New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill in
Boylston Township (MA)

This beautiful place goes from greenhouses to formal gardens to open fields and woods. The Winter Lights show is absolutely amazing and is a must! Nice gift shop and cafe as well.

Wonderful lit up gardens for the holidays. We had a super fun time with family walking around. The staff is incredibly friendly, and facilities are very well kept up.

The Night Lights event is beautiful, though lacks some accessibility. It had snowed earlier in the day and some outside walkways were 1-2 inches of snow and slush. I walk with a cane and it was slow, treacherous going sometimes. But the gardens themselves are lovely and the lights worth a walk in the cold. Bring a scarf and gloves, it's windy up there though the trees break it a bit. The parking lot was especially windy and during peak hours you may park far from the entrance. The lost star in this review is solely because the gift shop sells AI slop cards. Not a ton but enough and the art is BAD. I expected more from a place that promotes the arts. There's no excuse and whoever buys their cards should be more thoughtful and deliberate.

Came for the lights on a cold night. The display of lights was better than past years, but we still wish it was a bit bigger for the cost. I will the christmas musicnplayed everywhere. Hot chocolate was good. The smores package was a really nice option. No lines and no fuss. Definitely a place to bring your family.

Amazingly beautiful, this place never ever disappoints. During all the seasons their displays are just beautiful. These photos and videos I took at Night Lights 2025 ⭐

What a beautiful winter display of colorful outdoor lights and objects without having any holiday theme whatsoever. Acres and acres of interesting light presentations, some on live trees and shrubs and others on wire forms and rock formations. Beautifully presented and carefully maintained. Most of the display requires making an easy stroll on paved paths outside through various gardens and lawn areas, so dress very warm with hats and gloves. Some parents had strollers with young children who were very well behaved probably because of the very cold conditions. Excellent activity to attend after dark! Nice gift shop too.

The Winter Lights were delightful. Paired with an adult beverage and a warm donut, the evening stroll was perfect. Fun for all ages, not overcrowded. Will certainly go again. Please dress for the weather, you will have a great time with the appropriate outerwear!

The photos do not do this place any justice. This has been a family tradition with my uncle and children for the last 5 years. The hot cocoa and s’more’s kits sprinkled n throughout the gardens, adds a little extra something to the visit and the little cafe inside has a little’s something for everyone. The gift shop on the way out is also a must. We have gone at a variety of times and although lots of people are there, you don’t feel overwhelmed or like your missing out on any views. 10/10 recommend.

I photographed a wedding at the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, and it was truly breathtaking. Everywhere you turn, the gardens offer stunning backdrops—lush greenery, beautiful florals, and thoughtfully designed spaces that make every photo feel magical and organic. Even though the day's weather didn't fully cooperate, the space was still beautiful to photograph in. The venue itself is incredibly well cared for, and the staff were fantastic to work with. The day flowed seamlessly, and you can tell how committed they are to creating a wonderful experience for couples and their guests. Whether indoors or outside in the gardens, every location felt elegant and full of natural beauty. For couples who want a wedding surrounded by vibrant landscapes and peaceful scenery, Tower Hill is truly an exceptional choice. As a photographer, I couldn’t have asked for a more inspiring and picturesque place to capture a wedding. —Brett Crawford Photography

What a great place to spend few hours exploring and escaping the world. There’s plenty to see and experience from beautiful gardens to trails in the forest to unique playgrounds for little kids. A great visit and definitely something awesome to experience during different seasons.

It's a wonderful botanical garden. They offer a varirty of programs that you can participate in throughout the year (for a fee). Recently we participated in a pumpkin carving class with Paul Dever. Paul Dever is a world renowned pumpkin artist and sculptor from Boston Massachusetts. It was a fun and informative class. We also participated in a Japanese Ikebana painting class a year or two ago. The garden sets up great classes with wonderful instructors.

I do have a membership & have come here multiple times over the past year, both just by myself & with other people. They have great exhibits throughout the year, from plant shows to gnome statues to the holiday lights. A lot of really pretty trails to hike & I love wandering through the greenhouses & different gardens.

Absolutely awesome experience here! When we came we were very pleasantly surprised to find they were having their annual carnivorous plant show. There were so many cool plants that had been in the contest so that was a real treat. As for the gardens themselves, everything there is just gorgeous. I especially enjoyed the shade garden area. Would strongly recommend to all nature lovers.

I Love this place. It is worth visiting during all the different seasons to experience the variety of flora at different stages. They do a good job changing their programs to keep things fresh. The visitor center is large and bustles with activity. It has all the amenities you would want. They do a great job making the place accessible for all ages...and dogs too. If you love nature and New England then this place is a must visit.

We visited the botanical garden at the very beginning of September, on a beautiful sunny day, and it left an amazing impression on us! This place is filled with harmony and care — it’s clear that everything here is lovingly maintained. The entire area is clean, well-kept, with neatly trimmed lawns, paved paths, and an incredible variety of plants and flowers in every possible color. Walking along the alleys, it’s impossible not to admire the beauty of nature and the thoughtful design of the garden. We especially enjoyed the colorful flowerbeds — each one is unique, almost like a piece of art. There are also lovely sculptures and decorative compositions that create a special, inspiring atmosphere. The garden is perfect for family visits. There are cozy areas to sit and relax, places to grab a snack, and playgrounds where children can have fun. Everything is designed with comfort in mind — from clean benches and clear signs to charming spots for photos. The whole space invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and simply enjoy nature. You’ll want to stop at every corner to admire the plants, listen to the birds, and take in the peaceful surroundings. We spent several hours in the garden, and the time flew by. We will definitely come back again — I’m sure it looks beautiful in every season. Many thanks to everyone who takes care of this wonderful place! ???

