Plan Your Visit

Discover a world of natural wonder and serene beauty, where each step helps you find your path to nature.

Questions about visiting the Gardens? Please contact Guest Services Manager Aaron Cressman.

Whether you stop by for a stroll through the Gardens or plan out an entire day exploring the entire property, Daniel Stowe Conservancy Stowe offers something all outdoor lovers can celebrate. Hikes? Check. Beautiful and rare blooms? Check. Shopping? Check. Delicious food and beverage options? Check. Live music. Check. From the enthusiastically outdoorsy to the folks we lovingly call “inside-y”, Stowe will meet you where you are as you find your path to nature on our 380 acres.

The beauty of a visit to Daniel Stowe Conservancy (besides our stunning property itself) is that you can completely customize your experience. Take note of the following as you plan your visit:

  • Only The Gardens at Stowe and Big Leaf Cafè + Shop require an admission fee or membership to enter. See below for current admission rates.
  • The Trailhead Store, The Farmhouse Garden Center (opening Spring 2025), Uncle Dan’s Dog Park and our scenic trails are free to the public!
  • Hours vary between The Gardens at Stowe and our various food and retail operations. Click here for current hours. The trails and dog park close at the same time as The Trailhead Store.

Gardens at Stowe Admission

Garden Members: Free

Explore Membership

Adult: $16.95 +tax
Senior: (60+) : $14.95 +tax
Child: (2-12) : $9.95 +tax
Children Under 2: Free

Please note, special event admission fees may apply to select events. The Gardens are open rain or shine. Refunds or rain checks on admission ticket purchases are not granted for weather related reasons. In the event of extreme weather including snow or a bad storm the Gardens may close. Please call 704-825-4490 prior to your visit.

Know Before You Go

Click here to view a map of The Gardens at Stowe

Groups of 15 or more require a reservation; please fill out this form to request your group visit.

Stowe is located in Belmont, North Carolina.

We are located 21 miles from Charlotte, NC, and 13 miles from Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

Get directions to Stowe on Google Maps.

Stowe has several delicious options for food and beverages, from pre-hike fuel to lunch with the whole family to winding down with a glass of wine at sunset:

  • Big Leaf Cafè + Shop provides self-serve grab-and-go food options such as sandwiches, wraps, parfaits, salads, pastries and more, as well as sodas, water, beer and wine. We’re also serving up “the world’s best peanut butter and jelly”. Skeptical? Try it for yourself!
  • The Trailhead Store serves delicious self-serve grab-and-go options perfect for hitting the trails or hanging out on the porch. There’s nothing more relaxing than a drink at The Trailhead Store in a serene outdoor setting.
  • The Prairie Canteen (opening late Spring 2025) provides convenient snacks and drinks right next to the Prairie Castle Playground so hungry kids and parents can grab a quick bit between adventures.

As a benefit of your EBT card, you can visit during daytime hours as often as you’d like for only $3 per person. Present your benefits card at admissions for up to four family members. Discount not applicable for ticketed events, photoshoots, engagements or private events. Offer valid only for daytime Daily Admission.

Learn more about Museums for All.

Q: Do you have wheelchairs or strollers available? 

Wheel chairs and strollers are not available for rent, although the Gardens are stroller/handicap accessible. Benches are located throughout the Gardens.

Q: What if it rains during my visit?

The Gardens are open rain or shine. Refunds or rain checks on admission ticket purchases are not granted for weather related reasons. In the event of extreme weather including snow or a bad storm the Gardens may close. Please call 704-825-4490 prior to your visit.

Q: Can I bring food or drinks in the Gardens? 

Outside food and alcohol are not allowed on Daniel Stowe Conservancy Property.

Q: Do you have a restaurant on site? 

No; however, we have beverages, wine and snacks in The Trailhead Store and Big Leaf Café. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis on the terrace or at picnic tables. The Gardens occasionally hosts food trucks for special events, but please inquire for specific dates and availability.

Q: Can I bring art supplies and/or a camera? 

We encourage you to find your creativity in nature! We welcome you to bring art supplies that will not deface garden surfaces (no paint drips on the bricks, please!) or block the enjoyment of our spaces for others. For those wanting to take photographs, we ask that they be for your own enjoyment and not for monetary gain. Visitors and members are welcome to take snapshot photographs of plants, individuals and subjects that capture the events of your visit. Daniel Stowe Conservancy defines a snapshot as an informal photograph that is shot spontaneously and quickly without artistic intent. You may share your photos of the Gardens on social media outlets.

For those wanting to take portraits or commercial photography, please see our Photography Policy for more information on booking those sessions.

No entry fee is required to access The Trailhead Store or the eight+ miles of hiking trails on Stowe property. Gates for the property will close following The Trailhead Store schedule. If you are accessing the trails, please plan your time accordingly.

Daniel Stowe Conservancy is closed for the following holidays, New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Dogs are forbidden from entering the Gardens at Stowe. Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails and paths outside of the Gardens, at the Trailhead store porch, Farmhouse Garden Center porch, and may be unleashed in the Dog Park.

Trained service animals which perform life functions for those with disabilities are permitted to enter the Gardens at Stowe, in compliance with ADA regulations. Service animals are not granted access to the Butterfly Bungalow experience.

For those wanting to take portraits or commercial photography, please see our Photography Policy for more information on booking those sessions.

Looking for ground transportation to the museum? We’ve partnered with CharterUP to help you secure a charter bus in Charlotte for both small and large groups.

Another option for bus and shuttle travel is GOGO Charters. They provide reliable transportation in Charlotte for groups to and from our grounds.

National Charter Bus also offers charter bus rental services to DSBG. You can book a bus in Charlotte with their fast online reservation services.