All plant museums to visit in Tennessee

Immerse yourself in the world of plants at 12 museums in Tennessee 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 Tennessee:

  1. Cheekwood Botanical Gardens & Museum of Art1

    Cheekwood Botanical Gardens & Museum of Art

     Nashville, TN
    Cheekwood is a historic estate located on the western edge of Nashville, Tennessee. This 55-acre property is home to the Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, a beautiful combination of nature and architecture that offers a unique experience for visitors. The estate was once the residence of the Cheek family, a prominent family in Nashville's history. Today, it serves as a botanical garden and art museum, attracting tourists from all over the world.
  2. Oaklawn Garden2

    Oaklawn Garden

     Germantown, TN
    Oaklawn Garden, situated at 7831 Old Poplar Pike in Germantown, Tennessee, is a unique combination of a botanical garden, park, and museum. This location offers a diverse range of attractions, from a variety of flora and fauna to historical exhibits, making it an interesting destination for tourists.
  3. Lichterman Nature Center3

    Lichterman Nature Center

     Memphis, TN
    The Lichterman Nature Center, a certified arboretum and nature center, is situated in East Memphis, Tennessee. It offers a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in nature and learn about various plant and animal species. The center is part of the Pink Palace Family of Museums, making it a significant part of the local cultural and educational landscape.
  4. Memphis Botanic Garden4

    Memphis Botanic Garden

     Memphis, TN
    The Memphis Botanic Garden is a vast 96-acre botanical garden situated in Audubon Park at 750 Cherry Road, Memphis, Tennessee. This expansive garden offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore a variety of plant species and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. The location is easily accessible and provides a serene environment for relaxation and exploration.
  5. C.H. Nash Museum Chucalissa5

    C.H. Nash Museum Chucalissa

     Memphis, TN
    The C.H. Nash Museum at Chucalissa is a significant location that showcases the excavated materials of the Mississippian culture archaeological site known as Chucalissa. This site provides a unique opportunity for visitors to explore and understand the rich history and culture of the Mississippian people. The museum's exhibits offer a comprehensive view of the artifacts and materials excavated from the site, providing a tangible connection to the past.
  6. UT Arboretum6

    UT Arboretum

     Oak Ridge, TN
    The University of Tennessee Arboretum is open to the public free of charge. The outdoor areas are accessible daily from 8:00 a.m. until sunset, providing ample time for visitors to explore and enjoy the arboretum. The office and visitor center operate on weekdays during normal office hours for any inquiries or assistance.
  7. Coon Creek Science Center7

    Coon Creek Science Center

     Adamsville, TN
    The Coon Creek Science Center, located at 2985 Hardin Graveyard Road in Adamsville, McNairy County, Tennessee, serves as both a science center and a site for fossil discovery. This unique combination offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the science behind fossils and paleontology, while also providing a hands-on experience of discovering fossils.
  8. The C.h. Nash Museum At Chucalissa8

    The C.h. Nash Museum At Chucalissa

     Memphis, TN
    The C.H. Nash Museum at Chucalissa is a significant location that showcases excavated materials from the Mississippian culture archaeological site, Chucalissa. This site provides a unique opportunity for visitors to explore and understand the rich history and culture of the Mississippians.
  9. 9

    UT Gardens - The State Botanical Garden of Tennessee

     Knoxville, TN
    The University of Tennessee Botanical Gardens is not just a separate entity but rather, it is the entire 250-acre campus of the University of Tennessee. This means that visitors to the gardens are also exploring the university campus, providing a unique blend of educational and natural experiences. The botanical gardens serve as a practical and educational support for the university's biology studies, but they are also open to the public for enjoyment and exploration.
  10. 10

    Bonny Oaks Arboretum

     Chattanooga, TN
    Bonny Oaks Arboretum is situated at 6183 Adamson Circle in Chattanooga, Tennessee. This location is easily accessible and provides a serene environment for visitors to enjoy the beauty of nature.
  11. 11

    Hermitage Arboretum

     Hermitage, TN
    The Hermitage Arboretum is a significant part of the historical Hermitage, which was once the cotton plantation of President Andrew Jackson. It is situated in the Hermitage neighborhood, just outside Nashville, Tennessee. This location offers visitors a chance to explore the rich history of the area while enjoying the natural beauty of the arboretum.
  12. 12

    Deerwood Arboretum & Nature Center

     Brentwood, TN
    The Deerwood Arboretum and Nature Area is a city park and arboretum situated along the Little Harpeth River in Brentwood, Tennessee. This location offers a serene environment for visitors to enjoy the beauty of nature. The park is easily accessible and provides a tranquil setting for relaxation and exploration.