Visting Lakewold Gardens

Q: What is garden etiquette? 

• Stay on paths and lawns.  
• Do not pick flowers, branches, leaves or other plant material from living plants.  
• You’re welcome to bring snacks and non-alcoholic drinks or have a picnic, but please pick up any garbage and dispose of it in the appropriate receptacle.  
• Please do not play loud music and be courteous when using a cell phone.  
• We do not allow smoking or vaping on any part of Lakewold Gardens. 

Q: When is the best time to visit? 

A: Lakewold is beautiful year-round! We plan programming all year as well, so there is always something interesting and new to see and do here. Explore the options under our Programs tab and check out the Events Calendar for more information. 

Q: How big is the garden? 

A: Ten acres! Plan to spend an hour or more outside to explore all of the areas. 

Q: Do you sell plants? 

A: Yes! We keep an interesting selection of rare and native plants, as well as those featured in our garden. Stop by The Shop to browse during our open hours. 

Q: Can I navigate the garden in a wheelchair, walker, stroller or with limited mobility? 

A: Many areas are accessible to people in wheelchairs, walkers or using strollers. Access to Wagner House from the parking area is via a crushed rock pathway, and the grounds nearest the house are generally flat. However, most of Circle Drive is pea gravel, and most of the woodland includes slopes, steps and graded pathways that may be more difficult to navigate. We have one wheelchair available for guests use on the property. 

Our staff is happy to offer additional guidance and support based on your unique circumstances. Email Visitor Services or call 253-584-4106 during open hours to request accommodations or with questions regarding accessibility.

Q: I am planning to bring a young child with me. Is there anything I should know? 

A: Yes, please keep children under supervision while on the grounds. Please help us protect the plant life by ensuring children remain on the paths and lawns. Some areas could be hazardous, including water features. 

Q: How do I become a member of the garden? And why should I? 

A: Membership to Lakewold Gardens provides a number of perks, including year-round admission, exclusive discounts and reciprocal admission to other gardens and cultural institutions. Plus, your support helps steward our plant collections, programs and mission. Learn more on our Membership page. 

Q: Do you hold special events like weddings, banquets, showers, etc? 

A: We certainly do! Please visit our Weddings page or contact our Event and Rental Coordinator Patty Rusnak at prusnak@lakewoldgardens.org for more details. 

Q: Can I take pictures at the garden? 

A: Yes! We welcome photography outside in the gardens year round. For professional photo shoots, we require advance reservations. Visit our Photography page or contact Visitor Services for more information. 

Q: Can I visit the garden for free? 

A: There are a number of ways you can enter for free or reduced admission. We offer attraction passes via Pierce County and Tacoma Public Library systems. We also participate in the Blue Star Museums program, offering free admission to active-duty military members and their families Memorial Day to Labor Day, and the TeenTix program for participating youth ages 13-19. Plus, the Third Thursday of every month from April-September is a pay-what-you-can admission day. And Lakewold Members always receive free garden admission. 

Q: Do you allow dogs? 

A: Service animals are always welcome, but we do not allow dogs (or other pets) on the ground. This policy is to not only protect the diverse plant and animail life at Lakewold but also to protect your pet (a number of our plants are toxic to dogs!). 

Q: Can I have a picnic at Lakewold? 

A: Yes! We just ask that you do not bring alcohol on site, and please pick up after yourselves. Enjoy a picnic anywhere so long as you’re not blocking a path or access to any buildings or restrooms. 

Q: Do you offer tours? 

A: Yes! We currently provide a number of tours including options for visitors who may have low mobility. Please visit our Group Tours page for more information. 

Q: Can I access Gravelly Lake? 

A: No, we do not allow access to the lake for safety and erosion control.  

 

For additional information, email Visitor Services or call us at 253-584-4106.