5 great reasons to visit Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

Melissa McCauley
Oct 1, 2025
2 min read

Entrance to Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

If you haven’t visited Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden lately, you’re missing one of the most beautiful experiences in Gaston County. Recently refreshed and thriving year-round, the Garden offers something new every season—from breathtaking landscapes to family-friendly attractions and immersive events. Here are five great reasons to plan your visit.

5 great reasons to visit Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

Garden admission is required to explore these spaces.

Gardens at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

1. Fountains, Flowers and Foliage

Known as a garden for all seasons, Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden invites visitors to slow down and reconnect with nature. Spanning 110 acres of cultivated gardens, guests are welcomed through the Visitor Pavilion into a landscape filled with stunning fountains, seasonal flowers, lush foliage, and thoughtfully designed garden rooms. Each visit offers a new perspective as blooms and displays change throughout the year.

Orchid Conservatory at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

2. Orchid Conservatory

Step inside the Orchid Conservatory, the Carolinas’ only 8,000-square-foot, five-story glass house dedicated entirely to orchids and tropical plants. Inside, you’ll find a cascading waterfall, vibrant orchids in bloom, and exotic plants like a cocoa tree, vanilla orchid, and orchid tree. It’s a warm, colorful escape—especially popular during cooler months.

3. Seasonal Events Inside the Garden

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is known for hosting immersive, can’t-miss events throughout the year—each offering a unique reason to return:

Butterfly Bungalow (Summer): Walk among live butterflies in a magical, enclosed habitat.
Scarecrow Hollow (Fall): A seasonal favorite featuring creative scarecrow displays throughout the Garden.
Holiday Lights at the Garden (Winter): A beloved tradition that transforms the Garden into a glowing winter wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights.

Trailhead Store at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

4. Prairie Castle Playground & Adventure Trail

Perfect for families, the Prairie Castle Playground is a standout attraction within the Garden. This three-story, nature-inspired play structure draws inspiration from medieval European castles and encourages imaginative, active play for children of all ages. The nearby Adventure Trail adds an interactive element, inviting young explorers to move, climb, and discover nature along the way. This area alone makes Daniel Stowe a must-visit for families.

5. Big Leaf Café

Located inside the Garden, the Big Leaf Café is the perfect place to relax and refuel during your visit. Enjoy refreshments, coffee, sandwiches, and snacks, along with a small gift shop offering Garden-inspired items and souvenirs. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or taking a break between exhibits, the café adds comfort and convenience to your day at Daniel Stowe.

Explore the Daniel Stowe Conservancy

Beyond the formal Garden, the Daniel Stowe Conservancy spans 380 acres of protected natural land. Visitors can explore scenic walking trails, stop by the TrailHead Store for refreshments and outdoor essentials, and visit the Farmhouse Store, which offers plants for your garden along with unique gifts inspired by nature. The Conservancy adds even more ways to experience Daniel Stowe beyond the Garden gates.