All plant museums to visit in Pennsylvania

Immerse yourself in the world of plants at 28 museums in Pennsylvania dedicated to botany. These museums explore the diversity, biology, and importance of plant life.

Do you love plants and nature? Here are the must-visit botanical gardens in Pennsylvania:

  1. Pittsburgh Botanic Garden1

    Pittsburgh Botanic Garden

     North Fayette Township, PA
    Upon completion, the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden will span 186 hectares and will feature a variety of attractions. These include 18 different themed gardens, 5 forests representing various biomes, a visitor center, an outdoor amphitheater for performances, a garden dedicated to wedding celebrations, and a botanical research center. This diversity of features promises a rich and varied experience for visitors.
  2. Longwood Gardens2

    Longwood Gardens

     Kennett Square, PA
    Longwood Gardens is a botanical garden situated in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, approximately fifty kilometers west of Philadelphia. The garden spans an impressive area of 4.2 km², offering a vast space for visitors to explore and enjoy the diverse plant life.
  3. Chanticleer Garden3

    Chanticleer Garden

     Wayne, PA
    Chanticleer Garden, located at 786 Church Road in Wayne, Pennsylvania, is a 48-acre botanical garden. It was built on the grounds of the Rosengarten estate, offering a vast expanse of flora for visitors to explore. The garden's location and size make it a significant destination for those interested in botany or simply looking for a peaceful retreat in nature.
  4. The Arboretum at Penn State4

    The Arboretum at Penn State

     State College, PA
    The Arboretum at Penn State is a significant green space located adjacent to the University Park campus in State College, Pennsylvania. It includes the H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens, which is a part of the arboretum. This location offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore a variety of plant species and enjoy the serene environment of the gardens.
  5. The Barnes Arboretum at Saint Joseph's University5

    The Barnes Arboretum at Saint Joseph's University

     Merion Station, PA
    The Barnes Arboretum, located in Merion, Pennsylvania, is a non-profit arboretum and botanical garden that spans across 5 hectares (12 acres). It is a member of the Botanical Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) and is recognized internationally as a botanical institution. The arboretum is open to the public daily without charge.
  6. Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens6

    Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens

     Devon, PA
    Jenkins Arboretum is a non-profit arboretum and botanical garden located in Devon, in the heart of Philadelphia's Main Line. It spans an impressive 46 acres, offering visitors a vast space to explore and enjoy. The arboretum is home to a variety of plant species, making it a great destination for nature lovers and botany enthusiasts.
  7. Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier7

    Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier

     Erie, PA
    The Lake Erie Arboretum, also known as The Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier Park (LEAF), is a significant green space in Erie, Pennsylvania. It is an arboretum and botanical garden that spans over 130,000 m² (33 acres) within Frontier Park. This vast area is home to a diverse range of trees and plants, making it a great place for nature lovers and those interested in botany.
  8. Lee and Virginia Graver Arboretum8

    Lee and Virginia Graver Arboretum

     Bath, PA
    The Lee and Virginia Graver Arboretum is a non-profit arboretum and botanical garden that spans 63 acres. It is owned by Muhlenberg College and is located in Bushkill Township, north of Bath, Pennsylvania. This location offers a serene environment for visitors to explore and enjoy the beauty of nature.
  9. Delaware County Institute of Science9

    Delaware County Institute of Science

     Media, PA
    The Delaware County Institute of Science, located in Media, Pennsylvania, serves as a museum, library, and education center. It offers a unique blend of science and natural history, providing visitors with a comprehensive understanding of various scientific disciplines and natural phenomena.
  10. Erie Zoo10

    Erie Zoo

     Erie, PA
    The Erie Zoo is situated in the heart of Glenwood Park, nestled between Cherry Street and Glenwood Park Avenue. This expansive 15-acre zoological park is home to a diverse range of animals and plant species, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.
  11. Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College11

    Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College

     Swarthmore, PA
    Scott Arboretum, located on the campus of Swarthmore College, is a public arboretum that is open daily without any admission fee. This arboretum is operated by the college and offers a unique blend of nature and education for visitors.
  12. Hershey Gardens12

    Hershey Gardens

     Hershey, PA
    Hershey Gardens is a botanical garden and arboretum that spans 23 acres. It is located at 170 Hotel Road, Hershey, near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. This location offers a unique blend of nature and beauty, making it a great place for tourists to explore and enjoy.
  13. Taylor Arboretum13

    Taylor Arboretum

     Wallingford, PA
    The Taylor Memorial Arboretum is a non-profit arboretum and botanical garden that spans across 30 acres. It is located in Wallingford, Pennsylvania. This expansive green space is a member of the Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) and is identified by the herbarium acronym TAYMA.
  14. 1719 Museum14

