Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
Franklin Park Conservatory is a staple in Columbus and has been around for over a hundred years. It is often one of the top-listed things to do when visiting the city. Although we have both been many times throughout our childhoods, we have since been there for multiple date nights and a wedding!
If you, for some reason, have never heard of the conservatory, here’s a quick run down, along with “fun” historical details!
What is it?
The Franklin Park Conservatory is like a giant greenhouse, with different rooms for different biomes. We love looking at the bonsai and finding the most peculiar-looking plants. In addition to their wide variety of foliage, they house the nation’s first-ever butterfly exhibit. In the spring, you can see butterflies throughout the stages of life, even walking amongst them. After exploring everything inside, check out the children’s play area and giant train set. Disclaimer, the outside train was not running yet when we visited this week. If you would like to admire the beauty of the greenhouse without paying the admission fees, feel free to take a walk in the park adjacent to it for free! This also has a children’s play area but is not a part of the conservatory.
The History-
In 1852, the 88 acres were purchased to be the location for the first Franklin County Fair and later the first Ohio State Fair. In 1895, The massive palm house that still stands today was the first portion of the conservatory to be erected. The Columbus Parks and Recreation Department took over with the mission of spreading knowledge to the community and giving back. By 1992, the department had filled it up with enough unique plants that it was asked to host a “6-month, international horticultural exposition”. This spurred a massive renovation and expansion of the conservatory. Shortly after, they added the seasonal butterfly exhibit – which was a draw for people from all over.
Since then, they have continued adding new learning and creative spaces. They showcase art and often have visitor experiences centered around the art. One experience they have had since 2013 is Chihuly nights, where you visit the conservatory at night while they light up the glass art installations all around.
Why visit?
So as you can see, the conservatory has been around as long as we have. Once you see the plants once, you’re good, right? Not in our opinion, honestly!! We are actually pondering a season pass for the two of us. After just three visits, it’s worth your money! The plants stay mostly the same, so you may not want to return just to see those repeatedly. However, there are many places to stop and sit amongst the flowers, read a book, write, and draw. It is a beautiful place to be inspired. We love being out in nature, and although we get a taste of that here in Ohio, it’s different from the beauty of the exotic plants. Not to mention all the learning experiences and classes they offer for kids! If we had them, it would be a great way to tire them out and teach them more about our world. Even in winter, when the plants are more dormant, they also have Christmas lights for you to walk through when you visit.
In addition to regular visiting hours, the conservatory hosts all sorts of events in its outdoor spaces and palm house. We were able to attend a wedding there, and it was gorgeous!
How to visit?
You can order tickets online or in person! As of tonight at 9 pm, their online ticketing is down for construction; just a heads up!
They are also only open until 5, so it’s a day outing. Also, because it is an event space, the palm house and outdoor spaces are occasionally occupied and closed off to the public.
Admission is $23 for adults and 15.50 for children over the age of 3.
Head to their large parking lot, walk up to the front desk to scan the map, and start exploring!
