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Garvan Woodland Gardens

550 Arkridge Rd · Hot Springs, AR

Why you should go…

Garvan Woodland Gardens is a 210-acre botanical and woodland garden operated by the University of Arkansas about six miles from Hot Springs National Park, with 4.5 miles of shoreline on Lake Hamilton. It features more than 128 species of ornamental and native plants, 160 varieties of azaleas, a four-acre Asian garden with a waterfall, the Evans Children's Adventure Garden, and the Anthony Chapel wedding venue. The gardens host an annual Holiday Lights display with about five million lights each winter, and admission is charged year-round except in January.

  • #garden
  • #hiking
  • #family
  • #views

Good to know

General sport & outdoor guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Weather calls the shots

    Check the forecast the morning of and keep an indoor backup in your pocket for the day it turns.

  • Shoes, water, sun cover

    The three things that decide whether you last the whole outing or cut it short after an hour.

  • Parking and launches fill early

    On a nice weekend, lots and trailheads are often full by mid-morning.

  • Daylight shrinks in shoulder season

    Spring and fall visits need an earlier start than the same trip in July.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Garvan Woodland Gardens, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Hot Springs Marina

    $50+

    The oldest full-service marina on Lake Hamilton, renting pontoon boats and water toys and offering visitor docking.

    1.3 mi awayMore like this

  • Stay
    Local Gem

    The Wharf Resort

    $50+

    Lakeside condo resort on Lake Hamilton with pool, tennis and boat slips near Hot Springs.

    1.6 mi awaySwitch it up: Stay

  • Stay
    Family Favorite

    Sunbay Resort

    $50+

    Lakefront hotel and condo resort on Lake Hamilton with two pools, a sports bar and dockside boat-tour departures.

    2.5 mi awaySwitch it up: Stay

  • Eat & Drink
    Family Favorite

    The Purple Cow

    Under $25

    1950s-themed diner in Hot Springs serving burgers, shakes, and soda fountain classics.

    2.5 mi awaySwitch it up: Eat & Drink

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Adventureworks

    $50+

    A forest zipline park in Hot Springs with 10 lines and an aerial obstacle course.

    2.9 mi awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Date Night

    The Golf Shack

    Under $25

    An indoor golf simulator lounge in Hot Springs with Trackman bays, instruction and a bar.

    4.7 mi awayMore like this