We strive to make the Garden a place that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re coming for a special event, to see some blooms, or with family, we’re excited to welcome you. Navigating new spaces with a disability can be nerve wracking, but we’re here to help.
This month, the Garden has partnered with Aspiro to promote their No Limits Ability Awareness Campaign which highlights how we’re more alike than different. Together, we aim to reduce the stigma around disability, and show that having a disability doesn’t prevent people actively participating in the community.
Plan Ahead
Ensuring a successful trip to the Garden starts well before you arrive! Before your visit, you’re welcome to scope out our wheel-friendly paths using our Garden map. Approximately 20 of the Garden’s 47 acres have paved walkways, so there’s plenty to explore. The Garden map can also give you a better idea of the distances between locations, so you can plan the route you’d like to take. Plus, we have free wheelchairs and motorized scooters on a first-come, first-served basis.
Bring all the essentials to the Garden! Be sure to pack anything that makes you more comfortable around others and outdoors. Sunglasses and noise cancelling headphones can be great ways to reduce sensory inputs during your time in the Garden. You’re also welcome to bring your favorite snacks or beverages; however, no alcoholic beverage carry-ins are permitted.
Getting to the Garden
Parking at the Garden is free, and accessible spots are available on a first-come first-served basis. Guests who use wheelchairs or have mobility needs can be dropped off at the entrance to the Fischer Visitor Center in the Circle Drive where they can wait to meet the rest of their group.
There are also a limited number of electric scooters and wheelchairs in the Visitor’s Center for guests to use free of charge. For assistance, visit our Guest Experience team when you arrive.
Personal care attendants are always welcome in the Garden, and receive free general admission. Service animals are permitted. Please leave all pets and Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) at home.
Low Sensory Areas
The Garden is a large space full of flowers and friendly faces. If you need a place to take a break, there are a handful of calming low sensory areas.
The Johnson Woodland Garden is a shady forest cove filled with native flowers, ferns, and greenery. You can normally spot chipmunks darting through the understory, and sunlight dapples the ground through the forest canopy.
Memorial Grove is quieter yet and is significantly smaller. It’s another shady area with ornamental onions, Lenten roses, and greenery. The stonework ledge is the perfect place to sit back and take a moment for yourself.
The pond loop is a great route for a short, low sensory walk. With areas of sun and shade, wild foliage, and a large pond, there’s plenty to see without getting overwhelmed. Just watch out for those pesky geese!
If you prefer shorter visits, a Garden membership might be the best option for you. With free daily general admission, you can visit as long you’d like and as much as you want. That way, you don’t feel like you need to get your money’s worth by spending long periods of time out and about.
Rest Areas
There are also plenty of places to take a seat and people watch, recharge your battery, or have a snack. The Cornerstone Foundation Wetland Deck & Stream Terrace Garden is a large patio in the Bell Children’s Garden with many tables and chairs.
The John & Linda Raisanen Lodge is a large open-air pavilion tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the Bell Children’s Garden. It’s a great option if you’re looking for shade. Plus, both areas are conveniently located near the Les & Dar Stumpf Hobbit House which is fully equipped with restrooms and water fountains.
There are new interpretive signs throughout the Bell Children’s Garden that expand on the educational content that our structures feature. They have a great audio feature to help facilitate learning for those who may not be able to read written text.
When You’re in a Pickle
If you have questions or need assistance while you’re at the Garden, we’re happy to help! Simply locate a name tagged employee, or call the Guest Experience Team at 920.490.9457.
If you’d prefer, we also have a wealth of information on our website. Many non-emergency resources can be found throughout our site. Plus, Botanica (our chat bot) is there to help find whatever you’re looking for!
Now you’re all set! If you still have questions, additional information is available on our Accessibility web page. You can also reach us at 920.490.9457 to chat with a Garden team member. We can’t wait to welcome you to the Garden!
