Accessibility at the Garden

Berkshire Botanical Garden is committed to creating an inclusive, welcoming experience for all visitors. We offer a range of accessibility options to support individuals with physical, financial, sensory, and other needs.  

Physical Accessibility

Mobility and Pathways 

The 24-acre Garden features a mix of pathways, lawns, and garden beds. While most areas are wheelchair-friendly, terrain can be variable with some significant slopes. Pathways are made of a variety of materials including gravel, mulch, pavers, and rough stone. Some gardens are only reachable via stairs, but these areas are viewable from nearby accessible points. 

• Wheelchairs are available with advance reservation. Please email info@berkshirebotanical.org to reserve.

• Accessible parking spaces are clearly marked in our main parking lot located outside the Visitor Center.

• Accessible and inclusive restrooms are located in the Education Center and Center House.

• An ADA-specific Garden map is available at the Visitor Center. Click Here to view map on your device.

Seating and Shelter

Benches, chairs, and picnic tables are placed throughout the grounds at comfortable intervals. Shaded areas and indoor spaces are also available for rest and respite. Air conditioning is available in the Visitor Center and Center House. 

Visitor Center

The Visitor Center is an accessible space and serves as the main point of entry to the Garden. It offers admissions, snacks and beverages, gifts and souvenirs, and visitor assistance and information.

Service Animals

Service animals are welcome in the Garden. Pets, including emotional support animals, are not allowed.

Signage and Navigation

Wayfinding signage is located throughout the property, including gardens, pathways, and public buildings. At this time, signage is only available in English.

Audio Tours

Self-guided audio tours in both English and Spanish are available for many areas of the Garden. Ask about the Audio Tour in the Visitor Center.

Financial Accessibility

Pay-As-You-Wish Admission

Admission is "pay-as-you-wish" every Tuesday from May to October. Donations to support Berkshire Botanical Garden's mission are always welcome.

Public Transit Access

Berkshire Botanical Garden is accessible via the Berkshire Regional Transit Authority’s Route 21 (Lee–Great Barrington). The closest bus stop is at the corner of Routes 183 and 102, at the east end of the Garden, just a short walk to the Visitor Center.

The Route 21 bus runs approximately every 2 hours, with service in both directions between Lee and Great Barrington. Weekday and weekend schedules differ — please consult BRTA’s website for the most accurate times. While the stop near BBG is not officially named, it falls between Stop 3 (Stockbridge Center) and Stop 4 (Housatonic Center).

Please note the short walk from the bus stop to the Visitor Center is not currently wheelchair accessible, and includes uneven, grassy terrain.

Card to Culture Program

In partnership with the Massachusetts Cultural Council, we offer free admission to Massachusetts residents who are holders of the following:

• EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer)

• WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)

• ConnectorCare Health Plan

• SUN Bucks (Summer EBT)

**Please present your card at check-in. Admission applies to cardholders and up to 3 guests.**

Library and Museum Passes

Free admission with a valid library or museum pass from participating institutions in our region. Please present pass at check-in. Admission applies to either 2 or 4 guests depending on the participating library branch.

Reciprocal Admission

We honor memberships from:

• NARM (North American Reciprocal Museum Association)

• ROAM (Reciprocal Organization of Associated Museums)

• AHS (American Horticultural Society)

Please present your valid membership card with the reciprocal logo at check-in. Free admission applies to the cardholder and 1 additional guest. Family level memberships will be allowed up to 2 adults and 2 children ages 12-20.

Wonderfund Access Card

Free general admission for up to 2 adults and up to 4 children under 18.

Discounts on Programs and Events

Massachusetts Card to Culture participants receive a 50% discount on classes, field trips, and a variety of other events. To request discounted tickets, please email: jpatton@berkshirebotanical.org.

Camp Financial Aid

“Camperships” are available for families demonstrating financial need who would like their child to join our Farm in the Garden Camp summer programs. For more information, please contact mleahy@berkshirebotanical.org.

Sensory and Emotional Accessibility

Wildflower Meadow

The Wildflower Meadow is a 2.5-acre ecological showpiece, opened to the public in 2023, featuring walking trails and sweeping vistas. The meadow is a designated quiet zone, intended as a restorative space for anyone seeking a moment of calm and reflection.  Eschewing the use of herbicides, our horticulture team manages weeds through scheduled mowings, string trimming, and hand clipping. The result is a vibrant, densely interwoven array of flora native to the Berkshires and the Northeast, designed by Larry Weaner Landscape Associates.

Discovery Garden

The Discovery Garden is a lively miniature world designed to delight the senses. Here, plants invite you to touch, smell, and explore, while interactive features spark curiosity and play. Dig in the garden beds, discover fragrant and textured plants, peek into a hidden fairy garden, or simply relax in the shade. Visitors can also meet our friendly chickens and share a wish in the garden’s mailbox. Though created with children in mind, the Discovery Garden welcomes everyone to step inside and experience a joyful world of wonder.

In Case of Emergency

On-Site Assistance

If you or someone in your party needs first aid or other assistance, alert any staff member or volunteer on the grounds, or visit the Visitor Center or Center House for help. In case of a life-threatening medical emergency, please contact 911 or ask a staff member to do so.

Contact Us

If you have any further questions or concerns about accessibility please contact info@berkshirebotanical.org.