Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens

Absolutely. Leash is required and make sure to bring some poop bags. My two love it there.

Free - just donations

The place is NOT a city park, but a private 501c3 non profit. ..and it is an great place for a walk!

There is a spot near the entrance with multiple picnic tables that should work well. Theres also a pavillian near the lake that I believe you have to rent out. Overall plenty of space and beautiful nature, so it should be a fantastic place for a gender reveal party!

Yes

Yes! Once you enter the main trail, there are uncovered picnic tables to the left, as well as a restroom building. There is also a covered pavilion towards the back of the main lake loop trail; however, there are no tables there as it is mainly used for event purposes. Additionally, there are plenty of benches positioned around the Arboretum (if you're ok with not having a table to eat from.) 😊

They close they gates at 5pm, but if the gates close on you before you get a chance to leave, they will automatically open when pulled up to.

There is no bike riding on the trails

No and thank you for asking. We do not allow grills on the property.

The photography policy and info can be found here - https://www.jacksonvillearboretum.org/visit-the-arboretum/

Admission is free! There is a donation box at the entrance if you decide to support the Arboretum 😊

We will be starting to pave half of the Lake Loop in late October, so be sure to bring her after construction is done and it will be smooth. The rest of the trails are not officially wheelchair accessible, and most have tree roots or are narrow.

Not technically. If you do it very fast, with a small wedding party, you could get away with it

Yes

There's a glorified porta-poddy. It's a permanent cement building, but as far as I know there is no running water or even a light switch.

Lake Loop around Lake Ray is easily transversed with a stroller. About 1 mile long. Painted rocks stashed along the way for young ones to discover and take home!

Free 99 😉

Yes

The honor system cash box is located past the gate at the entrance of the arbitorium... Keep in mind those donations go a very long way and keeping the arbitrarium a nice and pleasant place to visit... if you're able to, always leave something behind it goes a long way...

$3 donation. Honor system.

A $3.00 donation, well worth the money.

Normal hours. We are open 365 days a year and only close due to bad weather (and for a short stint in COVID 19) :) Enjoy!

If you're going to take it all in I would set aside 90 minutes

Apparently I was wrong Bikes & scooters, are not allowed

Yes they do. Also have bathrooms and dog 🐕 friendly environment with water.

No

I am the Executive Director for the Arboretum and we are looking at having food trucks participate with us in the future on the weekends so check back soon! April 24th will have some food trucks for a chess tournament on the property so follow us on Social Media. Thank you for asking!

The larvae does this every year as well as some hokey weddings when doves aren't available or mylar balloons are too expensive

Sounds like a question for someone running that place.

No

If you're referring to a power wheelchair type scooter I'd say it depends on the size of the tires and the types of ground you're used to going over. There is pavement at the entrance and for a small bit as you enter. The more landscaped part of the park encircles a pond and the path is very large with hardpan dirt. Sometimes the dirt has a layer of landscape white gravel that is not deep and I do not think it would slip much under fatter wheels. Any areas that have wooden boardwalks are definitely wide enough. I think that you may have trouble with the more trail-like trails that head to the marsh though. They are wide enough but I would have someone in your party check them out first. I do feel it's worth it for you to go. I've been looking at taking my classes there for a field trip and one of my students is a quadriplegic in an electric chair.

No, swimming is not allowed at Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens.

There are many labeled plants is the main lake area as well as all along the trails. There is a variety of native and not native plants

No, it's not allowed.

I thought I saw that they had a telephone number available on the board when you go into the park. That is who could answer your question. Good luck!! It's a beautiful spot!!

Its 5 They used to stay till 7 in the summer but they changed it

It opens at 8 and goes until 5:30. If you can picnic but do not have grills.

Lots of shade and great for dogs. Go early or later in the afternoon. Water available for dogs. Carry some fly dope.

A donation is solicited. And I believe anyone who appreciates the effort and labor invested in the preserve would gladly contribute.

This place is very safe, perfect to jog around. Very family oriented with lots of different trails to choose from, long or short. All with beautiful views including the large lake in the middle. Being a young female, I have gone here numerous times without any problems of any sort

I don't think that you can bike there as the trails are not huge and people are walking on them. There's even a place where you have to open a little gate. The terrain is not great for a bike. I would probably take my bike to the Baldwin Rail Trail there's a very good trail for bikes there. The Arboretum and Gardens is more for a romantic walk or a good hike to take some good pictures. There's a lot of flowers and little creeks with bridges. Hope this helps.

Yes call them and ask if anyone has turned in the keys

Unless its a small wedding I honestly wouldn't. They have a picnic area but there are only a few tables. But try contacting them on their facebook page, they are very responsive on there.