City botanical gardens are so overlooked!! They’re often free (Knoxville is free), and some of the most beautiful old preserved architecture and plants. It’s never been very busy and it seems like a little haven. There are many beautiful spots in Knoxville like this but Were always looks for more back road off road adventures

The Knoxville Botanical Gardens is a beautiful place. We highly recommend using this for family photos!

Great gardens and arboretum. Check out the Ashe gardens across the street. The Secret garden were really cool. The Bamboo forest was a cool surprise. The Urban farming and henhouse were great too.

Very fun place to walk through - really pretty! Not a great area but I still would go again.

Interesting urban garden displays and information signs. The gardens themselves feel a little like a work in progress. I hope to see it really fill in.

So its beautiful, and I wonder if maybe us going in the winter made it less appealing, but its honestly more of a tree preserve than what you would think of when you think about botanical gardens. It is beautiful, and honestly it like a fun tiny nature hike through different areas, but I do wish there was a bit more to it.

Nice place to take a quick walk, bring your lunch, or bring your kids. It has a wonderful whimsical feel that u will always remember and great place to take pictures! Also very well kept, the grounds are impressive and has child like wonder all around.

Plenty of parking spaces available but that might be due to what you read in the rest of my comments. The place is laid out very nice with a lot of stone walls and a rather neat but small bamboo forest with trails. It doesnt look like the place is maintain very regularly. In one of my photos you can see weeds growing up right in front of a bench. It would be nice to see this place add more areas for flowers and butterfly bushes. I can only compare this place to the botanical gardens I visited in Birmingham Alabama and one in Miami Florida. I would say this place needs a little work in order to bring more people in.

Great place for trees and plants. It is not in a nice part of town. Probably was awesome in the 60s

Fall foliage all around in late November. Nice fall backdrop

I have been here about 6 times, usually for photography. Its more of an arboretum than a botanical garden. I have been to many botanical gardens around the country and this one is REALLY different. UT Gardens is MUCH, MUCH better and more impressive. I went to KBG last weekend and it was just the same flowers over and over again, not much was even blooming (compared to UT). They have so much land here, a lot of it is difficult to walk through, I guess its going to be a work in progress for quite some time. I wish it was cleaner and more organized. There are a lot of places right next to each other that you cant get to because there is a wall in the way. Really weird botanical gardens.

This must be one of Knoxvilles best kept secrets, because we had the entire Gardens all to ourselves. The impressive stone buildings and enchanting Secret Garden will stay in my memory for a long time. I would definitely visit here again.

Exquisite place to walk around and look. House and the gardens were beautiful

The gentlemen working in the information building was very knowledgeable about the gardens history. Even though late in the season and a lot of the floral has gone by, there was still plenty to see and enjoy. The Knoxville botanical garden and Arboretum is a work in progress. Members, a few full-time staff and assorted volunteers do all the work. It is free to come in and walk around and any donations are greatly appreciated and needed. This whole area of 47 Acres used to be a nursery called the Joe N Howell Landscape Nursery. A great way to spend a few leisurely hours.

I loved!!! very nice place to walk, learn about the plants and take nice pictures

Beautiful place!

June 2018 - This became one of my favorite places EVER within minutes of my first visit! Its beauty is exceptional and surprising considering that it is nestled within the urban Knoxville area. The walking trails it offers are one of a kind, with diverse views and hidden experiences. Thank you to those who have helped provide such an unexpected escape within the city! The staff were helpful and courteous. An amazing place, a must see! If you like this review, let me know with a thumbs up :)

Beautiful place to explore for the while family. I particularly liked the architecture and landscape layout. My fiance was full of wows and my son loved The bamboo forest, which is fun Especially at dusk in winter. Well be back often.

Beautiful Gardens! and they even have a garden based on the secret garden! And a Bamboo maze!

Beautiful place. I have taken lots of family photos and graduation pictures for my kids here.

Plan on walking to see the plants. Its not really a botanical garden, but still a nice place for a stroll or picnic in the grass.

Lovely place to go and escape from the crowds

Once place to walk around and enjoy the beauty of nature. Also really love all the stone walls and buildings.

One of our Favorite places to Go ans walk with the kids. So many different gardens to explore.

