Luthy Botanical Garden

LUTHY BOTANICAL GARDEN

Whether you have a passion for gardening or simply love the serenity of nature, Luthy Botanical Garden offers a stunning escape into the world of plants. Nestled within Glen Oak Park, this five-acre oasis features a vibrant tropical conservatory, themed gardens, and seasonal floral displays—including the beloved Poinsettia Show each November and December.

Beyond its breathtaking landscapes, Luthy Botanical Garden serves as a picture-perfect setting for weddings, showers, and corporate gatherings. Photographers are always welcome to capture the beauty of the Gardens—please contact bstreitmatter@peoriaparks.org for information on fees and policies.
Come explore, relax, and be inspired by the beauty of Luthy Botanical Garden!

VOLUNTEER MEMBERSHIP RENTALS

Hours & Admission

Admission is free, but donations are always appreciated!
The Garden is 10 am-5 pm seven days a week; gates close at 4:30pm
Schools are free unless a program is provided.

Visitor Rules

Last admission is 4:30pm
Service dogs only
Park or walk bicycles
Stay out of beds & trees
Collection of plants or parts is prohibited…take only photographs
Water features are for viewing pleasure only
Children must be supervised at all times
No smoking
Professional portrait photos require an advance permit; you can obtain that by e-mailing Garden Manager, Bob at bstreitmatter@peoriaparks.org
The Garden is owned and operated by Peoria Park District. To view all our park and facility rules, click here!

A Look at the Garden

Tropical Conservatory housing tropical plants and succulents
15 Theme Gardens/Borders within 5 Acres: Rose Garden, Children’s Garden, Cottage Garden, Crabapple Cove, Dwarf Conifer Mound, Fall Border, Flowering Shrub, Herb Garden, Hosta Glade, Prairie Border, Spring Border, Viburnum Border, Wildlife Garden, and Woodland Garden
Floral Shows: Spring Show, Chrysanthemum Show, and Poinsettia Show
Horticulture Presentations: Know Plants, Will Travel: Our professional horticulturists are available to present a wide variety of plant and gardening related talks and demonstrations to your community group, garden club or special interest society. We would also love to provide a private tour of the Garden, so you can get to know it personally. Call 309-681-3506 for details.
Luthy has a Letterbox. What is Letterboxing?
Letterboxing is an intriguing pastime combining artistic ability with “treasure hunts” in parks, forests and cities around the world. Participants seek out hidden letterboxes by cracking codes and following clues found on the Internet. Within each letterbox is a logbook and rubber stamp, usually a unique, hand-carved stamp, not a store-bought one. Letterboxers stamp their discoveries in a personal journal, then use their own personal rubber stamp, called a signature stamp, by stamping it into the logbook found with the letterbox, perhaps writing a note about the weather or their adventures in finding the letterbox. Stamp pads are generally not provided in letterboxes; most people carry their own. Finds are then logged online. Visit www.letterboxing.org or www.atlasquest.com for more information.

Volunteering

Luthy Botanical Garden has a volunteer position for everyone who has some time. Horticulture volunteers are out in the Garden every day, gettin’ dirty and havin’ fun alongside our staff. But wait; we can use your talents even if you want to preserve your manicure! We have volunteer opportunities in education, special event coordination, the Garden Shop and as an office assistant. We offer weekend hours and daytime shifts, so if you’re interested in volunteering for a special event or on a regular basis, call the Volunteer Coordinator at (309) 681-2671 or email at volunteers@peoriaparks.org. Check out all volunteer opportunities by clicking the button above.

Current Programs & Events

Floral Shows: Spring Show, Chrysanthemum Show, and Poinsettia Show
Classes: Luthy Botanical Garden offers engaging classes like wreath-making workshops and container gardening sessions, where you can create beautiful, seasonal arrangements and learn expert planting techniques.
School Programs & Tours for Children: Introduction to Plants, Nature’s Kitchen, Rainforest Versus the Desert program, Terrarium program, Garden Scavenger Hunt, Garden/Conservatory tours.
Horticulture Presentations: Know Plants, Will Travel: Our professional horticulturists are available to present a wide variety of plant and gardening related talks and demonstrations to your community group, garden club or special interest society. We would also love to provide a private tour of the Garden, so you can get to know it personally. Call 309-681-3506 for details.