Marsh Botanical Garden: A Green Oasis at Yale

Explore diverse plant collections and serene landscapes at Yale's Marsh Botanical Garden, a historic green space open to the public.

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Marsh Botanical Garden

The Marsh Botanical Garden, a hidden gem on Yale University's campus, offers an eight-acre landscape with diverse plant collections in both outdoor gardens and six greenhouses. Founded in 1899, it provides a tranquil escape and supports Yale's research and instruction.

A brief summary to Marsh Botanical Garden

265 Mansfield St, New Haven, Prospect Hill Historic District, Connecticut, 06511, US
+1203-432-6320
Visit website

Monday 9 am-4 pm
Tuesday 9 am-4 pm
Wednesday 9 am-4 pm
Thursday 9 am-4 pm
Friday 9 am-4 pm

Local tips

Visit during the summer to see the wildflower plantings in full bloom and attract birds and butterflies.
Check out the greenhouses during the winter months to see bananas and oranges ripening.
Explore the outdoor gardens in the fall to enjoy the surprising colors of the woody plants.

Getting There

Walking

The Marsh Botanical Garden is a pleasant 15-20 minute walk from the New Haven Green and downtown Festival venues. From the New Haven Green, walk north on Temple Street, turn left onto Grove Street, then right onto Prospect Street. Continue onto Mansfield Street, where the garden is located.
Public Transport

The Yale Shuttle's Blue or Orange Line provides access to the garden. The nearest stop is at the corner of Prospect and Edwards streets. From there, walk north toward Hillside Place. A pedestrian entrance to the garden is a gap in the hedge at the corner of Prospect Street and Hillside Place. CT Transit also provides bus service in the New Haven area. A single bus ticket is $1.75, and a day pass is $3.50.
Taxi/Ride-share

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in New Haven. A short taxi ride from downtown New Haven to the garden will typically cost between $8 and $12. Be sure to confirm the fare with the driver or check the app before you start your trip.

Discover more about Marsh Botanical Garden

Nestled on the Yale University campus in New Haven, Connecticut, the Marsh Botanical Garden offers a serene escape into the world of plants. This eight-acre garden, located at 265 Mansfield Street, supports Yale's academic mission while providing a beautiful green space for the public. Founded in 1899, the garden owes its existence to Othniel Charles Marsh, a Yale alumnus and renowned paleontologist. Marsh bequeathed his estate and extensive plant collections to the university, stipulating that the land be used solely as a botanical garden. His former residence, Marsh Hall, now houses part of Yale's School of the Environment. The garden's design was significantly shaped by landscape architect Beatrix Farrand, who consulted for Yale from 1922 to 1945. Farrand's original plans included a systematic garden illustrating plant evolution, a rock garden, and a formal garden inspired by the world's oldest formal garden in Padua, Italy. While only remnants of Farrand's design remain, restoration efforts are underway to honor her legacy. Today, the Marsh Botanical Garden features a diverse collection of plants. Six greenhouses showcase cacti, insectivorous plants, and orchids, while the outdoor gardens boast naturalistic beds and wildflower plantings that attract birds and butterflies in the summer. Visitors can also admire woody plants with vibrant fall foliage and, in the winter, explore greenhouses where bananas and oranges may be ripening. The garden serves as a living laboratory for Yale students and faculty, supporting research and instruction in ecology, evolutionary biology, and genetics. The Marsh Botanical Garden is open to the public and offers self-guided walking tours. Visitors can explore the outdoor gardens from 7 am to sunset daily. The greenhouses are open Monday through Friday between 9 am and 4 pm.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Leitner Family Observatory and Planetarium

0.3 km

Discover the universe at the Leitner Family Observatory and Planetarium, where education meets exploration in New Haven's celestial haven.

William Lanson Statue

0.7 km

Discover the William Lanson Statue in New Haven, a tribute to a pivotal figure in the fight for freedom and equality in 19th-century America.

Henry R. Luce Hall

0.8 km

Explore the grandeur of Henry R. Luce Hall, a cultural and educational landmark in New Haven, Connecticut, perfect for conferences and events.

Grave of Josiah Willard Gibbs

0.8 km

Explore the legacy of Josiah Willard Gibbs at his grave in New Haven, Connecticut—a historical landmark celebrating scientific innovation and heritage.

Grave of Arthur Twining Hadley

0.8 km

Explore Grove Street Cemetery in New Haven, home to the grave of Arthur Twining Hadley and a rich tapestry of historical legacy.

James Dwight Dana House

0.9 km

Discover the architectural elegance and historical significance of the James Dwight Dana House in New Haven, a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

Winchester Repeating Arms Company Historic District

0.9 km

Explore the Winchester Repeating Arms Company Historic District in New Haven, CT—a symbol of American industrial history and innovation.

St. Mary's Church

1.1 km

Discover the architectural beauty and historical significance of St. Mary's Church, a serene haven in New Haven, Connecticut.

Orange Street Historic District

1.1 km

Discover the historic charm and beautiful parks of Orange Street Historic District in New Haven, Connecticut, a perfect blend of history and natural beauty.

Il Bastone (Anderson Mansion)

1.1 km

Discover the historical elegance of Il Bastone (Anderson Mansion) in Downtown New Haven, a stunning landmark showcasing 19th-century architecture and rich cultural heritage.

The Women's Table

1.2 km

Discover The Women's Table, an inspiring sculpture and fountain in New Haven celebrating women's contributions to history and society.