If you are looking for a place to take amazing photos, this is the place. We were able to capture so many different looks all at one great location. The ivy wall was by far one of my favorite spots. This place is absolutely amazing. We traveled all the way from Orlando,FL to take our pictures here and it was worth the trip. Do not pass this place up! It is absolutely beautiful!

Somewhat secluded property considering how close the city is. Went for a Bonsai show and discovered nice surrounding grounds.

It was very peaceful when we went on a Wednesday morning.

Really nice way to spend an hour

Gorgeous historical place to take pics and explore

It pretty. It need TLC!

Beautiful property with multiple gardens that give a magical feeling

I went late in summer so a lot of the gardens were spent. However, if you love plants and live in Knoxville, it is well worth the time to visit this historical place. My grand daughter had a blast in the forest swinging on grape vines and in the bamboo forest.

I just took my three children here and we all loved these wonderful gardens. I have an infant and the paths were easy to traverse with a stroller. The kids loved finding pollinators, roaming through a bamboo forest, and the secret garden. It was so peaceful and views were amazing. The best part was it is free. Donations are of course appreciated. I highly recommend this lovely retreat. Its the end of summer now, but I plan on returning in late spring/early summer to see it at its most spectacular.

This place is just gorgeous and very easy to get to.

Had lot of fun with my kids

Super peaceful and easy to find.

Graffiti, litter, it’s in a sketchy area. If you’ve been to other botanical gardens you won’t be as amazed as many of these reviews. That said, once you get here it’s pretty and peaceful. I don’t know if we’ll go back and we live not too far.

Beautiful grounds.

Absolutely gorgeous! We love coming here to decompress

Such beauty! So peaceful! This place is better than therapy!

Very hot at this time of year and the facilities are closed due to this ridiculous politically driven virus junk.

Great food and Service. A nice little Surf and Turf Restaurant with great atmosphere and service, I went with my family and everybody enjoyed it from age to age 72!

As a Knoxville wedding and family photographer, the botanical gardens has it all! Its the perfect place to casual family photos, or the perfect place to get married. Its a hidden oasis right in the middle of Knoxville!

Great fun for the whole family!

This place is beautiful! Relaxing! Great for special occasion pictures or just pictures in general! If going to enjoy I’d wear tennis shoes! Well kept and kid friendly. The beautiful flowers are my favorite!

Beautiful place to take a walk and meditate

Great hidden gem.

A peaceful and beautiful place! Went in the early fall and there were still some beautiful blooms!

My sister had her wedding here and it was BEAUTIFUL! Weve visited a few times before and since. The buildings and gardens are a dream.

Peaceful and sprawling grounds. A lot of the gardens are disjointed from each other so be sure to use a map if you want to discover it all. Great for kids who need to run and explore. Event spaces are very nice as well. The home would make an incredible wedding venue.

Probably more beautiful in spring

Beautiful place and nice spot to see the sunset

Nice and quiet with a decent selection and the closing times arent really enforced.

Its very beautiful & a great place to walk!!!

The gardens are gorgeous and well maintained. Paths are easily navigated. The event space is very modern and minimalist in its aesthetic, but that provides freedom to make every event your own. Would highly recommend.

A great oasis right in the middle of Knoxville. An amazing place to do photos or have a wedding.

Beautiful grounds and well kept. Slightly off the beaten path. Had a family photo shoot there coming from Virginia. The surrounding area is stricken with what one might call urban blight. Parking lot is not paved.

I love this Arboretum! It is so beautiful. Lots of area for walking. There are number of paths & garden areasq. I also love the events they hold. Free parking. Be sure you get a map cause if you dont get you will miss some areas.

Beautiful wedding venue. Kind of in the middle of the hood though

Every time weve been the land has been well kept. Each year they renovate or add something new. Its a great place for pictures, picnics, walking or just finding a favorite nook and relaxing. Family outing fun or nostalgic memory worthy date, this place accommodates both.I would love to see a water feature added, picnic benches scattered about and some tire swings underneath some of the amazing trees.Another fun opportunity for this space would be outdoor movies, especially on the left side of the home, with the tiered landings and space for a few food trucks up front. There is enough land to feature camp out nights. There is so much potential to raise funds while providing more opportunities for the community to explore and enjoy the gardens.PS. If trash bags and gloves were provided we wouldve gladly picked up any litter we came across as we walked.

