There are several accessible paths in our Horticultural Gardens area.  Surfaces include compacted gravel, brick and concrete. 

The Visitor Center and the Kentucky Children’s Garden restrooms are wheelchair accessible; each facility contains a stall with a grab bar. 

Some areas in The Kentucky Children’s Garden can be accessed via a ramp for those who use a wheelchair or have trouble navigating steps. 

The paved path through the Walk Across Kentucky Native Plant Collection is not accessible because grades exceed 5% in some locations. 

If you need a wheelchair when you visit, we have two standard-width wheelchairs to loan when the Visitor Center is open.

The restrooms near the Kentucky Children’s Garden are open from dawn to dusk every day, except when the Arboretum is closed for special events, e.g. football game day.

The restrooms inside the Visitor Center are available only when the Visitor Center is open.  That is usually 9 to 4 Tuesday through Saturday when the Children’s Garden is open, or Monday through Friday in the off-season.

There are four picnic tables a short walk from the Visitor Center under the trees; two others are near the Kentucky Children’s Garden entrance.  We do not reserve tables in advance.

Dogs are welcome on the Walk Across Kentucky paved path.  They must be leashed at all times, and you are responsible for picking up and disposing of waste.  Pet waste bags and trash cans are readily available.

Dogs are not allowed in any garden or building, including the Kentucky Children's Garden.  If you intend to enter any restricted area with a service dog, we ask that you stop in at the Visitor Center first to check in with staff.

Due to federal safety guidelines, bicycles are not allowed on any path in the Walk Across Kentucky or the Horticultural Gardens, whether paved or not.

Bikers are welcome to visit The Arboretum or pass through on two shared use routes connecting with Lexington’s bike network.  One route runs from our entrance/exit on Bellefonte Drive to the Arboretum main entrance on Alumni Drive.  The other is a path and boardwalk between our Shady Lane entrance and Commonwealth Court.

• Collecting or removing any type of plant, animal or insect material (without an approved research permit)
• Alterations to Arboretum plants or grounds (including moving or removing plant labels/tags and hanging hammocks on trees)
• Releasing animals at The Arboretum
• Receptions, parties, dances or loud music
• Food service and alcoholic beverages are allowed only at some approved events
• Smoking, grilling, candles or open flames on any kind
• Littering, including plastic and mylar confetti
• Scattering ashes
• Team sports or team training activities
• Flying drones (without special approval prior to flying)
• Operating motorized vehicles anywhere other than the entrance driveway and parking area. Exceptions are motorized wheelchairs and approved service vehicles.

The Arboretum currently is not staffed to offer open, regularly scheduled tours to the public.  Community and University affiliated groups may inquire about the availability of introductions or brief guided tours. 

Our staff at the Visitor Center can provide maps and guidance. A variety of self-guided tours can be found via Arboretum Explorer.

The Arboretum welcomes groups and classes but requires that they schedule their visit in advance. Classes and any organized group of 12 or more must complete and submit a Small Group Request Form to arboretum@uky.edu.  Call or email us for more information and help with scheduling.

Yes! To request a wedding at The Arboretum, please complete our Reservation Request & Use Agreement. Return the form to The Arboretum, University of Kentucky, 500 Alumni Drive, Lexington, KY 40503.

We take reservations for the current calendar year only. 

All weddings at The Arboretum must be pre-approved and payment made prior to the event. Call 859-257-6955 or stop in the Visitor Center during open hours to inquire about availability.

General Guidelines

• Cost: $530 ($500+6% sales tax), non-refundable.
• Limited to 100 people.
• All grounds remain open to the public.
• We do not allow receptions (sorry- no food, drinks, alcohol, tents, candles of amplified music).

We regret that we are generally unable to host 5K races, walkathons, and other events which have a significant impact on the experience of other visitors and walkers. Those planning such events may choose to contact Lexington Parks and Recreation, Keeneland or the Kentucky Horse Park.

