ETIQUETTE & POLICIES

Accessibility

The Wildflower Center’s Central Complex, Central Gardens, and Luci and Ian Family Garden are wheelchair accessible. The Arboretum Trail and Roadrunner Trail are also wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs are available for guests to borrow at no charge at the Admissions Kiosk. If you have any questions, please contact us at 512.232.0100.

Pet Policy

Service animals only. Pets are not allowed anywhere on this campus, including the parking lot. Do not leave your pet in your vehicle. Read more about our service animal policy.

Weapons

The open carry of a gun is not permitted at the Wildflower Center. As part of The University of Texas at Austin, the Wildflower Center is subject to Senate Bill 11 (Concealed Campus Carry). The Center’s restrictions fall under Policy Statement No. 3. Individuals licensed to carry may do so at the Wildflower Center except in locations and at activities prohibited by law or by this policy.

Law enforcement officers (LEOs) visiting the Wildflower Center are permitted to carry a weapon provided, regardless of whether they are on or off-duty, provided they currently qualify as peace officers or special investigators under Texas law. Those law enforcement officers who are retired, in a non-active status, or whose employment or status cannot be verified, or who are employed by an agency outside of the state of Texas, will not be permitted to carry firearms or weapons at the Center and no storage options will be provided in such instances.

For additional questions concerning concealed carry on our campus, please refer to the University Handbook of Operating Procedures.

Drones

The use of drones on Wildflower Center property is prohibited by The University of Texas at Austin without explicit permission. Read more about the policy and apply for a permit here.

Visitor Photo Consent

The Wildflower Center is a facility where photographs, videos, and audio recordings may occur. All persons entering the premises consent to the use of their photograph, video, image, voice, and/or likeness by the Center for promotion of our mission in any and all media and on any and all advertising platforms, in perpetuity, without remuneration.

Guest Etiquette

A few rules that we ask our guests to follow:

    • Our garden beds are for plants, not feet. Please do not step into the cultivated garden beds.
    • We share this area with wild animals, such as rattlesnakes. Please be aware of your surroundings and respect their space.
    • No smoking, tobacco use or e-cigarettes allowed.
    • No outside alcohol allowed. Exceptions/policies for private events can be found here.
    • Please do not leave valuables in your vehicle.
    • No bicycles or scooters allowed in the gardens. Please park them in the provided racks.
    • Picnic in designated areas, and please pack out what you pack in.
    • No balloons, confetti, glitter or handheld signage allowed.
    • Drones are not allowed (see above for more information).
    • All visitors are required to wear a shirt and shoes at all times. We reserve the right to deny entry to guests wearing clothing items with offensive text, content and/or images.
    • You must leave Wildflower Center grounds, including the parking lot, by closing time.

FAQ

Can I bring my dog or other pet to the Wildflower Center?

No. With the exception of service animals, pets are not allowed anywhere on Wildflower Center grounds. This includes the parking lot; do not leave your pet in your vehicle.

Is the Wildflower Center wheelchair accessible?

The Wildflower Center’s Central Complex, Central Gardens, and Luci and Ian Family Garden are wheelchair accessible. The Texas Arboretum trail is also wheelchair accessible. Accessible parking spaces are available, and guests may borrow wheelchairs at no charge from the Admissions Kiosk. If you have any questions, please contact us at 512.232.0100.

Is parking available? Is it free?

Yes, parking is available. And it’s free! If our parking lot is full, there are more spots along La Crosse Avenue (back-in angle parking only, please).

Can I carry a handgun on Wildflower Center property?

As part of The University of Texas at Austin, the Wildflower Center is subject to Senate Bill 11 (Concealed Campus Carry). The Center’s restrictions fall under Policy Statement No. 3. Please see our weapons policy above for more information.

Must I stay on the paths?

Yes. Our garden beds are for plants, not feet. Please stay on marked paths and do not step into cultivated garden beds (even for photos).

What kinds of wildlife might I see at the Wildflower Center?

We share this area with all kinds of wildlife, including rattlesnakes. You might see a great horned owl in our entryway, spot roadrunners in the Texas Arboretum, see pollinators such as hummingbirds, bees and butterflies fluttering around our flowers, encounter rabbits, squirrels, turtles, scorpions and much more. In every case, please be aware of your surroundings and respect these wild creatures’ space.

Is smoking allowed?

Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is not allowed anywhere on Center property; this includes the parking lot.

Can I ride my bicycle at the Center?

Bicycles are not allowed in the gardens, but bike racks are provided near the main entrance. Please park there and walk in.

May I bring a picnic?

Of course! But please only picnic in designated areas, and pack out what you pack in. You may also eat indoors or al fresco at Wildflower Café.

Can I take professional photos at the Wildflower Center?

It depends. Check out our photo policy.