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Group Tours
A Fascinating Destination
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, now a part of the University of Texas at Austin, is known as one of North America's most beautiful gardens. A destination for more than 70,000 visitors each year, the 279-acre Texas Hill Country site celebrates the legacy of Lady Bird Johnson and the native plants of Texas.
The Wildflower Center is on the must-see list because it is not only beautiful, but fun, with all the amenities---good food, great shopping and knowledgeable guides. Furthermore, it is located in lively and scenic Austin, the live music capital of the world.
Your guests will love the nationally-renowned architecture, evocative of Texas' Spanish missions, its German farmhouses and spacious ranches. They'll enjoy a short or long stroll in our theme gardens, listening to the gentle sound of a hill country stream and entertained by the butterflies we grow on the grounds. There are hikes through our wildflower meadows and forests, and the more environmentally-minded might enjoy visiting our ecology research plots.
We will do everything possible to create an unforgettable customized experience for your travel group, geared to their particular interests.
Visitor's Gallery - Why native plants? Find out here with exhibits, a video about the Center, sample plants and seeds.
The Store - Art, books, apparel, local food products, children's toys and an array of fabulous gifts, all with a nature theme.
The Café - A restaurant with a view, indoors or outside on the patio. Have coffee, ice cream or lunch. Box lunches and a catering menu are available. We can schedule large group lunches in various attractive areas. You may order from Circle C Catering by calling (512) 301-7235 or circleccatering.com.
Guided Tours
The Wildflower Center offers guided tours for groups of at least 15. Staff or docents lead the tours and know how to make the visit interesting, educational and fun. We can adapt the tour the group's special interests, such as gardening, architecture or ecology. The Center is fully accessible to those with disabilities. We usually offer walking tours of about a quarter mile-although guests are invited to hike our longer trails on their own.
The general guided tour includes the history and mission of the Wildflower Center, discussion of Lady Bird Johnson's legacy, the importance of native plants, the Center's architecture, rainwater collection system and natural history of the Central Texas Hill Country-all while visiting our lovely formal gardens and natural areas. The tour generally takes 45-60 minutes.
A total visit time of 1½ hours allows time for loading and unloading, shopping and a snack. We offer tours between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and between noon and 3 p.m. Sunday.
Click here to Request a Group Tour
Self-Guided Tours
Self-guided groups are always welcome to explore the Wildflower Center. These visits are perfect for very large groups or those with time constraints. Group rates are available with advance reservations for groups with a minimum of 20. We recommend allowing at least 1 1/2 to two hours to allow time to shop and snack.
Click here to Request a Self-Guided Tour
Scheduling A School Group
The Wildflower Center's educational goal is to bring everyone into the experience of nature. A bounty of educational opportunities can be found at the Wildflower Center, from exploring nature trails to learning how bees pollinate flowers. Our current programs provide a self-guided tour experience. Please use the School Group Trip and Field Study Trip forms to request your trip. If you have any questions please contact Public Programs.
Please make one payment for the entire group by check payable to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Amex, Discover), or cash upon arrival at the gatehouse. Receipts are given at the entry gate. Senior group rates apply if the majority of the group are 60 years or older.
Cancellation Policy
If you must cancel, please let us know at least five business days in advance of your tour date, or we will have to assess a $30 cancellation fee.
General Information
Spring is bluebonnet time, but wildflowers bloom all year in Central Texas and the Center is open year round.
Guide dogs are permitted on site, but no pets, please.
A few non-motorized wheelchairs are available at no cost on a first-come, first-served basis.
Outdoor picnic space is available for groups that wish to bring their own