Battell Chapel

1.4 km

Explore Battell Chapel, a neo-Gothic gem in New Haven, offering breathtaking architecture, serene ambiance, and vibrant cultural events amidst Yale's historic campus.

Upper State Street Historic District

1.4 km

Explore the architectural beauty and rich history of the Upper State Street Historic District in New Haven, Connecticut, a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

New Haven Preservation Trust

1.4 km

Explore New Haven's rich architectural heritage with the New Haven Preservation Trust, a vital hub for historical preservation and community engagement.

Yale Old Campus

1.5 km

Discover the historic Yale Old Campus in New Haven, where stunning architecture and rich academic traditions create an unforgettable experience.

Unmissable attractions to see

Yale Peabody Museum

0.7 km

Explore the Yale Peabody Museum—a treasure trove of natural history with fascinating exhibits for tourists and families in New Haven, Connecticut.

Grove St Cemetery

0.9 km

Explore the historical Grove Street Cemetery in New Haven, a serene and artistic space where history and tranquility meet.

New Haven Museum

0.9 km

Explore the captivating history and culture of New Haven at the New Haven Museum, a must-visit for every traveler.

Escape New Haven

1.0 km

Experience the thrill of escape rooms at Escape New Haven, where adventure meets teamwork in an unforgettable setting.

Yale Collection of Musical Instruments

1.0 km

Explore the Yale Collection of Musical Instruments, a harmonious blend of history and artistry in New Haven, showcasing rare instruments from around the world.

Ely Center of Contemporary Art

1.1 km

Explore the dynamic world of contemporary art at the Ely Center of Contemporary Art in New Haven, a hub for creativity and inspiration.

Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library

1.1 km

Explore the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, a stunning architectural gem housing priceless manuscripts and rare books in New Haven, CT.

The Mead Visitor Center

1.4 km

Start your Yale University journey here! Maps, tours, and expert advice await at the Mead Visitor Center in downtown New Haven.

Harkness Tower

1.4 km

Explore Harkness Tower, a historic and cultural gem of Yale University, offering stunning architecture and breathtaking views of New Haven.

New Haven Free Public Library

1.4 km

Explore the New Haven Free Public Library - a cultural gem in Connecticut, offering a wealth of resources and community events for all ages.

Yale Memorial Carillon

1.4 km

Explore the Yale Memorial Carillon, a stunning musical tribute in New Haven, resonating with history and captivating performances for all visitors.

Connecticut Children's Museum

1.5 km

Explore creativity and learning at the Connecticut Children's Museum, where fun meets education for children of all ages.

New Haven Green

1.5 km

Discover the tranquility of New Haven Green, a historic park in the heart of New Haven, Connecticut, surrounded by culture, history, and natural beauty.

Yale University Art Gallery

1.5 km

Explore the vast collection of the Yale University Art Gallery, where centuries of art await in a stunning architectural setting in New Haven.

Edgerton Park

1.6 km

Explore the serene beauty and historical charm of Edgerton Park, a tranquil oasis in the heart of New Haven, Connecticut.

Discover flavorful authentic Indian cuisine and inventive cocktails at House of Naan in New Haven's vibrant dining scene.

Discover the perfect blend of coffee, sandwiches, and books at Book Trader Cafe in New Haven, a must-visit for literary lovers.

Discover the chic ambiance and exquisite cocktails at Bar 19, the perfect spot for nightlife in downtown New Haven.

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Marsh Botanical Garden: A Green Oasis at Yale

A brief summary to Marsh Botanical Garden

Local tips

Getting There

Walking

Public Transport

Taxi/Ride-share

Unlock the Best of Marsh Botanical Garden

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Marsh Botanical Garden

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Leitner Family Observatory and Planetarium

William Lanson Statue

Henry R. Luce Hall

Grave of Josiah Willard Gibbs

Grave of Arthur Twining Hadley

James Dwight Dana House

Winchester Repeating Arms Company Historic District

St. Mary's Church

Orange Street Historic District

Il Bastone (Anderson Mansion)

The Women's Table

Battell Chapel

Upper State Street Historic District

New Haven Preservation Trust

Yale Old Campus

Unmissable attractions to see

Yale Peabody Museum

Grove St Cemetery

New Haven Museum

Escape New Haven

Yale Collection of Musical Instruments

Ely Center of Contemporary Art

Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library

The Mead Visitor Center

Harkness Tower

New Haven Free Public Library

Yale Memorial Carillon

Connecticut Children's Museum

New Haven Green

Yale University Art Gallery

Edgerton Park

Essential places to dine

Caffe Bravo

Basil Restaurant

Junzi Kitchen | Yale University, New Haven CT 君子食堂 耶鲁店

MofonGo Restaurant

September in Bangkok

L'Orcio

Christopher Martins Restaurant

Encore by Goodfellas

One6Three

Cast Iron Chef Chop House & Oyster Bar

Mamoun's Falafel Restaurant

Portofino's Restaurant & Bar

Tavern on State

Heirloom

House of Naan Indian Kitchen and Bar

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Museum Store

Mae Flower and Gift Shop

Witch Bitch Thrift

Whalley Sample Shop

DA' WORLD

The Yale Bookstore

MINIPNG

Urban Outfitters

Lou Lou Boutiques

lululemon

One Good For Another

Walker Loden

Group W Bench

More Amour Boutique

Book Trader Cafe

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Three Sheets

Contois Tavern

Gryphon's Pub

Junzi Kitchen | Yale University, New Haven CT 君子食堂耶鲁店