Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I get to the Gardens?
From Rt. 270/MLK Ex-Way - take the #7 exit (Carpenter Dam Rd), go 3.5 miles. Turn RIGHT on Arkridge Rd., go 1 mile to Garden entrance.
From Malvern Ave/Rd - Take Carpenter Dam Rd. (Rt. 128) SOUTH 5 miles. Turn RIGHT on Arkridge Rd. Go 1 mile to Garden entrance.
From Rt. 7 SOUTH - Turn EAST/LEFT on Hwy. 290. Go 6.5 miles. Turn LEFT on Carpenter Dam Rd. (Rt. 128). Go 1-2 blocks, Turn LEFT on Arkridge Rd. Go 1 mile to Garden entrance.
From I-30 - Take Exit #97. Follow Lake Catherine State Park signs. Take Rt. 171 WEST to Rt. 290 WEST (TO HOT SPRINGS). Go 3.5 miles to Carpenter Dam Rd. Turn RIGHT. Go 1-2 blocks to Arkridge Rd. (first LEFT). Go 1 mile to Garden entrance.
- Is there an admission? How much?
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The admission is $8.00 for Adults, $7.00 for Seniors (ages 55 and older), $4.00 for Children ages 6 to 12, and Free for Children 5 and under.
- Do I drive through the Gardens?
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No. We offer a self-guided walking tour of the Gardens. Total walking distance is 1.8 miles on the main trail and takes 1 to 1.5 hours to walk. Overall, there are 2.5 miles of trails through 40 landscaped acres.
- Are there accommodations for people who have difficulty walking?
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Yes. For a fee of $6.00 per person, you can ride in a golf cart driven by a GWG staff member or trained volunteer. Each golf cart can take 3 or 5 passengers. We do not take reservations for the golf cart rides. They are available on a first come first served basis.
- Are dogs allowed in the Gardens?
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We do allow dogs in the Gardens. We charge $4.00 per pet and they must be kept on a leash at all times. Dogs are not allowed in the Gift shop. Visitors must keep pets on the pathways and clean up after them. Please be aware there will be other guests in the Gardens. If your pet is nervous or aggressive, perhaps you would prefer leaving your pet in our free kennel during your visit.
- Do you have a restaurant at the Gardens?
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Yes. We have an outdoor café, which serves sandwiches, hot dogs, soups and salads. Hours vary with the season, so please call our office to check current opening times at 501-262-9300. The Gift Shop also sells beverages and ice cream throughout the year.
- Can I bring a sack lunch?
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Yes. There are many places in the Gardens to enjoy a sack lunch, including our designated picnic area. We do not allow ice chests or lawn chairs and ask that you please put your trash in the many cans located throughout the Gardens. Groups of 20 or more should contact our Group Sales Coordinator, Robin Steigler, at 501-262-9609 for lunch options.
- Do you allow weddings at the Gardens?
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Yes. Our Wedding Coordinator is Suzie Burch. She may be contacted at: 501-262-9604 and sburch@garvangardens.org. If you will provide a mailing address, we can send you an informational brochure about our wedding policies or you may check our wedding section in this site.
- Do you offer group rates?
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Yes. Please go to the Groups link on our web site. You can contact our Group Sales Coordinator, Robin Steigler, at 501-262-9609 or email her at rsteigler@garvangardens.org.
- When are you open?
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We are open every day of the year except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day, and the month of January. Our hours of operation change with the seasons. We are open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM from October 1 to March 31. We are open from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM from April 1 to September 31. Our Holiday Lights season begins mid-November, when we are open from Noon to 9:00 PM through December 31.