Beautiful space. We'll take care of. The even we attended was very cool. Interactive characters were fun.

If you want a glorious day outdoors with various walking trails, including trails through elegant woods that aren't thick and overgrown and include identifying tags of various tree species, you've found your place. The gardens are plentiful and trails are mapped out. The café offers a very nice variety of healthy food and a large outdoor deck, overlooking Wachusett Mountain, to enjoy your meal.

a beautiful botanical garden!! we went back in august but the flowers were mostly still blooming and it was such a beautiful day!! there is a lot to see and its a great walk. the gift shop has a ton of cool trinkets and goodies! would definitely recommend!!

Absolutely gorgeous! I have lived in MA almost my whole life and didn't know about this gem. Perfect for a small wedding or a photo shoot.

We always enjoy coming here. The kids always try to found the frogs and who sees the biggest ones! The gardens are beautiful, and the trails are a lot of fun to explore. The views of the reservoir were stunning—such a peaceful and scenic experience. Highly recommend for anyone who loves nature and a good walk!

Lovely gardens, and the integration of art pieces throughout the garden fit the landscape perfectly. There is a nice combination of native and non-native species and the grounds are clean. Also, they seem to offer a bunch of events through the year too. The only downside is the price for an adult is $20 which is a bit steep for this size botanical garden.

This place is beautiful. Originally came here for a work event and spent most of the day in the conference room, so I had to go back. Today, spent 3+ hours walking around the grounds and enjoyed every minute. Stopped for food at the place there, I will say it is a bit expensive. For 2 people, it was $46 for lunch. A flatbread, green goddess wrap, and 2 drinks. I wouldn't eat there again for that reason but the food was good.

Took my 96 year old mother and sister today. We really enjoyed our experience. We brought her wheelchair and there were so many nice paved paths for her to enjoy. The flowers were fabulous. I want to take her back again before the summer is over.

You REALLY have to LOVE plants to enjoy any botanic garden. It isn't for everyone. We enjoy nature in general, so it was a lovely walk on beautiful paths with many interesting plants, flowers, statues, art, fountains, and even wildlife - we saw dragonflies, humming birds, many bees, chipmunks, snakes, and frogs. I was surprised at the number of children there on the day we went. There is a pavilion that was reserved so maybe it was some sort of summer camp. They were loud, which impacted the peaceful nature of what a botanical garden represents. Nonetheless, we enjoyed experiencing the New England Botanic Garden. It's probably more of a one and done for us, but I can see why gardeners and plant lovers would want to return again and again. TIPS - bring water, there is a lot of walking and no way to hydrate unless you go back to the main building where the cafe is - which was packed when we were there on a Saturday afternoon! Wear good walking shoes, too! The paths are mostly a rubber turf, but some areas are hilly, there are steps, stone paths, grassy areas, etc.

? A Hidden Gem in Massachusetts: New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill Nestled in the heart of Boylston, the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill is a breathtaking escape that blends horticultural artistry with natural serenity. From the moment you arrive, you're greeted by meticulously curated gardens that showcase the finest ornamental, edible, and native plants cultivated for New England’s climate. ✨ Highlights Worth Celebrating - The Enchanted Forest and its whimsical fairy houses spark wonder for visitors of all ages. - Seasonal exhibits like Flora in Flight bring movement and magic to the landscape. - The conservatories are a tropical oasis, featuring citrus trees and exotic blooms even in the colder months. - Wooded trails offer peaceful strolls and scenic views, perfect for reflection or photography. - Their event programming is robust and thoughtfully curated, making every visit feel fresh and engaging. ? Whether you're a plant enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking a moment of calm, this garden delivers an unforgettable experience. It’s no surprise it’s consistently rated among the top attractions in the region. If you’re ever nearby, it’s absolutely worth the detour. And if you’re planning a wedding or special event, the venue’s charm and elegance are unmatched. #onlyinmassachusetts #Botanical #BotanicalGarden #NewEnglandBotanicalGarden #AlicjaPhotography #naturelovers #flowers #towerhill

This place is worth visiting one time. Great variety of flora and fauna. Easy walking and 2 hours can cover entire grounds. Good, clean restroom available as well as water fountain. While the onsite restaurant was convenient, it was overpriced. Also, the entry fee of $20 per person seems steep. Won't return again.

I am constantly amazed at the beautiful places that exist right at my door step that I have no idea about. This is going to be somewhere that I’m going to have to maybe get a membership to, or just continue to visit, because it is just pure magic. There are so many trails of beautiful and uncommon flowers to get lost in, gazebos to sit and listen to the sounds of the surrounding birds and frogs in the pond, or swing on the chair with someone you care about, and just be still and silent. The icing on the cake was watching the sunset over the mountains while enjoying a beautiful glass of Rose. This is a place not to be missed. And it’s so family friendly too, and they have an add on to bring your four legged pups if that’s something that would interest you!