Kentucky State Botanical Garden

UK Arboretum

Lexington, KY

Adopted on July 14, 2000.

The University of Kentucky Arboretum was created in 1991 as a joint effort between the University of Kentucky and the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government. Named in March, 2000 the "Official State Botanical Garden for the Commonwealth of Kentucky," the UK Arboretum is 100 acres of preserved green space in the heart of Lexington.

Kentucky State Botanical Garden: UK Arboretum

The Arboretum began in 1991 and is continuing to boast 100 acres of year-round color and plants. Stresses melt away among the 100 acres of marvelous sights and sounds of our gardens. Once you are there, you feel like you have escaped to a paradise. It is a delightful surprise to visitors from around the world and even in our own city. Young and older alike enjoy year-round activities for the entire family.

The Arboretum was created in 1991 as a joint effort between the University of Kentucky and the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government.

The Mission of The Arboretum showcases Kentucky landscapes and serves as a resource center for environmental and horticultural education, research and conservation.

The gardens are open from dawn until dusk each day with the exception of Home University of Kentucky Football Games and the Gala in the Garden. General Garden admission is free. There is an admission for the Kentucky Children's Garden.

Location

Dorotha Oatts Visitors Center
500 Alumni Drive
Lexington, KY 40503

The Arboretum is located in Lexington, Kentucky on Alumni Drive on the University of Kentucky campus near Commonwealth Stadium.

To reach the University of Kentucky campus and the Arboretum from I-64 and I-75 north through downtown Lexington, take exit 115 Newtown Pike (992) and go south. Drive 4 miles on Newtown Pike. Turn left on West Main Street, go through 2 major intersections: Jefferson St., Broadway; 3rd major intersection, turn right (Upper Street). Drive through the entire campus as you drive 2.5 miles south on Upper St.. Turn left on Alumni Drive (just after you pass the Gluck Equine Center). On Alumni, you will go by the Senior Citizens Center and Commonwealth Stadium on the left. Enter the Arboretum to the right off Alumni Drive.

To reach the UK campus and the Arboretum from I-75 south, take exit 104. Turn left on Richmond Rd. Drive 6 miles. At Man O' War Blvd, turn left. Drive 1 mile. At Alumni Drive (2nd light), turn right. Drive 4 miles. When you cross Tates Creek Road, the rock wall indicates your entrance onto campus. Look for rock wall on left which designates your entrance into the Arboretum.

Kentucky Law

The law designating the University of Kentucky-Fayette County Arboretum as the official Kentucky state botanical garden is found in the Kentucky Revised Statutes, Title 1, Chapter 2, Section 2.097.

TITLE I - SOVEREIGNTY AND JURISDICTION OF THE COMMONWEALTH.
CHAPTER 2 - CITIZENSHIP, EMBLEMS, HOLIDAYS, AND TIME.

2.097 State botanical garden.
The University of Kentucky-Fayette County Arboretum shall be designated
as the official state botanical garden of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Effective: July 14, 2000
History: Created 2000 Ky. Acts ch. 143, sec. 1, effective July 14, 2000.