Cleveland has marked its name as a respectable and much-anticipated tourist destination in the United States. It now shines as a prime outcome of a successful urban revitalization from its era of economic decline in the 1970s and 1980s. Because of its distinctive historical narrative, this Ohio’s second-largest city features positive harmony between resilience and creativity.
A particularly astounding example of said balance is the birth of a lush sanctuary in Cleveland’s region of the Rust Belt. The Cleveland Botanical Garden is the first civic garden center in the country. For many local and foreign visitors, this natural oasis serves as an ideal spot to reconnect with the vibrancy and livelihood of the surrounding flora.
Ahead, prospective visitors will find a comprehensive guide to The Cleveland Botanical Garden.
What Is Special About The Cleveland Botanical Garden
Imagine the ability to transition between the hustle and bustle of a city into a botanical paradise with a single step. One second, a pair of inquisitive traveler’s eyes venture from a landscape of concrete buildings and infrastructures and the next, into a haven of lush biodiversity.
This is the appeal of The Cleveland Botanical Garden [1].
And, that is how it manages to amass an estimated 350, 000 visitors in annual attendance.
The tourist hot spot is located in Cleveland’s University Circle cultural district. Visitors can engage in a dynamic atmosphere that features exclusive seasonal events and superb gardens and a centerpiece glasshouse. Currently, it sits on 10 acres of land and features beautifully stylized gardens including the following [2].
- Elizabeth and Nona Evans Restorative Garden
- David and Paula Swetland Topiary garden
- Western Reserve Herb Society Garden
- Japanese Garden
- Sears-Swetland Rose Garden
- Ohio Woodland
- K. “Pat” Patrick Perennial Border
- Hershey Children’s Garden
- Campsey-Stauffer Gateway Garden
In addition, the garden is the house to a $37 million conservatory featuring:
- Madagascar Glasshouse
- Costa Rica Glasshouse
Throughout the year, patrons can participate in a unique all-season, indoor and outdoor experience. There is never a dull moment at the vibrant garden which highlights special events, including the remarkable Orchid Mania, Gourmets in the Garden, and WinterShow.
What Is The History Behind The Cleveland Botanical Garden
The Cleveland Botanical Garden was established on 4 Dec 1930 as the Garden center of Greater Cleveland. Founded by patronages of the Garden Club of Greater Cleveland, the location was designed to promote the following sentiment [3]:
“..providing a place or places where knowledge and appreciation of gardening and horticulture are promoted”
Since its conception, it became a ground for revolutionary minds to display practical architecture until it evolved to become the Cleveland Botanical Garden in 1994.
Significant additions continue to improve the garden landscape. Most notably, in 2003 the garden was remodeled dramatically to expand its footprint. That effort resulted in architectural achievements which include outdoor gardens expansion, an additional parking garage, and a climate-controlled environment for the library’s most outstanding collection.
The recent addition of Eleanor Armstrong Smith Glasshouse – two giant biodomes which replicate the Madagascar desert and Costa Rican forest – elevates its attraction to another height.
In 2014, Cleveland Botanical Garden assimilated into an entity known as the Holden Forests and Gardens by joining forces with The Holden Arboretum.
What Should I Know Before Visiting The Cleveland Botanical Garden
Physical Address
The address of The Cleveland Botanical Garden is 11030 East Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44106
Getting There
The Cleveland Botanical Garden is located on University Circle, approximately 5 miles east of Downtown. There are 2 tourist landmarks adjacent to the location; the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Overall, the garden is highly accessible by various modes of transportation including car, bike, and public transportation.
If you opt to take the rail’s Red Line, stop at the Cedar-University Station and hop on the free Circle Link shuttle to the garden entrance. Otherwise, the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) Healthline, offers rail-like service with the flexibility of a bus throughout the area.
Drivers should note that there is a parking garage that costs $7 per visit for members. The rates for the parking garage which is open daily from 7 am- 7 pm for non-members are:
- 0 – 30 minutes: Free
- 31 minutes – 2 hours: $12
- Each additional 30 minutes: $1
- Maximum daily rate: $18
Getting There From Rhodes Security Systems
Getting to the Rhodes Security Systems office from the Cleveland Botanical Garden via car is an approximately 26 minutes drive. The address of our location is 7552 St Clair Ave, Suite E, Mentor, OH 44060.
From the Cleveland Botanical Garden, you can reach our office by following the simple direction below:
- Head west toward Wade Oval Drive
- Turn right onto Wade Oval Drive
- Turn left onto Jeptha Drive
- Turn right onto Martin Luther King Jr Drive
- Turn right onto I-90E/OH-2 E and keep left at the fork to continue on OH-2 E/Lakeland Fwy, follow signs for Painesville
- Exit 215 for OH-306 towards Kirtland/Mentor-on-the-Lake and turn right onto OH-306 S/Reynolds Rd
- Turn left onto Tyler Blvd
- Turn right onto St Clair Ave
- Turn left to reach 7552 St Clair Ave, Suite E, Mentor, OH 44060
Admission Fee
Patrons can purchase their tickets online by visiting the Holden Forests & Gardens website [4]. This is the easiest way to obtain the tickets. Prices are displayed below.
- Adults: $20
- Children (3 – 12 years old): $14
- Children (2 and under): Free
- Members are always free
Those who purchase their ticket online in advance will be awarded $1 off regular Adult and Child admission. Also, members must remember to bring and present their membership cards to check in.
Hours
- Mondays: Closed*
- Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Saturdays: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Sundays: Noon – 5 pm
- *Open Monday, February 20th, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Estimated Tour Time
Visitors can anticipate spending approximately 2 hours with an additional 1 hour for outdoor visits when weather and season permit.
Visit The Cleveland Botanical Garden
Whether it is your first or tenth trip to the Cleveland Botanical Garden, this dynamic and breathtaking location will continue to incite marvel to nature lovers. Visitors bask in the majesty and tranquility of the famed 10 acres of exquisite gardens, each a unique gem of its own.
In addition to both the permanent and temporary garden displays and seasonal events, the Cleveland Botanical gardens are also active in community outreach and programs to elevate the horticulture aspect of Cleveland. In this way, your visit to the garden will make you an indirect patron of environmental research and urban-farming programs.
References
- org/
- https://holdenfg.org/cleveland-botanical-garden/gardens-and-attractions/
- org/items/show/764
- org/buy-tickets-for-cleveland-botanical-garden/