Looking for something fun to do with the kids in Cincinnati? If you’re sick and tired of sitting around, holed up with kids who are jumping off the walls, then going to Krohn Conservatory might be for you! This is a beautiful botanical garden, where you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a foreign space. With over 2,000 positive reviews on Google, you won’t be disappointed. You can view the gorgeous plants yourself, go on a guided tour, or learn about the unique species of plants that reside in the greenhouses and beyond.
Located within Eden Park, the Irwin M. Krohn Conservatory is one of Cincinnati’s crown jewels. The conservatory, built in the Art Deco style, was completed in 1933, and was originally named the Eden Park Greenhouse. At the time of its construction in 1933, American cities were incorporating conservatories into their development plans in an effort to beautify their public gardens. Federal funding was granted to create Krohn Conservatory as a way to bring jobs back to Cincinnati during the Depression. In 1937, the name was changed to honor Irwin M. Krohn, who was the commissioner of the Board of Parks from 1912 until 1948.
What is the Krohn Conservatory?
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Today, Krohn Conservatory is a botanical garden sanctuary that hosts about 300,000 guests per year. The conservatory is home to over 3,500 plant species from around the world, and you’ll find unique species you can’t find anywhere else in Cincinnati. Krohn Conservatory contains 7 distinct collections, puts on six seasonal exhibitions, and hosts special events, like its Butterfly Show and Holiday Show. During the 12-week Butterfly Show in the spring, Krohn Conservatory hosts special events for Earth Day, Memorial Day, family nights, and a “Staycation” week with fun games and activities. Additionally, Krohn Conservatory can be rented for weddings and private events. This is one of the top things to do in Cincinnati with kids!
How do I get to Krohn Conservatory?
The great thing about Krohn Conservatory is that it’s just an 8 minute drive from downtown Cincinnati! It’s not too far, no matter where in the greater Cincinnati area you’re coming from.
Krohn Conservatory Address
1501 Eden Park Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Directions to Krohn Conservatory
Click here to bring up a map with directions from wherever you are. It’s located right off of Columbia Parkway in Eden Park. It’s located near the Eden Park Playground, where you’ll find many kids playing after attending the Krohn Conservatory.
One of the easiest ways to get to Krohn Conservatory is by bus. Want to take the bus to Krohn Conservatory? If you’re coming from downtown Cincinnati, you can take the Go Metro Route 1 bus at 4th St & Walnut St to the Eden Park Dr & Krohn Conservatory stop, the last stop on the line. Your trip will be about 22 minutes! Click here for Go Metro maps and schedules.
Krohn Conservatory Hours
The Krohn Conservatory is currently closed temporarily due to COVID-19 restrictions. However, under normal circumstances, the conservatory is open daily from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
If you have any questions regarding holiday hours or closures, call (513) 421-4086 for more information.
How Much Does It Cost To Visit Krohn Conservatory?
Visiting the Krohn Conservatory is very affordable! The price of general admission during the spring, summer, and fall is $7 for adults and $5 for children aged 17 and younger. The Butterfly Show and Holiday Show cost $10 for adults and $7 for youths aged 5-17 as it’s one of their most popular exhibits. Children under the age of 4 are welcome to explore the conservatory for free all year round.
There is also a pass that will save you money. Friends of Krohn Memberships are available on a yearly basis. Prospective members can choose among individual passes ($40/year), family passes ($75/year), Patron ($100/year), and Founder ($1,000/year) levels, each with their own perks. Patron and Founder level memberships are partially tax deductible. For more information, call (513) 421-4086.
Top Reasons To Visit The Krohn Conservatory
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There is always something fascinating to see at Krohn Conservatory. It’s especially popular among parents in need of a recreational activity that’s educational too. Within the 20,000 square foot conservatory, you can explore any of the following:
Palm House
The Palm House was the first section of the Krohn Conservatory to be constructed. Explore an indoor tropical rain forest with palm trees, bananas, rubber trees, a 20-foot waterfall and goldfish stream, and more.
Desert Garden
Desert Garden was the next gallery to be added to the conservatory in 1939. Here, visitors can learn about cacti, succulents, yuccas, agaves, aloes, and more. You might even see some carnivorous plants!
John Carroll Bonsai Gallery
The bonsai collection at Krohn Conservatory contains meticulously maintained plants in the ancient Japanese style. This gallery was added to the conservatory in 1995. The majority of the bonsai is cared for by the Bonsai Society of Greater Cincinnati, but the conservatory and private individuals also lend their skills to the gallery.
Orchid Display
Since its addition to Kroh Conservatory in 2004, visitors have been able to walk among up to 75 blooming orchids at any given time in Krohn Conservatory’s Orchid Room.
Tropical House
The Tropical House contains a fascinating collection of ferns, begonias, and bromeliads. There are also economic plants such as dwarf bananas, vanilla vine, and cacao trees.
Butterfly Show
Enjoy taking in the flora while thousands of butterflies flutter around you! Every spring for the last 25 years, the Krohn Conservatory hosts as many as 16,000 butterflies of over 100 species flying freely throughout the main showroom. It’s possibly the conservatory’s most popular event.
Seasonal Floral Showroom
The Seasonal Floral Showroom rotates among six seasonal floral shows throughout the year. This room is also home to a permanent collection of citrus trees thought to have been cultivated in Southeast Asia 8,000 years ago!
Holiday Display
Since 1934, the Krohn Conservatory holiday display has delighted Cincinnati residents and tourists. Every year, the conservatory displays miniature trains, models of signature Cincinnati buildings, and at the center of it all, a gorgeous tree socrates with ornaments crafted from materials found in the conservancy and gardens.
What is the best time of year to visit Krohn Conservatory?
There’s no bad time to visit Krohn Conservatory! It’s temperature-controlled, so it’s a fantastic activity even in cold weather. Exhibits are all indoor, so you don’t have to worry about getting stuck in the rain.
What should I bring to Krohn Conservatory?
You can expect to spend about an hour at Krohn Conservatory. There are paved paths throughout, and comfortable shoes are recommended. Make sure to bring money for admission, and any shopping you may wish to do in the gift shop. Keep in mind that the temperature in Krohn Conservatory is warm and tropical, so dress accordingly.
Where to Eat Near Krohn Conservatory
There is no food served at Krohn Conservatory. However, there are restaurants all around Eden Park if you’d like to enjoy a meal before or after your visit. For a friendly pub setting, check out Mt Adams Bar & Grill, which is called “the Cheers of Cincinnati” by some. Try Terrace Cafe at the Cincinnati Art Museum for light bites and great coffee. For a more upscale meal, head to Le Bar A Boeuf, where chef Jean Robert serves up French classics with a twist.
What else do I need to know before visiting Krohn Conservatory?
- Parking is free
- Information booklets and pamphlets are available in each room
- Visitors tend to spend about 1 hour at Krohn Conservatory
- The conservatory can become crowded during popular exhibitions
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