Exploring The Arboretum in Lexington, KY: A Senior-Friendly Guide
As a senior living in Lexington, KY, you might find yourself with lots of time, especially if you're recently retired. While staying at home can be relaxing, you might soon find yourself bored and inactive, which can lead to declining overall health.
The good news is that Lexington is a wonderful city full of treasures, and many count as senior-friendly attractions. For example, if you're searching for botanical gardens in Kentucky, then you should visit The Arboretum State Botanical Garden of Kentucky.
Are you interested in learning more about these gardens? Then keep reading. We'll show you everything that's in store for you!
About The Arboretum State Botanical Garden of Kentucky
This botanical garden is located at 500 Alumni Drive, Lexington, KY 40503. It stretches across 100 acres and is actually located on the campus of the University of Kentucky. This is because it was started in 1991 as a joint effort between the university and the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government.
Every year, over 200,000 people visit to see the beautiful grounds. The team strives to showcase Kentucky landscapes, as well as provide education and practice conservation. These efforts paid off, as in March 2000, it was named the Official State Botanical Garden for the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Opening Hours
The individual components of the botanical gardens are open at different times. For instance, the Dorotha Smith-Oatts Visitor Center is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
On the other hand, the Kentucky Children's Garden isn't currently open at the time of writing (mid-March 2025). It'll open on April 2nd and close again on November 2nd. When open, you can visit Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (9:00 am to 4:00 pm during the summer).
Fortunately, the actual arboretum grounds are open daily from dawn to dusk. So as long as you come during daylight hours, you're good to go! You may even come here as an outing with your personal care community.
Admission
If you want to visit the arboretum or the Dorotha Smith-Oatts Visitor Center, admission is free. Otherwise, the Kentucky Children's Garden is $4, while children under two get in for free.
If you enjoy the grounds immensely, you can consider getting a KCG season membership. It costs $130 but it allows up to five people to visit daily. If you put the membership to use, then it'll pay for itself in no time.
To save on a season membership, you can become an Arboretum Friend first. Otherwise, bring a previous membership card to get $5 off.
Parking
You'll find the arboretum very convenient to get to. It's not far off Interstate 75 and Interstate 64, and is in the heart of Lexington.
The parking lot is open every day from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. Naturally, this means that overnight parking isn't allowed. Do note that the parking lot is closed on UK football home games.
Parking is free, so you won't have to worry about bringing spare change.
Accessibility
If you're not as able-bodied as you used to be, then you might be concerned about accessibility at the gardens. Fortunately, there are accessible paths with firm and secure surfaces, so they're not difficult to walk on.
In addition, the bathrooms are accessible for those using wheelchairs. Not only are they roomy, but they also have grab bars. On that note, if you need a wheelchair, there are two on-site you can borrow from the Visitor Center.
The only place that isn't accessible is the Walk Across Kentucky Native Plant Collection. The grades exceed 5% in some places.
Things to Do
Those who are looking for things to do in Lexington, KY for seniors won't be disappointed here. There are many events and programs to participate in!
Plus, there are various sights you can go see at The Arboretum State Botanical Garden of Kentucky.
Kentucky Children's Garden
If you've got grandkids, then this is a fantastic garden to bring the little ones. It's specifically designed with children ages 2-6 in mind.
In the Kentucky Children's Garden, the whole family will be fascinated by mini representations of the state's landscapes that span two acres. In addition, there are themed sections for:
- Butterflies
- Vegetables
- Transportation
There's also educational programming that goes from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Plus, garden-scale model trains run during good weather for one hour starting at 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 3:00 pm.
Horticultural Gardens
One of the best outdoor activities for seniors is getting out and stimulating the senses. So what better way to do that than to walk the horticultural gardens?
This area was designed to stimulate both your eyes and nose through the use of plants from around the world. You'll be amazed by all the vivid colors, textures, and fragrances!
The horticultural gardens are actually divided into smaller gardens:
- Home Demonstration Garden (With smaller garden rooms, such as the Herb Garden, Vegetable Garden, etc.)
- Flight 5191 Memorial Rose Garden
- Fragrance Garden
- Perennial Teaching Garden
- Witch Hazel Dell
There are also displays to see along the paths that go through the core garden area.
Walk Across Kentucky
This walk spans a total of two miles and takes you through 80 acres of wild-collected native plants, so it counts as one of the most accessible nature trails in the state.
As you go through the pathway, you'll observe over 2,500 trees and shrubs that represent the seven physiographic regions of Kentucky. After you're done, you'll have a new appreciation for the native plants found here.
Visit The Arboretum State Botanical Garden of Kentucky
If you haven't been there before, then it's about time that you visit The Arboretum State Botanical Garden of Kentucky. The gardens offer an outstanding space to learn about not just the state's vegetation, but how you can contribute to conservation efforts too. Plus, there's a children's garden, so it's an excellent place to go with grandkids.
Regardless of whether you go alone or with the entire family, one thing's true: the arboretum is gorgeous and deserves repeat visits. You'll always discover something new!
We at Preston Greens Senior Living have spacious apartments with fully-equipped kitchenettes. Get in touch with us today if you're searching for a senior living community in Lexington.