The gardens are closed for general admission for the season. We will re-open on April 1, 2026.

Hours
April 1 through June 30, 2026
Tuesday– Sunday, 10 am – 6 pm

July 1 through October 31, 2026
Wednesday– Sunday, 10 am – 6 pm

November 1 through November 22, 2026
Wednesday– Sunday, 10 am – 4 pm

Tickets & Memberships
Tickets can be purchased in advance or upon arrival. Apply the value of your ticket(s) toward a membership on the day of your visit and receive member benefits, including unlimited general admission and more.

To see a list of discounted general admission and library pass programs, click here.

Mt. Cuba Center is located near Wilmington, DE,  just 4 miles north of Route 141. We are just a quick drive from Philadelphia (45 minutes), Baltimore (90 minutes), Washington, D.C. (2 ½ hours), and New York City (3 hours).

3120 Barley Mill Road
Hockessin, DE 19707

Discover formal and naturalistic gardens, our trial garden, and the ponds.

Take a hike! Explore nearly three miles of scenic trails throughout Mt. Cuba Center’s 1,000 acres of natural lands.

View or download Mt. Cuba’s guest map before your visit.

English Map

  Mapa en Español

Accessibility

Due to our rolling terrain and mulched paths, access to level, even terrain is limited. Please visit our Accessibility page to learn more.

Visiting with Children
We welcome gardeners of all ages! Baby carriers and backpacks may be helpful while exploring our hillside gardens and trails. All-terrains strollers are recommended.

Picnicking

Light refreshments are available for sale onsite, and guests may bring food and drinks. Take advantage of our shaded picnic area, find a seat in the gardens, or borrow one of our picnic blankets to use on the grounds. Guests are encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle to help minimize waste and support Mt. Cuba’s commitment to conservation.

Garden and Trails Etiquette

• Accessing Mt. Cuba’s property is only permitted during our regular visitation season, April through November, by entering our Main Entrance and scanning your membership or purchasing a general admission ticket.
• Enjoy plants and wildlife from paths and lawns but please avoid stepping into garden beds and our native grasslands.
• Feel free to touch and smell our plants and admire wildlife from a safe distance; please do not damage or remove plant parts.
• Please do not disturb plant labels. Educators are available to answer any questions.
• Feel free to take photographs for personal use. Please inquire in advance for professional or commercial photography policies.
• Certified service animals are permitted at Mt. Cuba. No pets in the gardens or on the trails in our natural lands, please.
• We are a smoke-free facility. Smoking is only permitted inside personal vehicles.

Personal Safety
We recommend bringing sunscreen and insect repellant for your comfort. After visiting the Trails, check for ticks in order to prevent lyme disease. For more information, visit cdc.gov/Lyme.

Prohibited Items and Activities

• Firearms, ammunition, knives, and weapons of any kind
• Self-defense or restraining devices (e.g., pepper spray, mace)
• Marijuana (including marijuana enriched products) or any illegal substance
• Fireworks or other similarly explosive and/or flammable objects
• Outside alcoholic beverages
• Drones
• Horns, whistles, large megaphones, or artificial noise makers including musical instruments
• Recreational devices such as remote-controlled toys, skateboards, scooters, inline skates, or shoes with built-in wheels (bicycles used for transportation are permitted in designated parking areas)
• Balloons, flags, banners, and flyers
• Smoking, including vaping
• Solicitation
• Pets and therapy animals (service animals are allowed)

Photo Policy

Upon entering the premises, you grant Mt. Cuba the right to film and photograph you for promotional purposes. Read our full photo policy. 

Mt. Cuba has a selection of native plants available for purchase on-site, while supplies last. Selections vary by season. Be sure to stop by our plant sale tables near ticketing and find the right plant for your garden!

Check the map below for nearby restaurants, attractions, and lodging.