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Mt. Cuba Center: A Native Plant Paradise

Explore native plant gardens, scenic trails, and ecological research at this Hockessin, Delaware botanical center.

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Discover the beauty and importance of native plants at Mt. Cuba Center, a botanical garden in Hockessin, Delaware. Once a private estate, the center now showcases formal gardens, naturalistic landscapes, and dedicated research areas, all focused on the flora of the Appalachian Piedmont.

A brief summary to Mt. Cuba Center

  • Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-6 pm
  • Friday 10 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking on both paved and unpaved paths.
  • Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy at the shaded picnic area or on the grounds.
  • Check the Mt. Cuba Center website for special events and classes offered throughout the year.
  • Visit in the spring to see the breathtaking wildflower displays, including the accredited Trillium Collection.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Mt. Cuba Center is located at 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE 19707. From Wilmington, take I-95 S and merge onto DE-202 N. Continue on DE-202 N to DE-7 N and follow signs for Hockessin. After approximately 10 miles, turn left onto Barley Mill Rd. Mt. Cuba Center will be on your right. Parking is available on-site at no additional cost.

  • Public Transport

    To reach Mt. Cuba Center using public transportation, take the DART First State bus route 40 from Wilmington. Get off at the 'Hockessin' stop. From there, it is about a 1.5-mile walk to the center along Barley Mill Rd. The bus fare is approximately $2.00 one way.

  • Taxi/Ride Share

    If you prefer not to drive or use public transport, consider booking a taxi or ride-share service (like Uber or Lyft) directly to Mt. Cuba Center. Provide the address: 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE 19707. Expect to pay between $20 to $30 from Wilmington.

Unlock the Best of Mt. Cuba Center

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Discover more about Mt. Cuba Center

Mt. Cuba Center, located in Hockessin, Delaware, is a botanical garden dedicated to the study and conservation of native plants of the Appalachian Piedmont region. The center began as the private estate of Lammot du Pont Copeland and his wife, Pamela Cunningham Copeland, who purchased the land in 1935. The Copelands transformed the farmland into a beautiful country estate, complete with a Colonial Revival manor house and gardens. Over the years, the Copelands expanded their gardens to include naturalistic woodland wildflower gardens, designed by landscape architect Seth Kelsey. Mrs. Copeland, a passionate horticulturalist, continued to develop the gardens until her death in 2001. In 2003, the property was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Today, Mt. Cuba Center encompasses 68 acres of gardens and over 1,000 acres of natural lands. Visitors can explore a variety of landscapes, including formal gardens, a trial garden for native plant research, picturesque meadows, and tranquil ponds. The center also offers educational programs, guided tours, and special events throughout the year. Mt. Cuba Center is not only a place of beauty but also a hub for research and conservation. The center's horticulturists document their plant collections and conduct research on various native plants. Mt. Cuba Center has protected over 15,000 acres in the mid-Atlantic region.

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