If you love nature and photography, here its a beautiful place for fall and spring albums, you get a lot of colors and light

Very nice place to walk around.

Its so big. Ive explored the whole thing but it took two days. Its better in the spring and summer due to the flowers but open all year round. Great exercise and a fun place for pets.

It was terrible not enjoyable. Couldnt find the way around the place. Not enough flowers mainly trees, no walkways, very low maintained. Will not be going back**update** 5/6/19 Since I cant reply to the Botanical Gardens reply, I will edit the original review. The only maps that were available in the parking lot were for the dogwood trail. Most people work during the only hours that the visitors center is open. Please have better maps and signs for where to begin on the trails. The only thing we saw that was enjoyable was the secret garden but could not find a way to the rest of the gardens. We even met some people from out of state that were confused as well. More & better maps, plus more signs on where to go would be helpful. The website is also not as informative as I had hoped.

I havent gone here yet, but I will be some time during the summer. Before I do I wanted to know if there is any pinic areas?

Ive been coming here for years and have enjoyed every visit so far. Beautiful landscaping, well maintained walking trails, a really big chair, and helpful staff!A great place to check out.

Loved it so much!!

A very nice setting for a wedding indoors or outside.

Beautiful place! I have lived outside of Knoxville my whole life and never knew about the Botanical Gardens! A friend of mine had her wedding here today and it was absolutely breathtaking! Great venue for weddings and parties alike!

Another great free Knoxville gem. Great for photos or just to get away and see some nature

Annies Creations! Bohemian flair at its best!

Very nice place to take pictures. Beautiful

Easter sunrise service at the Botanical Garden this morning. Exceptionally lovely way to start the day. The surroundings were perfect and the staff very accommodating.

Great loved it

Loved the secret garden. Miss you Mom

Cant wait to visit this spot again. Such a cute place and worked perfect for the engagement photoshoot I was doing.

Beautiful place for photos.

Very beautiful worth the day trip. Need to go every season to feel the full energy of the garde.

My friend held his wedding here. Beautiful location, plenty of parking, and a spectacular bamboo forest.

Did community service here. Very nice people, very kind and helpful!

So beautiful

Beautiful location with hand stacked walls and old nursery greenhouses!

Beautiful but better in the spring and summer I think

Great gardens with miles of stone walls for contrast. The little dog enjoyed sniffing all the plants

Everyone should visit places like this to get ideas on fixing up their own properties. Make America Beautiful Again!

Beautiful place to get married, reception or just shoot some pictures of the lovely garden! The location is a little tricky to find due to its hidden surroundings and urban neighborhood. Besides that its a nice nature trail to and back again with convenient parking.

Really cool place with lots of little historic pieces. Great place to take the family and get pictures. Its free and open Dawn to dusk I believe.

Great place to check out in the city.

It was great. Will be going back very soon. Something for all ages. If u getbtge chance go

Loved the place only wish the trail was marked to represent the map so we would be able to see more

Beautiful place. I was here for a wedding so the experience was a little different, but I can understand why the couple chose to have it here. The views are gorgeous, there are flowers and plans Ive never heard of, and facilities are a cool blend of old and new.

Not alot to see for a botanical garden. Veggie gardens were more grass and weeds than anything. Hardly any flowers. Glad it was free or Id want my money back.

Its like the secret garden. Only you walk through its wonderful nature walk you can see its beauty.

I had an amazing time here with friends!

Absolutely beautiful place. For walking, having picnics or admiring the trees and flowers, you just cant beat this place. Breathtakingly gorgeous views of the Smokey mountains adorn the backdrop of this hidden gem. Great walking trails also. Well worth the trip

Its a hidden jem for the city of Knoxville. A wonderful place to stroll with family, couples or even alone.

Nice walking trails with beautiful flowers and plants. They are in the process of expanding and reworking the area.

Nice scrnery, but paths are not well maintained in places. Also, it didnt have the variety of plants I was expecting.

Very beautiful, specially the bamboo forest

Peaceful and great exercise just walking around.