Park Conservatory mobile app before arrival to access self-guided tour maps, plant identification features, and real-time information about butterfly releases and feeding demonstrations.
Purchase plants and gardening supplies at the Franklin Park Conservatory gift shop, which stocks many species displayed in the biomes along with locally-made pottery and garden tools unavailable elsewhere in Columbus.

Explore Activities in Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens