Betty Ford Alpine Gardens in Vail, Colorado is a standout: one of the country’s highest-elevated botanical gardens, its free admission price has also made it one of the most visited.
More than just a collection of plants, the Gardens offer five different sections of alpine plants, aesthetically arranged and complemented with rocks and other landscaping features like streams and waterfalls. Even with this tasteful presentation, the Gardens offer more than meets the eye: rare plant species are preserved and studied here, making the Gardens a destination for scientific research that’s also open for the public to view.
In addition to its wildlife, the Gardens also host yoga sessions and cooking demonstrations on certain days in the summer—you can take a look at their adult programs page for more information. Children are welcome at the Gardens: a Nature Trail and other children’s activities are provided. Be sure to check out our other recommended summer activities here!