Lauritzen Gardens
A 100-acre botanical garden and arboretum in Omaha, Nebraska
Lauritzen Gardens is a botanical garden and arboretum in South Omaha, Nebraska, United States. Opened in 1994, it features themed gardens, a large conservatory, a visitor center, and spaces for displays and events, welcoming visitors daily for a fee.
- Opened in 1994 as Omaha Botanical Gardens
- Covers 100 acres in South Omaha, Nebraska
- Features the Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory
- Includes Sofia's Play Garden, opened in 2025
- Open daily with an admission fee
What is Lauritzen Gardens?
Lauritzen Gardens covers 100 acres and offers a mix of outdoor gardens, a conservatory, and visitor facilities. The grounds include themed plantings, display spaces, and walking paths. The Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory is a large glasshouse for year-round plant displays. Visitors also find a model railroad garden and Sofia's Play Garden, a playground near the visitor center. The site is open to the public daily, with an admission fee.
The history of Lauritzen Gardens
Plans for a botanical garden in Omaha began in the 1970s, but early efforts were cancelled. After renewed interest in the 1980s, the project moved forward on a former dump site near the Henry Doorly Zoo. Planting started in 1993, and the Omaha Botanical Gardens opened in 1994. The gardens were renamed Lauritzen Gardens in 2001, after opening a new visitor center. The conservatory and other features were added over the years.
What there is to see
The gardens are organized into outdoor plantings, display halls, and indoor conservatory spaces. The visitor center houses a floral display hall, a gift shop, a café, and event spaces. The Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory, a large glass building, hosts year-round displays. Sofia's Play Garden offers play areas for children. The model railroad garden adds an interactive element for visitors.
When to go
Lauritzen Gardens is open every day during business hours, welcoming visitors for walks, learning, and events. The gardens host seasonal displays and special exhibitions in the conservatory and display hall. The site is a destination for plant lovers, families, and those seeking a peaceful outdoor setting in Omaha.
Parts and collections
The site includes several distinct areas: the main outdoor gardens, the Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory, Sofia's Play Garden, and the model railroad garden. Each space offers different experiences, from plant displays to interactive play and model trains. The gardens have expanded and updated facilities over time.
Why Lauritzen Gardens matters
Lauritzen Gardens is a prominent public garden in Omaha and a local destination for nature and plant education. It is part of the network of botanical gardens in the United States. The gardens are named for the Lauritzen Family, reflecting their support. The site also serves as a venue for community events and seasonal displays.
Questions people ask about Lauritzen Gardens
Where is Lauritzen Gardens located?
Lauritzen Gardens is located at 100 Bancroft Street in South Omaha, Nebraska, United States.
When did Lauritzen Gardens open?
The gardens opened in April 1994 as the Omaha Botanical Gardens and were renamed Lauritzen Gardens in 2001.
What can visitors see at Lauritzen Gardens?
Visitors can explore outdoor gardens, the Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory, a model railroad garden, and Sofia's Play Garden.
Is there an admission fee to visit Lauritzen Gardens?
Yes, Lauritzen Gardens charges an admission fee and is open daily during business hours.
What is the Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory?
It is a 17,000-square-foot glasshouse at Lauritzen Gardens, opened in 2014, for year-round plant displays.
Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Lauritzen Gardens", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Phool rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. Opening times, prices and bloom dates change: check with the place before you travel. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.
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