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Austin, Texas / Parks and outdoors

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Discover the official State Botanic Garden and Arboretum of Texas. Founded in 1982, this 284-acre sanctuary in the Texas Hill Country showcases native plants, beautiful cultivated gardens, and peaceful walking trails designed to reconnect you with nature.

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Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
www.wildflower.org, og_image_www.wildflower.org

What is the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and when was it founded?

The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is the official State Botanic Garden and Arboretum of Texas. It was founded in 1982 by former first lady Lady Bird Johnson and actress Helen Hayes to protect and preserve North America's native plants and natural landscapes.

How much does it cost to visit and what are the hours?

Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (65+), $8 for students with a college ID, and $6 for youth aged 5 to 17. The center is open Monday through Sunday from 9 AM to 5 PM.

Is the center wheelchair accessible?

Yes, several areas of the center are wheelchair accessible, including the Central Complex, Central Gardens, the Texas Arboretum trail, and the Luci and Ian Family Garden.

What kind of gardens and features can I see there?

The 284-acre center features 9 acres of cultivated gardens, including the Luci and Ian Family Garden and the Ann and O.J. Weber Pollinator Habitat Garden. It also includes the 16-acre Mollie Steves Zachry Texas Arboretum, which showcases tree and shrub species from across Texas.

What events are hosted at the center throughout the year?

The center hosts year-round events, including biannual native plant sales in the spring and fall, family-friendly Nature Nights in June, and the Luminations winter light display featuring thousands of luminarias.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Established in 1982 by former First Lady Lady Bird Johnson and actress Helen Hayes, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center serves as a living monument to environmental preservation. Spanning 284 acres, this sanctuary is located 10 miles southwest of downtown Austin, right at the edge of the scenic Texas Hill Country. It uniquely straddles two distinct ecosystems: the Edwards Plateau and the Texas Blackland Prairies, making it a vital ecological crossroads. Today, the center is recognized as the official State Botanic Garden and Arboretum of Texas. It features nine acres of beautifully cultivated gardens, including the Ann and O.J. Weber Pollinator Habitat Garden and the Luci and Ian Family Garden. Visitors can also explore the 16-acre Mollie Steves Zachry Texas Arboretum, which showcases a diverse collection of tree and shrub species sourced from across the entire state of Texas. Beyond its physical beauty, the center serves as a major research hub, housing the most comprehensive native plant database in the United States, which details over 9,000 North American native plants. Mrs. Johnson was deeply passionate about preserving America's landscapes and native Texas plant life. She envisioned the center as a place to reconnect people with nature and educate them on incorporating native plants into their own home landscapes. This mission continues to thrive today through vibrant, year-round programming, including biannual native plant sales, family-friendly Nature Nights in June, and the glowing Luminations light display in the winter.

Visitor tips

  • The center is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, giving you plenty of time to explore.
  • Stop by the Wildflower Cafe for a bite, open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM.
  • Standard adult admission is $12, with discounts available for seniors ($10), students ($8), and youth ($6).
  • Enjoy easy exploring along the wheelchair-accessible paths of the Central Complex, Central Gardens, Texas Arboretum trail, and Luci and Ian Family Garden.

Nearby context

Situated 10 miles southwest of downtown Austin, the Wildflower Center marks the transition from the city's urban core into the rolling landscapes of the Texas Hill Country. While it sits outside the immediate downtown neighborhoods, its location straddling the Edwards Plateau and Texas Blackland Prairies makes it a crucial ecological gateway. Visitors often combine a trip here with other outdoor excursions into the scenic Hill Country region.

Sources

Evidence and links