Plan Your Visit

Garden Etiquette

Please remember…

• Stay with your tour guide.
• Walk only on the paths.
• Do not collect or damage plants.
• Please don't move or remove labels.
• Food or drinks are not permitted.
• Smoking is not allowed.
• Silence your cell phone.
• Pets and strollers are not permitted.
• Please feel free to take photographs, but they must be for personal use only.

Garden Accessibility

Garden tours involve a two-hour stroll through our hillside woodland gardens, occasionally on uneven ground and unpaved paths. The total distance walked on garden tours is usually about one-half mile.

Due to the uneven natural paths and hilly terrain, our gardens are not wheelchair accessible. Strollers are also not permitted.

Comfortable outdoor walking shoes and weather appropriate clothing are recommended when visiting.

Cancellations

Rain or Shine

Our garden tours are conducted rain or shine. In cases of extreme weather, Mt. Cuba Center may cancel a tour. If you would like to know if your tour has been cancelled due to extreme weather, please call us at 302.239.4244.

Refunds

Public Garden Tours: Mt. Cuba Center does not issue refunds for public garden tours cancelled by you. Refunds will be issued for any tours cancelled by Mt. Cuba Center due to extreme weather.

Group Garden Tours: Refunds for group garden tours will be issued for cancellations made by the group ten days or more prior to the tour date, or for tours cancelled by Mt. Cuba Center due to extreme weather.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Mt. Cuba Center open year round?

A: We are open for garden visitation in spring, summer, and autumn, and for education programs throughout the year. For more information on planning your visit, see Garden Tours. For more information on courses, please see Continuing Education.

Q: Do I need a reservation to visit?

A: Visitors wishing to see the garden during our Open Days do not need to make a reservation. Tickets may be purchased onsite. See Open Days for more information.
Our public garden tours require advance reservations. Group garden tours for organized groups are available. For additional information on reserving a tour, see Garden Tours.

Q: Are tours cancelled due to inclement weather?

A: Tours are conducted rain or shine, so weather appropriate clothing is recommended. In cases of extreme weather, Mt. Cuba Center may cancel a tour. If extreme weather is forecasted for your tour time, please call Mt. Cuba Center to find out if your tour has been cancelled.

Q: Does our visit require much walking?

A: Garden tours involve a two-hour stroll through our hillside gardens, occasionally on uneven ground. The total distance walked during tours is usually about one-half mile. On Open Days, visitors may choose to walk as much as they are able.

Q: Can I stroll the gardens without a guide?

A: On Open Days, visitors may stroll the garden without a guide.

Q: Are the gardens wheelchair accessible?

A: Due to the uneven natural paths and hilly terrain, our gardens are not wheelchair accessible. Strollers are also not permitted.

Q: Is the Main House open for tours?

A: The Main House has been converted to offices and an education resource center and is not open for tours.

Q: Are photographs allowed?

A: Visitors are welcome to take photographs for personal use.

Q: Is there a restaurant on the grounds?

A: Mt. Cuba Center does not offer food or refreshments to visitors. Drinking water is available in the Main House.

Q: Does Mt. Cuba Center allow weddings in the gardens?

A: Mt. Cuba Center is not available for wedding ceremonies, receptions, wedding photos, or any private events or parties.

Q: Where is Mt. Cuba Center?

A: We are located in northern Delaware, just outside of Wilmington – a convenient 45-minute drive from Philadelphia and 90 minutes from Baltimore. For additional information on how to reach us, and for driving directions, see Directions.