Lauritzen Gardens - Omaha Botanical Center

Open Monday and Tuesday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Wednesday through Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Visit


	Know Before You Go

	Hours and Admission

	Tram Tours and Private Golf Cart Tours

	Events and Exhibits

	Gardens

	Group Excursions

	Café and Coffee Shop

	Gift Shop

	Directions/Map

	Garden Etiquette

	Photography Policy

	Parking

	Join the E-mail List

Frequently Asked Questions

•		What are your current hours of operation?

•		Do you offer free garden admission?

•		What buildings/garden areas are closed?

•		How do I reserve/purchase advance timed tickets?

•		What times do the trams run?

•		What services are available?

•		Are dogs/other animals allowed in the garden?

•		Can I bring in outside food, beverages, or coolers?

•		What do I do as a member of a reciprocal garden?

•		Can I be refunded if there is inclement weather on the day of my scheduled visit?

•		What do I do if I have a complimentary pass?

•		Is Kenefick Park open?

•		Do members receive free admission during the holiday season?

•		Can I buy a daytime ticket during Merry & Bright and stay through Bright Nights?

•		What are your current hours of operation? Monday and Tuesday: Open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. with the model railroad garden open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. - Wednesday through Sunday: Open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the model railroad garden open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. [Top of page]

•		Do you offer free garden admission? Our next free day for the community is Friday, October 17, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. We also partner with Omaha Public Library, other area libraries, and with the Museums for All and Blue Star Museums programs to offer free or discounted admission. [Top of page]

•		What buildings/garden areas are closed? On July 14 and 15, the Hager Family Springs in Sofia's Play Garden will be closed for necessary maintenance. The Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory and the woodland trail will be closed from January 1 through early fall 2025 to complete the second phase of the conservatory's refresh. During this time 20+ outdoor gardens and the floral display hall will remain open for your enjoyment. [Top of page]

•		How do I reserve/purchase advance timed tickets? Tickets may be purchased via this website from the buy tickets button at the top of the page or from any of the ticketing links throughout. You will need to select a visit date, as well as the number of tickets needed. Members must first create an account with their email address and sign in to receive their benefits (discounts are added after products are added to the cart). If you have technical difficulties or need assistance, please contact us at (402) 346-4002, ext. 201/250. [Top of page]

•		What times do the trams run? Weather permitting, the tram will run daily from May through October. The 50-minute narrated tour is $5 per person and is $4 for garden members and includes 2 short stops where guests may leave the tram to explore the garden. Tickets may be reserved at the front desk upon check-in and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. On days with service, the tram runs starting at 9:30 a.m. [Top of page]

•		What services are available? The gift shop is currently open during regular hours of operation. The ConAgra Café is currently open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily, with a fresh new menu of bowls, sandwiches, salads, flatbreads, and side dishes. Manual wheelchairs are available to reserve/loan on a first-come, first-served basis (we do not offer motorized wheelchairs or scooters). Daily tram service typically runs from May-October. J's Coffee will suspend service while the Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory renovation occurs but will provide pop-up service on select dates. [Top of page]

•		Are dogs/other animals allowed in the garden? Service animals are welcome to accompany visitors, but other animals are prohibited. During our Leashes at Lauritzen events, we welcome all dogs from 5 to 8 p.m. (the first and second Monday of the month from May-October). Due to the unique nature of the surfaces and features in our 1.1 acre playscape, pets are not allowed in Sofia's Play Garden. [Top of page]

•		Can I bring in outside food, beverages, or coolers? Guests may bring in their own non-alcoholic beverages. No coolers, picnics, or other outside food is allowed. Picnics and snacks may be enjoyed at Kenefick Park or at the picnic tables near the front ponds and in the front circle. [Top of page]

•		What do I do as a member of a reciprocal garden? We welcome members of other public gardens that participate in the American Horticultural Society's Reciprocal Membership Program. The physical membership card of their member garden and a photo ID are required for entry. Gardens vary in their membership benefits and admission structure. If you have questions about how your membership reciprocates with Lauritzen Gardens, please call us at 402-346-4002, ext. 201 or 214. Please note: Lauritzen Gardens enforces the 90-mile exclusion policy. Nebraska Statewide Arboretum members are not eligible for reciprocal admission. [Top of page]

•		Can I be refunded if there is inclement weather on the day of my scheduled visit? All tickets are non-refundable. However, you can email t.sawaged@omahabotanicalgardens.org to reschedule your timed tickets in the event of inclement weather. Members do not need to reschedule tickets, but can simply discard their e-ticket for the date with inclement weather and reserve another visit date. [Top of page]

•		What do I do if I have a complimentary pass? Guests with complimentary passes may present the physical passes to the front desk upon entry to gain admission. An option through the timed ticketing system is no longer available. [Top of page]

•		Is Kenefick Park open? Kenefick Park is open and accessible to the public for free during the garden's hours of operation. Visitors should park in the south-most tier of the parking lot to access the staircase. A sidewalk/ramp is accessible from the southwest end of the lot. The tram tour does not include Kenefick Park. [Top of page]

•		Do members receive free admission during the holiday season? Garden members receive FREE general admission during the day. Members received a discount on Bright Nights tickets purchased throughout the season (for patrons covered under terms of membership). [Top of page]

•		Can I buy a daytime ticket during Merry & Bright and stay through Bright Nights? No. The last daytime entry will be at 2 p.m. on days with Bright Nights and guests will need to complete their visit by 3 p.m. To re-enter, a separate Bright Nights timed ticket would be required. [Top of page]