Tucked into the heart of the Elkhorn Mountains near Jefferson City, Montana, the beautiful Tizer Botanic Gardens and Arboretum plays into the idea that Montana is one of the most majestic and beautiful states in the nation.
The stunning 6 acres of gardens can be viewed via more than 1 mile of trails, along with a visit to the Garden Center, event venue space, and more.
Important Details for Tizer Botanic Gardens and Arboretum
Visiting the Tizer Botanic Gardens and Arboretum is a splendid way to spend a sunny, cloudy, warm, or cool day from April to October. Contact them ahead of time for special events or unique requests.
- Location: 38 Tizer Lake Road, Jefferson City, MT 59638
- Website: https://www.tizergardens.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TizerBotanicGardensandArborteum/
- Email: info@tizergardens.com
- Phone: 406-933-8789
- Open Hours: Daily from 10 am to 6 pm, Thursdays 10 am to 9 pm
- Garden Center Season: Mid-April to October (weather permitting)
- Gardens & Arboretum Season: Mother’s Day to October (weather permitting)
- Fees: Adults $9, Children 5-12 years $7, Children under 5 free
- Self-guided tours or guided tours are available
What Makes the Tizer Botanic Gardens and Arboretum So Appealing?
Montana’s only full-time operated Botanical Garden and Arboretum and only one of three internationally accredited arboreta in the United States, the Tizer Botanic Gardens and Arboretum is a unique and amazingly beautiful experience for anyone who enjoys nature and plants.
The 6 acres of gardens and land may be enjoyed via self-guided tour or with a guide. There are thousands of high-altitude plants, perennials, bulbs, shrubs, trees, and vegetables and fruits grown here in the many themed gardens.
Is There Lodging at Tizer Gardens and Arboretum?
There are two cabins for rent at Tizer, via Vrbo. Iona cabin, which is 140 years old, has been fully restored and remains rustic and beautiful. The one-room cabin resides in the heart of Tizer, in the elbow of Prickly Pear Creek.
The original cookstove is still installed, along with a small refrigerator, microwave, coffee pot, and toaster. Outdoor plumbing is available in the nearby Toilet House.
The 7/11 Cabin is a tiny little cabin with just room enough for a double bed. But the tiny cabin is situated on a tiny island in the middle of the Prickly Pear Creek for one of the most unique experiences you’ll ever have in lodging!
The cabin is rented as an additional cabin for Iona Creek when it isn’t quite large enough to accommodate the full group.
Are Pets Allowed at Tizer Gardens and Arboretum?
Tizer Gardens and Arboretum are home to many squirrels, rabbits, frogs, and birds, so there are some boundaries for your pets when you visit.
Pets must be kept on leashes and owners are responsible for all clean-up and removal of waste. Bringing your pets is an option, but not particularly encouraged.
Is There a Gift Shop at Tizer Gardens and Arboretum?
Tizer Gardens and Arboretum has a lovely little quaint gift shop where you’ll find delightful treasures like tea, gardening books, hats, t-shirts, garden ornaments, gems, crystals, and more.
You’ll also find snacks in the gift shop to enjoy during your visit, including cold drinks, ice cream, and popcorn, along with other picnic-worthy snacks and foods.
What Garden Collections Are There at Tizer Gardens and Arboretum?
The beautiful botanic garden at Tizer is a stunning collection of plants and trees brought together for educational and aesthetic purposes. The arboretum is a collection of trees, shrubs, vines, and roses. Come see and explore both portions of the site.
Take a virtual tour through Tizer Gardens and Arboretum online before your visit for a better feel.
Rose Garden
Developed in 2003 for the purpose of testing roses for Weeks Roses of California, the rose garden now mostly houses hardy Canadian roses for viewing pleasure.
Prickly Pear Creek
Stradling Prickly Pear Creek, Tizer Gardens, and Arboretum artfully incorporate the lovely creek into the designs of the property.
The creek meanders its way through the middle of the property, providing water for the plants and birds, and helping to create habitats for wildlife and fish.
Children’s Garden
The sweet children’s garden is a magical place for children and grown-ups alike to enjoy, with blooming upside-down trees, glorious flowers, sweet dragons, ladybugs, and fairy houses.
A living teepee welcomes youngsters as well, for an afternoon shady spot.
Gazebo Garden
The gazebo garden is a cozy refuge for flower lovers, with 9-foot delphiniums and cotton candy Meadowsweet in bloom with shrubs and bushes, and climbing clematis. Don’t forget your picnic basket!
Edible Garden (Fruits and Vegetables)
Vegetables of nearly every kind may be found at Tizer, along with the beautiful, lush strawberries and raspberries.
Herb Garden
Both perennial and annual herbs grow here, with medicinal, tea, and edible herbs intermingling with the hollyhocks.
Wildflower Walk
Throughout much of the summer and particularly in the spring, the Wildflower Walk is a site indeed with stunning, vibrant colored blooms.
Walk through the Children’s Garden upward to see pussy toes, buttercups, sugar bowls, crocus, and more.
Shade Garden
The shade garden provides visitors with a peaceful spot to meditate, draw, daydream, and stroll causally in the cool of the shade, with begonias and many more growing along the Prickly Pear Creek.
Secret Garden
The Secret Garden is a bird sanctuary and flower paradise situated near Prickly Pear Creek.
This spot is ideal for quiet reflection and solo daydreaming – and, if you’re lucky enough to be here in May or June, you may see the incredible Himalayan Blue Poppies in bloom.
Butterfly and Hummingbird Garden
Certain kinds of plants and flowers particularly draw butterflies and hummingbirds in, and this nectar lovers’ garden is just the place! In fact, the garden itself was actually a research site for hummingbird researchers in 2005!
Come early or later in the day to see dozens of hummingbirds feeding throughout the garden.
Meditation Garden
Situated among a Scotch moss bed, Tibetan Prayer Flags, and Buddha statues, find a quiet bench for meditation next to the creek in this meditation garden.
Gardens Islands
Two islands are in Prickly Pear Creek within the boundaries of Tizer Botanic Gardens and Arboretum. One gives lodge to a tiny cabin the other is hidden among trees down the way.
Enjoy a pop over to enjoy a table there for a picnic or quiet rest.
The Plant Select Test Gardens
Previously, the Tizer Gardens ‘ owners were involved with the Denver Botanic Gardens Colorado State University Program Plant Select Program.
The owners asked to turn a portion of these Botanic Gardens into a test garden, where plants that grow in high altitudes, manage severe cold, and don’t need much water to thrive.
View your favorites in the garden, then head over to the garden center to purchase some to bring home with you!
All American Selection Gardens
The Tizer Botanic Gardens and Arboretum have also been a demonstration garden for the All American Selection Committee for several years.
These gardens are where the committee chooses the plants of the year and helps make them available to gardeners from around the country. You may also find many of these plants for sale in the Garden Center.
Visiting Tizer Botanic Gardens and Arboretum
For one of the absolutely most incredible open gardens experiences, you’ll have in the state of Montana, head to the beautiful Tizer Botanic Gardens and Arboretum to take a stroll and explore the thousands of plants here.
Enjoy roses, edible plants, fairy houses, islands, picnic spots, and much more as you come – or even book a night or two in the Iona Cabin.
Before you come be sure to:
- Wear comfortable walking shoes
- Wear weather-appropriate attire
- Apply sunblock and sunglasses
- Bring a picnic lunch for an all-day outing
- Visit the Garden Center and gift shop for special gifts and plants
- Leave your pets at home (ideally!)
- Enjoy the day!