Rockefeller Park Greenhouse in Cleveland

I am always on the lookout for great city attractions, especially those that cost nothing to the public. One of my favorite finds while living in Cleveland is Rockefeller Park Greenhouse & Botanical Garden. If you are seeking something free & relaxing to do while visiting the city for the first time, I recommend taking a stroll around this city gem. It’s a nice cozy warm escape on a cold winter’s day and also a great indoor attraction on a rainy day.

I love that the display changes along with the seasons – the Christmas poinsettia display is my favorite. Another nice aspect of this garden is that it is located close to other fabulous attractions like Little Italy and the Cultural Gardens (30+ beautiful gardens dedicated to different nationality groups).

Although it won’t take you long to see everything (about 30 min max), you can combine a visit here with other attractions to make your drive more worthwhile. I recommend a stroll around followed by lunch in Little Italy or even a 3 mile walk around each of the Cultural Gardens.

History of the “City Garden”

The park is named in honor of oil tycoon John D. Rockefeller, who lived in the metro at several points during his life. In 1870, Rockefeller & Andrews founded Standard Oil, thereby making Cleveland the center of the refining industry. Although he died in Ormond Beach, Florida, he is buried in Lake View Cemetery beneath a 70 foot obelisk.

Originally called the “City Garden,” Rockefeller donated the now 200+ acre space to the city in 1905. The Greenhouse was initially used solely to grow plants for landscaping city parks, but eventually expanded to include seasonal floral displays and themed gardens.

Here’s a little history lesson if you are interested in learning more.

A tour through the gardens

The indoor greenhouse gardens are the perfect place to escape the cold, dreary winter temps (which seem to go on forever!), if just for a half hour or so. There are many beautiful plants to enjoy as well as seasonal flowers and small ponds.

I just find it a great place to enjoy nature amidst urban surroundings. Because it doesn’t take long to stroll around (especially during the winter with the outdoor gardens not blooming), I often plan a visit in between other attractions.

The Gardens include:

• Tropicals
• Main Showcase
• Indoor Water Garden
• Ferns
• Themed showcase
• Cacti
• Orchids

Take a look around at how fresh and green everything is – this is a beautiful place to lift your mood during the overcast winter season! All the plants are well-maintained. I’ve never seen anything dying.

I especially love the cacti garden. I lived in Tucson for several years so I am reminded of all the great hikes while living there.

Beautiful ferns and palms

Here are some of the colorful seasonal flower displays. You can check the garden’s webpage for more info on what is current blooming.

Outdoor gardens

During the warmer months, you can enjoy a stroll around the outdoor gardens. It’s a great place to relax, rejuvenate, and birdwatch. Many special events are held here and the gardens are a hotspot for photography. Weddings and wedding photography available by permit only.

Highlights

• Betty Ott Talking Gardens – Designed for the visually impaired with plants that appeal to the senses of touch, sound, and smell.
• Latin American Garden – Features tropical fruit, succulents, cacti, and and flowering plants.
• Japanese Garden – Features a Dawn Redwood Tree.
• All American Selections Garden – View flowers tested by the AAS.
• Williot Iris Garden – Features award-winning irises. Also, a memorial brick walkway.
• The Mall – Features elegant statues representing the 4 seasons.
• A rose, peace, and vegetable garden

Special events

Throughout the year, the garden hosts a number of specialty events, the best being the annual Christmas display. You can enjoy the usual gardens along with colorful poinsettias of pind, red, and gold.

Also be on the lookout for the Annual Poinsettia sale held in early December each year. They offer a number of varieties including: Jingle Bell, White Star, Marco Polo, and Winter Rose. I found the pricing especially cheap especially in comparison to a Home Depot or any grocery store.

Location & Admission

The greenhouse is located at: 750 E 88th Street. There is no fee (and also free parking) to enjoy the gardens, which are open 365 days of the year, from 10am-4pm. It should only take about 15-30 minutes to explore in entirety.

Best time to visit

While the gardens are open all year, it can get pretty hot and humid during the summer months. The best time to visit is on a cold, rainy, overcast, or snowy day. Walking around enjoying the tropical plants is a great pick me up when the forecast calls for snow and overcast skies for months on end (it’s not uncommon for the sun to go away for weeks at a time). Viewing the beautiful lush palms and exotic cacti when it is 20 degree feels like a mini vacation. While I love gloomy weather and snow, sometimes it’s fun to escape for a bit.

What to do nearby

Little Italy – I recommend enjoying an Italian dessert, pastry, or pasta dish in this authentic, historic neighborhood. For a casual family-friendly dining choice, I recommend Mama Santas (their pizza is great!). For a more upscale dining choice, I recommend Guarino’s (it’s the city’s oldest restaurant).

Lake View cemetery – You an view the grave of John D. Rockefeller here.

Cultural Gardens – You can take a 1.5 mile long self-guided walk of the 38 cultural gardens. For a more indepth history of the area, consider signing up for a guided tour (offered on the second Saturday during the summer months for $12 per person).

Cleveland Museum of Art – This wonderful free art museum is one of the best I’ve visited and also one of the best cultural attractions in the city. Definitely put it on your bucket list! Check out some highlights from the collection.