At its heart, the North Carolina Botanical Garden is a conservation garden, committed to creating a harmonious and sustainable relationship between people and plants. The fact that it's also one of the state's most beautiful — and completely free, though donations are appreciated — day trip destinations is simply a wonderful benefit. Come with us as we explore this stunning space filled with wildflowers, native species, and educational opportunities galore.

Operated by the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, the NC Botanical Garden is a love letter to the native flora of the state's Piedmont region. Research, cataloging, and promoting these plants is the core mission, and it's nearly impossible to visit without learning something. When you visit, you can look forward to learning about plants found nowhere else in the world.

Inspiration for the conservation garden you see today dates back to 1903 when UNC botany professor William Chambers Coker planted trees on campus for teaching purposes. As the trees grew, the area became known as the Coker Arboretum. It was clear that a larger botanical facility was needed, so one was built a little south of campus. Thanks to horticulturalist William Hunt, one hundred acres were added to the property, and the project thrived. The botanical garden opened its doors to the public quite fittingly on Arbor Day of 1966.

It's easy to spend hours meandering through the displays, which you'll find are meticulously labeled. Areas to explore include the Entrance Garden, Children's Wonder Garden, Piedmont Habitat, Sandhills Habitat, Coastal Plain Habitat, Water Gardens, Carnivorous Plant Collection, Herb Garden, Native American Garden, Poisonous Plants Garden, and more.

Plus, there's a handful of attractions scattered throughout the property that you'll want to visit, such as the Salamander Pool or Paul Green's Cabin. Green was one of the most famous writers in the American South, famous for The Lost Colony.

The cabin was a quiet writing retreat for Green and after he died in 1984, there was a movement to save his cabin. The NC Botanical Garden seemed like the perfect site for its preservation. The door will likely be shut when you get there, but the garden welcomes visitors inside. In fact, you'll see some fascinating exhibits and a few benches for taking a rest.

The gardens are just the beginning of all that this destination has to offer. Year-round events, activities, educational programs, and walking trails add to the long list of reasons to visit. Who knows...you may just be inspired to begin your own native garden!

If you haven't yet visited the North Carolina Botanical Gardens in Chapel Hill, we'd highly recommend it! Be sure to visit the official NC Botanical Gardens website to learn more about planning your visit. If you need a place to stay while you're exploring the area, be sure to check out these unique vacation rentals in Chapel Hill.