Grand Junction, Colorado, is a treasure trove of natural beauty, from its rugged desert landscapes to the towering rock formations of Colorado National Monument and the vibrant wildflowers that bloom in spring. But what if you could experience all these wonders in one stunning location?
Enter the Western Colorado Botanical Garden, a serene oasis that captures the essence of Grand Junction’s unique charm. Here, you’ll find a delightful mix of cacti, colorful flowers, and fluttering butterflies—all set against the backdrop of the region’s iconic scenery. Whether you’re traveling solo, seeking family-friendly fun, or planning an elegant outing with friends, this garden offers something special for everyone.
Basic Information of The Western Colorado Botanical Garden:
Location: 655 Struthers Ave, Grand Junction, CO 81501
Parking: FREE parking is available at Las Colonias Park which is right next to the garden
Hours: Tues-Fri 8am-4pm, Closed Sat-Mon , Winter is by appointment only
Price: $5 adult, $4 seniors/students/military/children 12+, $3 children ages 3-11, FREE children under 3
DEAL: Go the first Friday of the month an everyone gets in for a $1!
Website: https://wcbotanic.org/
Things you will need to enjoy the garden:
- Sunscreen- Most of the garden is outdoors and it is really sunny. There are several shaded sections of the garden, but the majority is directly in the sun.
- Sun cap- Sunglasses will ruin the colors of all of the beautiful flowers. You will want something to prevent you from squinting from the heavy sunlight though! A sun cap or baseball cap will shield your eyes from the sun without ruining the colors around you!
- Camera- I love my Canon T7! It takes really great pictures and I am not even a good photographer! You will want something to capture the beauty of this beautiful garden.
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Growing up I went to gardens A LOT! My mother is an amazing gardener and loves flowers. To me gardens were never really that boring, even as a kid. Most gardens are very creative, beautiful, educational, and a lot are interactive. Taking your kids to gardens will help them develop some of the key attributes that all parents want for their children:
- Respect nature
- Appreciate beauty and not take it for granted
- Gentleness around delicate things
- Patience
- Excitement of adventures
Things to do at this Western Colorado Botanical Garden:
I know what you are thinking, gardens are boring and are nothing more than a bunch of plants. To top that off there is no way you want to take your kids where all they will want to do is pick all of the flowers.
WRONG!!
There is way more to this garden than just flowers and plants, though if I might add these plants are breathtaking as is. There are multiple activities for kids to do along the way. Such as:
Butterfly pavilion- Walk into a room filled with butterflies fluttering by you! It is a small room, but it is filled with tropical flowers and butterflies. Have butterflies fly right in front of you, land on you, or land near you!
Fantasy Garden- This was by far my kids favorite part of the whole garden! Walk through a small hedge maze, that by the way smells heavenly, to the enchanted castle. I literally mean a castle! It has a moat, a draw bridge, furniture, and everything. (due to COVID at this time you can not go in, but walk around).
Guarding this castle is a dragon, and daring children can slide down his tail. Not only is there a dragon but a giant next to a plant that looks like a giant beanstalk! So fun! There are statues and little benches all around this area, specifically for the little kiddos.
Japanese Pond- What kind of garden would it be without a koi pond!? This beautiful Japanese style pond is covered in lily pads and lilies! It is a beautiful one! See if you can spot any turtles, frogs, or koi fish!
Western Artifacts- Take a stroll back in time around old relics of our western history. Old plows, a covered wagon, and other old western gear that helped build the west.
Cactus Garden- Grand Junction, Colorado is definitely a desert, so of course you need to admire the gorgeous cactus plants that make this desert a beautiful one! Just be sure to look and don’t touch!
Fountain Garden- I thought this was the most beautiful part of the entire garden! Walk through arches that are covered by beautiful, delicious smelling roses! In the midst of a ton of gorgeous flowers is a fountain! Of course the little ones will love touching the water and throwing a coin in, but I loved sitting on the benches in the shade, just enjoying the view and smells!
Rainforest Room- This hot and humid room is filled with gorgeous tropical flowers, plants, and turtles! So many turtles! Enjoy getting up close as they eat, swim, and walk around. There are also Koi fish swimming around in the small creek running through the garden!
Train- Hop on board an artistic version of a train! Kids love pulling the levers and pretending to drive!
One thing you have to do while you are at the garden is find Knobby! Knobby is a huge tortoise they have wandering through the butterfly pavilion. He is the oldest tortoise they have and he loves eating flowers and lettuce! Get right up next to this giant, sweet, old tortoise and get yourself a fun picture!
Other Fun Things To Do In Grand Junction With Kids:
Hike around Colorado National Monument
Walk through a Jurassic world at the Dinosaur Journey Museum
Play in a tiny town at Jennies Playhouse & Jump Zone
Try A Giant Pizza At Bravo Pizza
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