Alaska Botanical Garden

The feel

The garden is 110 acres of boreal forest, with eight acres of cultivated gardens and interconnected nature trails. More than 1,100 varieties and over 150 distinct species of plants hardy to the region grow here. A half-mile paved loop connects the gardens and works for wheelchairs, walkers and strollers.

Off the loop, the Verna Pratt Wildflower Trail is edged with a rustic wattle fence and passes a glacier erratic pushed down from the Chugach Mountains. The 1-mile Lowenfels-Hoersting Family Nature Trail winds through the forest at the south end. Bears are active in the garden and along the surrounding Campbell Track.

What to expect

What it is

A botanical garden in the boreal forest at 4601 Campbell Airstrip Rd, with trailside gardens, a wildflower trail and a nature trail.

Crowds and best time

Plants grow outside between mid-March and mid-September. Expect mosquitos in June and July.

Parking

Parking is shared with the Benny Benson School.

Fees and passes

Fall hours run September 11 to October 18, Friday, Saturday and Sunday 11:00am to 6:00pm, at $8 per person. Members and kids ages 6 and under are free.

Dogs

Only trained service dogs are allowed in the garden. Dogs are allowed on the perimeter trail outside the moose fence.

Kids

Youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Kids ages 6 and under are free.

Hazards

Bears are active in the garden and on the surrounding Campbell Track, so keep food out beyond the Nursery.

Season and access

The garden is an all-outdoor facility, so dress for the weather. Stay on the trails and leave bicycles behind.

Mingo says

Pick a Friday, Saturday or Sunday before October 18 for the fall hours. After that, plan on Wednesday through Saturday afternoons.

Before you go

• Carry food only as far as the Nursery and Gift Shop Plaza, the one area where it is allowed.
• Use the repellent sold at admissions, or the complimentary repellent, in June and July.
• Last entry is taken 30 minutes before close.
• Call the main office at (907) 770-3692 with questions.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.