Visitors are welcome to take casual photos and videos for their own use.  However, a permit is required for all commercial photography and videography, including wedding, family, engagement, graduation or prom photos by a paid photographer.

General guidelines for all photographers

Please, do not:

• block any pathways or garden areas
• disturb plants, plant labels or containers
• hang backpacks or equipment on trees
• place equipment in planted beds
• disrupt work by Arboretum ground crews
• disrupt any other scheduled events.

Commercial photography/videography

• Commercial photographers are required to register, schedule in advance, and pay a fee for sessions in The Arboretum.
• Fees are $318 ($300+6% tax) for an annual (January-December) photography permit, or  26.50 ($25+6% tax) per hour for a single session. Photographers should carry their permit at the session.
• Please mail a completed Photography Contract and payment via check to the Dorotha Smith Oatts Visitor Center, University of Kentucky, 500 Alumni Drive, Lexington, KY 40503. You may also pay in person (cash, check, Visa or MasterCard) during Visitor Center hours, or through the online portal.
• For videography, complete the Videography Use Agreement.
• For complete information, questions, submitting forms, or scheduling commercial photography we ask that you call 859-257-6955 or email the Arboretum at least one day in advance.
• Our prior approval is required for print advertisements, video to be used in commercials, images to be used for resale purposes or other uses with a large distribution and/or circulation.  Location credit may be required.

We have limited staff and volunteer support available for presentations away from the Arboretum.  Requests from university and community organizations will be considered on a limited basis.  We ask that you complete and submit an Outreach Request Form at least six weeks in advance of your requested event date.

Our gardens and native plant collections are under constant threat from highly aggressive, invasive plants.  Volunteers and ground crews spend countless hours pruning, pulling and digging to battle this threat.  However, in some circumstances the only feasible and effective strategies for protecting and conserving our collections include selective, targeted application of herbicides. 

When it is essential, highly controlled and thoughtfully timed applications of the safest and most effective herbicides may be made, but only by Certified Pesticide Applicators.  Signs will be posted in any location where applications have been made and where there is any significant chance of visitors being exposed. 

Insecticides are only used to save our native trees from devastation by pests such as emerald ash borer and then they are applied directly to the tree and not released into the environment.

Pesticides and other agricultural chemicals are not used on paved paths or the adjacent grassy areas.

Arboretum Cancellation and Refund Policy

Please review the following cancellation and refund policies for all Arboretum classes, workshops, and events:

• Cancellations made 10 or more days prior to the scheduled event are eligible for an 80% refund of fees paid. University procedures may require long delays in refund payments.
• We also offer the option, up to 3 or more days prior to an event, of receive the full value of the registration as a credit toward future Arboretum classes, workshops, events, or Kentucky Children’s Garden (KCG) admission. Credits can be issued immediately.
• Cancellations made fewer than 3 days prior to the event are not eligible for a refund or credit.
• In the event of University of Kentucky closure or inclement weather, cancellations will be accepted without penalty and a full refund will be issued.
• The Arboretum, State Botanical Garden of Kentucky reserves the right to cancel any class, workshop, reservation, or event. If an event is cancelled by the Arboretum, a full refund of fees paid will be issued to all registrants.

To cancel your registration, please contact us at arboretum@uky.edu or (859) 257-6955.

Weddings and Private Event Rentals

The Arboretum, State Botanical Garden of Kentucky does not offer refunds for weddings or other private event rentals. In the event of inclement weather, or given at least 10 business days advance notice, The Arboretum can work with clients to reschedule when possible. All sales are final.

Professional Photography and Videography

Refunds are not available for single-session photography or videography permits. In the event of inclement weather, The Arboretum can work with clients to reschedule the session when possible.

Kentucky Children’s Garden

Refunds are not offered for Kentucky Children’s Garden visitor passes. In cases of inclement weather or early closures, rain checks may be issued at the discretion of The Arboretum. Rain checks are not provided when the Kentucky Children’s Garden remains open and operational.