A tropical vacation sounds pretty great, doesn't it? Most of us aren't lucky enough to have the means to simply jet off around the world, though, which is sort of a problem. But did you know there's a tropical escape right here at Lauritzen Gardens in Nebraska? There sure is - this incredible greenhouse in Omaha Nebraska is like a little slice of paradise right here in our backyard.
The Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory at Lauritzen Gardens in Omaha is a magical tropical destination.
Even before you get inside, you can tell that this glass building is going to hold some special experiences.
Stepping into the conservatory after being outside in the frigid Nebraska air is like entering a different world. It's 80 degrees in here all year long, and seeing the lush, vibrant plants is a remarkable contrast to the slumbering natural world outside.
You might even have to pause to catch your breath - partly because it's so warm and humid, but mostly because it's breathtakingly beautiful in here.
The path will lead you all around the conservatory, past water features, and thousands of beautiful plants.
Along the way you'll see a 10-foot-high waterfall, a large pool filled with delicate water lilies, and too many exotic plants to count.
There are some unusual plants here that you may have never seen before. They hail from every corner of the world. Some even bear fruit! (Please don't pick it or touch it, though.)
This is the Black Bat Flower (Tacca chantrieri).
Unlike many other conservatories which focus on interpretive displays, the Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory is all about the beauty of the plants.
The stunning flora is arranged in beautiful gardenscapes rather than grouped into plant communities. Different plants bloom at different times of the year, so you can have a totally different experience each time you visit.
You'll find lots of little surprises as you wander the conservatory. Unusual plants poke their heads out from beneath other plants' leaves. Vivid colors that you wouldn't expect to find in nature abound in these gardens.
By the time you get to the far end of the conservatory you will have gained 20 feet in elevation. The glass walls give you a clear look out at the surroundings along the way - it's quite surreal to look out at the snow while you're in the 80-degree garden! At the end of the path you'll have a view of Lauritzen Gardens' century-old bur oak forest outside.
There are special events in the visitors center and conservatory all year long. One former display called Metamorphosis featured amazing nature-inspired sculptures created with reclaimed materials.
Entrance to the Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory is included in your admission to Lauritzen Gardens in Omaha, Nebraska. The gardens are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except for New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. This epic greenhouse in Omaha is sure to blow your mind! For information on admission prices, special events, and other parts of the gardens, visit the Lauritzen Gardens website. For places to stay, check out offerings from our friends at VRBO.
There's another, little-known garden in Omaha not too far from this one, tucked away in Omaha's Old Market. You may want to check out a Nebraska greenhouse in Alliance that grows oranges in the snow!
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!
