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Garden Etiquette & Rules

GENERAL CONSERVATORY AND GARDEN ETIQUETTE

  • Children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times while in the Conservatory. This is for everyone's safety.
     

  • Please stay on the paths and do not disturb the plants. We have many starts of the Conservatory plants in our plant shop if you are interested in anything you've seen.
     

  • Pets are not allowed in the Conservatory. If you have an ADA compliant service animal, then they are welcome to accompany you.
     

  • While enjoying your visit to the Conservatory, you are welcome to take pictures. However, portrait photography and any photography or videography that disrupts the enjoyment of the Conservatory by other visitors is not permitted and may require a permit. Musical instruments are also not allowed in the Conservatory. If you are not sure what is allowed and not allowed, please click here to visit our Photography Page
     

  • Visitors are not allowed to pick plants or fruits in the Conservatory. Plants are to be left for other visitors to enjoy. We have a small collection of plants, taken from cuttings or seeds from the Conservatory, for sale in the front entry.
     

  • Please do not attempt to feed the koi or chickens, as they are fed strict diets by staff. Visitors may be allowed to feed the animals during a program.
     

  • Food is not allowed in the Conservatory. Drinks such as water or coffee are allowed as long as they are in lidded cups or bottles.

 

ACCESSIBILITY

 

  • Is the Conservatory and gardens ADA accessible?

The Conservatory and Gardens are completely accessible to those in wheelchairs, power chairs or with crutches or walkers. Some of the bricks in the Conservatory may be uneven, just as a word of caution. There are also benches throughout the Conservatory for frequent rests. There are ramps next to all the stairs throughout the facility. We do have one wheelchair for borrowing. It is available on a first come first serve basis. 

ADA compliant service dogs are welcome in the Conservatory. Pets are not allowed inside. Dogs on a leash can be on the park grounds. We ask that you please keep the Gardens clean and pick-up after your dog. We have bags if you may find yourself needing one.

Accessible parking at the Conservatory is also available and is right next to the sidewalk that leads to the main entrance. The distance is only ~100 ft.

  • Can strollers be used in the Conservatory?
    The Conservatory is completely accessible to strollers, walkers and wheelchairs. However, you are also free to leave strollers in the lobby and they will be attended to by front desk staff.

 

ADMISSION

 

  • What is today's admission fee?

Most of the year admission is $4 per person. Children 2 and under and professional aids to those with disabilities or in nursing facilities are always free. Admission goes up to $6 per person when we have special displays, such as Conservatory Crossing. Click here to see our special events for the coming year. We also have special family pricing during special events. A family consisting of one to two individuals over the age of 18 and one or more children (under 18) can get admission for $14. Sometimes we even have free admission days, like Santa Day, Hoosier Herpetological Society Show and a quarterly Visitor Appreciation day. Today's current admission fee is listed on the homepage.

  • What is the next special display you will have? What is the admission for that?

To see what our next special display click here to visit or special events page. Currently special event admissions are $6 per person and $14 per family (a family is 1-2 adults over the age of 18 and any children under 18).

  • What forms of payment do you take?

At this time we can only accept physical cards or cash. We no-longer accept checks. For cards we can take all major credit cards, generic gift cards and Indy Parks Fun Card gift cards. If you do not have your card, but you know all of your card's information, we can manually enter it as well. We only accept bills of $20 or less. You can also purchase an annual pass. Annual passes for individuals are $30 per person. For families, it is $70. A family consists of 2 adults (18 or older) and any children under 18 that live in the household. Family passes are non-transferrable for bringing other guests outside of who the pass is assigned to. The pass fees have stayed the same, even though our entry fees have gone up slightly over the years. Getting an annual pass is a great option for this reason. At the current admission rate of $4 per person, the pass pays for itself after 8 visits. You can also use your passes at any special events, such as the Spring Bulb Show or Conservatory Crossing. To learn more about purchasing an annual pass, click here.

  • Can you pay for admission in advance?

Admission can only be purchased on site. We do not do any admissions sales online. If you see online admissions options, then you are likely on the website for Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago. Please make sure to check the website you are on very carefully. Also, if anyone is claiming to have tickets for admissions or events for sale on Facebook, they do not. You are also more than welcome to come in earlier in the day you wish to visit to purchase admissions and come back later that day, granted you have a receipt. Admissions are good all day.

 

DIRECTIONS

 

  • How to get to the park from I-65 N/S

From Interstate 65 South - take exit 109 to Raymond St. Stay in the middle lane of the exit. This will allow you to turn right, but be in the farthest lane to the left for your next turn, which is a left on Shelby St. You should see a large marquee that says "Garfield Park Conservatory" with upcoming events. You will turn at the sign. If you reach the Garfield Park Branch of the Indy PL, you've gone too far.

  • How to get to the park from I-465 N/S

  • How to get to the park from major local streets

 

FACILITY DETAILS/ PLANT COLLECTIONS

 

  • Is the Conservatory an indoor or outdoor experience or both?

  • What does the Conservatory house?

  • How big is the Conservatory?

  • What does the Sunken Garden have?

  • When is the best times to visit the Conservatory?

  • When is the best times to visit the Sunken Garden?

  • What else is there to do in Garfield Park on our visit?

  • Does the Conservatory have a gift shop?

 

FOOD AND DRINK

 

  • Is food and drink allowed in the Conservatory?

  • Can we have a picnic in the Sunken Garden?

  • Do you sell food or drinks on-site?

  • Where can I find places to eat around the park?

  • I would like to have a picnic in the park, how do I go about renting a shelter?

 

GUIDED TOURS AND FIELD TRIPS

 

  • Is the Conservatory a guided or self-guided experience?

  • Do you offer regularly scheduled guided tours for the public?

  • I would like a guided tour of the Conservatory, how do I set one up?

  • I would like to bring my school group; do you have field trip opportunities?

 

HOURS OF OPERATION

 

  • Hours of Operation for the Conservatory.

  • Hours of Operation for the Sunken Garden, throughout the year.

  • Does the Conservatory ever have evening hours?

 

PARKING/BUS PARKING/ENTRANCE

 

  • Where is the Conservatory entrance?

  • Where is parking in regards to the entrance?

  • If I am bringing a bus (from a senior home, school, church or tour group) where should I park it?

  • Diagram of where buses should park

 

PETS

 

  • Are pets allowed? Exceptions?

 

PHOTOGRAPHY

 

  • What kind of camera equipment are you allowed to have in the Conservatory and Gardens?

  • What kind of photos are you allowed to take?

  • If I wanted to do portrait photography, how would I go about doing that at the Conservatory?

PROGRAMS

  • Do you have to sign up in advance for programs?

  • Do you offer personal programs for groups?

  • Can I lead a program in the park?

VOLUNTEERING/CAREERS

  • Are there volunteer opportunities at the Conservatory?

  • Is the Conservatory managed with paid staff or volunteers or both?

  • Do you have any job openings?

 

WEDDING CEREMONIES/EVENT HOSTING

 

  • Does the Conservatory host weddings?

  • How much does it cost to have a wedding at the Conservatory?

  • Can I host my event at the Conservatory?

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