Whether you are a first-time visitor, or know the grounds like the back of your hand, a walk through Bloedel Reserve doesn’t disappoint. The New York Times called us “one of this country’s most original and ambitious gardens.”

Bloedel’s twelve distinct gardens range from a Bird Marsh teeming with life, to a velvety-soft Moss Garden, to an award-winning Japanese Garden. It’s an ever-changing landscape, and each visit brings surprises as you witness nature unfolding right before your eyes.

At Bloedel, you won’t find plant identification tags nor directional signage. A walk through Bloedel is an experience and one in which you immerse yourself in nature and for a moment, let the rest of the world fade away.

GUIDED TOURS

A guided tour of Bloedel is a refreshing outdoor activity for groups. Led by trained docents, tours can be tailored to various interests and physical abilities.

• Guided tours are available for groups of seven or more adults and need to be arranged with at least three weeks notice.
• The minimum length for a guided tour is 1.5 hours and a complete guided tour of Bloedel takes 2.5 hours.
• There is no additional charge for tour guides and groups pay the regular per person admission. Full payment is due two weeks before the date of the guided tour and there are no refunds. If you book within two weeks of the scheduled tour,  payment is due upon scheduling.

FIELD TRIPS

Bloedel welcomes school children, youth groups, and college students for guided tours. Many of our tour guides are retired teachers who love leading tours for students of all ages.

• School children from preschool through 6th grade are $3 each and students in 7th grade through college are $6 each. Teachers and chaperones pay the same reduced rates as the students they accompany.

To arrange for a guided tour or field trip, please call 206.842.7631 x14, or email Director of Volunteer & Guest Services.

Do I need a reservation to visit?

We are reservation-free. Please visit anytime during regular hours.

Is picnicking allowed?

Food and picnicking is not allowed on the grounds. Guests may bring bottled water. Drinking water also is available at the Gate House and in the Visitor Center. Small children and those with medical conditions requiring snacks may eat in the Visitor Center.

Can I bring my dog or other pet to Bloedel?

Pets are not allowed on the grounds and must not be left in cars in the parking lot. Service animals are welcome.

When is the best time to visit Bloedel?

Bloedel is open year-round and each season and every visit offer new discoveries.

How much time should I allow for my visit?

Visitors should plan on two hours to adequately enjoy the interweaving of formal gardens and natural woodlands.

Is Bloedel wheelchair/stroller-accessible?

Our trails are well-maintained bark or paved roadways, so most of Bloedel’s gardens are accessible to persons with limited mobility. Due to stairs or steep terrain a few areas might be difficult to navigate. Our Guest Relations staff will provide maps and suggest routes through the garden that are accessible to wheelchairs and require the least amount of walking. Sturdy wheelchairs are available for visitors to borrow at no charge, on a first-come, first-served basis.

Does Bloedel allow weddings?

At this time, Bloedel does not allow weddings but we welcome engagements!

Can I take photos at Bloedel?

We welcome amateur photographers and artists in the gardens but portrait and commercial photography are not allowed. Guests are permitted to use folding tripod stands or monopod stands that can fit inside a standard backpack. Please use caution when using and do not block trails or damage plants or landscaping.

Members of the press should call in advance to arrange for admission to Bloedel or to schedule a press event at 206.842.7631 x19.

All ages enjoy exploring Bloedel and to further enhance the experience, we collaborated with Bainbridge Island-based Kids Discovery Museum to create educational and entertaining activities. When you arrive, check out an activity or two. (Included with admission.)

BLOEDEL RESERVE’S EYE SPY: Four pages of close-up photos shed a different perspective on Bloedel. The game follows the trail and players keep their eyes open for the highlighted details.

BLOEDEL BINGO: With six different versions of the bingo board, families can challenge each other to be the first one to call, “Bingo!”

PHOTO SAFARI: Using a smartphone or camera, kids are given a list of items to photograph and try to capture items in all categories. This a particularly great activity for preteens and teens.

Bloedel also offers family programs throughout the year like summer’s Out(side)rageous Family Day, fall’s Super Squash Scavenger Hunt and winter’s Holiday Village. Check our event page for more details.