Tower Hill Botanic Garden Day Trip
Welcome to Tower Hill Botanic Garden in Central MA
Tower Hill Botanic Garden in West Boylston, Massachusetts near Worcester is the headquarters of the third oldest horticultural society in the United States and contains numerous specialty gardens (outdoors and indoors), multiple walking trails and preserved woodlands. Whether you’re looking for an easy, fun family outing, a serene spot to picnic and enjoy beautiful central MA landscapes or are a hiking enthusiast, Tower Hill Botanic Garden has you covered. There are so many experiences in one destination you can enjoy.
In maintaining rigorous public health measures, tickets must be purchased online in advance and often aren’t available for same-day purchase.
Tower Hill Botanic Garden location | Driving Directions
How to get to Tower Hill Botanic Garden (Boylston, MA)
Tower Hill Botanic Garden is located at 11 French Drive, and there is free parking after you check in.
The easiest way to drive is by coming on Massachusetts 290 (east or west) and exiting on to MA-140 North. Continue on 140 North and turn right onto Temple Street and then make an almost immediate left onto School Street, which you follow until turning right onto French Drive. The entrance is then on your left (this is technically Fuller Street).
What to see at Tower Hill Botanic Garden
On a bright day, before walking up the paved entrance way, face left to get a wide view of Wachusett Reservoir landscape to the west. There is a grassy area adjacent to the parking lot with a few tree stumps you can step onto and snap landscape pictures.
Once you reach the front doors, you can head inside to visit the Limonaia and Orangerie gardens housing winter-blooming plants and flowers that need to be shielded from the outdoor elements to grow.
The natural autumn and winter light really highlight the beauty and intricate design of the flower and plant varieties.
Tip: Be sure to look for the lemon and orange trees as you walk through these indoor gardens and follow social-distancing guidelines since the walkways between the abundant greenery are narrow.
There are 17 gardens in all, which include an apple orchard and wildlife refuge pond, and even in late autumn, walking through the outdoor garden takes you through a beautiful array of landscapes.
Tip: Pack lunch and picnic at the socially-distanced tables spread throughout the outdoor gardens. Tower Hill also allows you to picnic on any mowed grassy area you like.
What folks may not know or recall about Tower Hill is the fun, varied hiking trails that take you off of the main property where the gardens are to wooded areas. Some trails are mostly flat and suitable for all ages (including strollers). And dogs on leash are welcome. Use this map to plan your hiking route.
During our visit, we especially enjoyed hiking around the Shade Garden section to the moss steps and then to the Wildlife Garden and Refuge Pond, which has a viewing pavilion to see the birds and fish that make their home in the refuge.
Tip: Interspersed along the hiking paths, there are interesting statues and old pavilions you can see and explore. And, you’ll also find hidden benches at certain spots to sit and rest in nature.
There are a couple “rough” trails, including a path you can hike up to the Tower Hill Summit for great Wachusett Reservoir vistas (this trail is not suitable for strollers, young kids or folks with physical limitations). Another view of the Wachusett Reservoir area landscape, though not as vast, is at the Belvedere Overlook at the base of the trail taking you to the summit.
Tip: Tower Hill also has a gift shop for unique gifts any gardener will love. Their café has reopened and includes an eclectic menu and both socially-distanced and outdoor seating. In summer, additional pop-up cafes with craft beer are sometimes on the event calendar too.
Tip: Throughout the year, Tower Hill offers classes and events. Before you plan your visit, check out the schedule to see if there’s a learning opportunity you want to do too. Some of our favorite activities are the Gnomevember (obviously in November) and the Holiday Night Lights festival in Winter.