    1719 Museum

     Willow Street, PA
    The Hans Herr House, also known as the Christian Herr House, is a historic home located in West Lampeter Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. This rectangular sandstone Germanic dwelling was built in 1719 and is a 1 + 1 ⁄ 2 -story structure. It is a significant part of the history of Lancaster County and offers a glimpse into the architectural style of the time.
  15. Centennial Arboretum15

    Centennial Arboretum

     Philadelphia, PA
    The Centennial Arboretum is a significant part of Philadelphia's Fairmount Park, situated at the southeast corner of Belmont and Montgomery Drives. It is housed within the Horticulture Center, making it a central point for plant and tree enthusiasts visiting the city. The location is easily accessible and offers a serene environment for visitors to explore and appreciate the diverse plant life.
  16. Bartram's Garden16

    Bartram's Garden

     Philadelphia, PA
    Bartram’s Garden in Philadelphia holds the distinction of being the oldest existing botanical garden in North America. It was established in 1728 by John Bartram, a Quaker, botanist, and co-founder of the American Philosophical Society. This historical significance adds a unique charm to the garden, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in botany and history.
  17. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens17

    Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

     Pittsburgh, PA
    The Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a botanical garden located in Schenley Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It is a complex of buildings and gardens that is situated near the Carnegie Museums in Oakland. This location offers a variety of experiences for visitors, from exploring the diverse plant species to admiring the architectural beauty of the conservatory buildings.
  18. Curtis Hall & Arboretum18

    Curtis Hall & Arboretum

     Wyncote, PA
    The Curtis Arboretum, located in Wyncote, Pennsylvania, spans an impressive 45 acres. This expansive arboretum offers a vast space for visitors to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
  19. Merion Botanical Park19

    Merion Botanical Park

     Merion Station, PA
    The Merion Botanical Park is a city park and botanical garden situated at 100 Merion Road, Merion, Pennsylvania, United States. This location is easily accessible and offers a serene environment for visitors to enjoy the beauty of nature.
  20. Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve20

    Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve

     Upper Makefield Township, PA
    Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve is a nature preserve, botanical garden, and accredited museum spread across 134 acres. It is located at 1635 River Road, New Hope, Pennsylvania. This location offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance, making it a worthwhile destination for tourists.
  21. 21

    Henry Schmieder Arboretum - Delaware Valley University

     Doylestown, PA
    The Henry Schmieder Arboretum is a significant part of the Delaware Valley College campus in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. This non-profit arboretum and botanical garden spans an impressive 24.28 hectares (60 acres), offering visitors a chance to explore a diverse range of plant life and natural beauty.
  22. 22

    Henry Botanic Garden

     Gladwyne, PA
    The Henry Foundation for Botanical Research, located in Gladwyne, is a non-profit botanical garden that covers an expansive area of about 20 hectares or 50 acres. This vast space is dedicated to the preservation, study, and display of various plant species, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and botanical enthusiasts.
  23. 23

    Fairmount Park Horticulture Center

     Philadelphia, PA
    The Horticulture Center in Philadelphia is a significant location for those interested in botany and gardening. It is conveniently located in Fairmount Park, at the southeast corner of Belmont and Montgomery Drives. This location is easily accessible and offers a serene environment for visitors to explore and learn about various plant species.
  24. 24

    Tom Ridge Environmental Center

     Erie, PA
    The Tom Ridge Environmental Center is an educational facility that is situated within the beautiful Presque Isle State Park in Erie, Pennsylvania. This location offers visitors a unique opportunity to learn about the environment while enjoying the natural beauty of the park. The center is named after former Pennsylvania Governor and former U.S. Department of Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge.
  25. 25

    Holtwood Nature Preserve

     Holtwood, PA
    The Holtwood Arboretum, also known as Holtwood Preserve, is a vast recreation area, arboretum, and wildflower preserve located in Holtwood, Pennsylvania. Spanning over 5,000 acres, this preserve offers a diverse range of activities and sights for visitors. It's an ideal destination for nature lovers, offering a unique blend of recreational activities and natural beauty.
  26. 26

    Wildflower and Native Plant Gardens - Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art

     Chadds Ford, PA
    The Brandywine Wildflower and Native Plant Gardens are a part of the Brandywine River Museum. They are conveniently located on U.S. Route 1, right next to the Brandywine Creek in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists who are visiting the area.
  27. 27

    Swiss Pines

     Charlestown, PA
    Swiss Pines is an expansive 19-acre arboretum and Japanese garden situated on Charlestown Road in Malvern, Pennsylvania. This serene location offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, making it an interesting destination for nature lovers and culture enthusiasts alike.
  28. 28

    The Arboretum at Penn State Behrend

     Erie, PA
    The Arboretum at Penn State Behrend is a sprawling 725-acre arboretum situated on the campus of Penn State Behrend in Erie, Pennsylvania. It is a public space, open to all without any charge. This makes it an accessible destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a chance to explore a diverse range of flora without any financial constraints.