Clark Botanic Gardens in Weatherford is a well-known wedding destination in North Texas, but the gardens extend through past ponds, a historic tree trail, unique “themed” gardens and much more! It’s been a favorite of ours since my youngest at about age 4 found their Train Garden, and would beg to visit and chase the trains over bridges and through the little towns set up around them in the gardens.
Open seasonally from March – July 4th and September – November, each season offers something different in the gardens. Late spring and summer are my favorite times to visit, when the gardens are at their most colorful!
In addition to the beautiful flowers at the gardens, there is plenty of wildlife, like this little frog my daughter caught.
No worries, he was safely returned to a lily pad, after a kiss to see if he would turn into a prince.
There are amazing water features throughout the gardens.
And I love that touching the art is encouraged!
Don’t forget to bring some cut up grapes to feed to the ducks! It’s much better for them than bread!
Do remember to bring your camera, as they are photo ops everywhere!
While my kids like to see everything, the majority of our time is still spent at the Train Garden.
There are three different trains that run around the tracks in the garden.
And several different scenes around which they run.
Over bridges and water features.
The trains don’t run if it’s raining.
While the trains run outside in the garden,
They also come in the Roundhouse, which has these cute models of local towns.
The Mineral Wells Station with the Baker Hotel, Train Depot, and the famous Hexagon Hotel, a 6-sided hotel built in 1897 by David Galbraith, the inventor of the paperclip.
There is so much detail. Of course, children and adults aren’t allowed to play with or touch the miniatures.
The Weatherford Station has a miniature of the Parker County Courthouse.
A Throwback to 2011 of my son, then 4, running alongside the trains.
Outside food and drinks are allowed, and encouraged! A picnic is a perfect way to enjoy the garden! There are numerous shaded picnic tables, or you can bring a blanket to lay on the grass, too!
The entrance to the White Garden. The White Garden is protected by various magical creatures that on closer inspection are just ordinary squirrels.
Inside the White Garden you’ll find a view on the beautiful falls.
The Historic Tree Trail
Historic Trees are the offsprings of trees that have a significant place in history, such as the Survivor Tree outside the site of the Federal Building in Oklahoma City. Take a walk around the circular path to see them, and you can purchase seeds in the gift shop.
Know Before You Go
Wear comfortable shoes, it’s almost 50 acres of gardens.
Credit cards, cash and check are accepted for admission.
Parking is FREE.
Well behaved, leashed dogs are welcome. Please pick up after them, and don’t forget your baggies.
Things To Do in Weatherford
Play
Cool off after a visit to the gardens at Splash Kingdom Waterpark! Click HERE for more information.
Visit 4D Christmas Tree Farm to cut down your own Christmas Tree! Click HERE to read more.
Stay
Lake Mineral Wells State Park offers camp sites, RV sites and cabins overlooking the lake! Click HERE for more information.
Clark Botanical Gardens
567 Maddux Rd., Weatherford
Click HERE to visit their website.
Keep Having Fun in the Texas Sun!
Michelle
Having Fun in the TEXAS Sun is on PINTEREST! Use it as a quick resource to find activities in different Texas towns! Click HERE!
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