Bellingrath Gardens is one of the area’s top attractions and captivates visitors with its exquisite beauty and captivating natural wonders, filled with rare plants, a museum, and beautiful flowers blooming every day! Even better, it’s only a 45-minute drive from Dauphin Island to Mobile, AL where the gardens are located.
Just 20 minutes from our Dauphin Island beach rentals, Bellingrath Gardens is a must-see for all nature lovers and anyone looking to spend some time outdoors!
The History of Bellingrath Gardens
Bellingrath Gardens is a beautiful public garden located in Theodore, Alabama. It covers an area of approximately 65 acres and is open to the public year-round. The gardens are named after Walter Bellingrath and his wife, Bessie Mae Morse Bellingrath, who created this magnificent botanical paradise. The story began in the early 1900s when Walter Bellingrath and his wife, Bessie Mae Morse Bellingrath, lived in Mobile, Alabama.
Walter Bellingrath was a successful businessman who made his fortune in the Coca-Cola bottling industry. He was also an avid gardener and had a keen interest in horticulture. His wife, Bessie Mae, was an accomplished artist and an enthusiastic gardener. In the 1920s, the Bellingraths purchased property along the Fowl River in Mobile County. They built a beautiful home on the property and began to develop the gardens.
The gardens opened in 1932, quickly becoming a popular tourist attraction. The gardens were designed to showcase the natural beauty of the Gulf Coast region. The Bellingraths traveled extensively worldwide and brought back many exotic plants and flowers incorporated into the gardens. They also worked with local horticulturists and botanists to create a unique collection of native plants and flowers.
One of the most notable features of the gardens is the Bellingrath Rose Garden featuring over 2,000 varieties, one of the country’s largest collections of roses. Another popular feature of the gardens is the Asian-American Garden, designed to celebrate the cultural diversity of the Gulf Coast region. It features a beautiful pond, a Japanese tea house, and a Chinese pavilion.
Today, Bellingrath Gardens is a National Historic Landmark recognized as one of the finest public gardens in the United States. It attracts visitors worldwide and continues to be a source of inspiration and beauty for generations.
Bellingrath Gardens is a testament to the vision and dedication of Walter and Bessie Mae Bellingrath. Their love for nature and horticulture created a magnificent botanical paradise that continues to inspire and delight visitors worldwide. It has become one of the most popular things to do in Dauphin Island.
Things to Do at Bellingrath Gardens
Explore the Bellingrath Museum Home
The Bellingrath Museum Home, constructed in 1935 by Walter and Bessie Mae Bellingrath, stands as a remarkable testament to the history and elegance of the Gulf Coast region. The home was designed in the Colonial Revival style by renowned architect George Bigelow Rogers and boasts a grand foyer, formal living room, dining room, library, music room, and sun porch, all decorated with a unique collection of antiques, reproductions, and custom-made furnishings.
The Bellingrath Museum Home is a highly recommended tourist attraction in Dauphin Island, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the exquisite beauty of Southern architecture and design while gaining insights into the life of one of the region’s most notable families. The home’s impressive collection of porcelain and pottery is on display throughout the property.
Guided tours allow visitors to learn about the history and significance of each room and its contents. The Bellingrath Museum Home is a tribute to the vision and dedication of Walter and Bessie Mae Bellingrath and a poignant reminder of history and elegance.
Walk the Gardens
Bellingrath Gardens is a true gem in Theodore, Alabama, where visitors can immerse themselves in the natural beauty and diversity of the Gulf Coast region Sprawling over 65 acres of land. The gardens are thoughtfully divided into sections, each with unique themes and attractions.
Amongst the many areas, the Rose Garden is a fan favorite boasting over 2,000 roses in a dazzling array of colors and varieties; it’s a sight to behold. Meanwhile, the tranquil Mirror Lake is a serene oasis reflecting the surrounding landscape, creating an idyllic setting visitors can escape. The Asian-American Garden is another standout feature, inspired by the beauty and culture of Asia, with plants and features that evoke its unique style.
The Magnolia Grove, Great Lawn, and Butterfly Garden are also not to be missed, each providing its distinctive charm and appeal. Knowledgeable guides can lead guided tours for visitors who want to learn more about the gardens. Alternatively, visitors can explore the gardens at their leisure independently. Regardless of the time of year, Bellingrath Gardens is a year-round delight, showcasing the natural beauty of each season in its unique way.
Plan Your Dauphin Island Visit
Experience the natural beauty of Bellingrath Gardens on your Dauphin Island vacation. Discover stunning gardens, water features, and wildlife in this serene oasis. Start planning your trip today!
Other Attractions on the Estate
There are various things to do near Dauphin Island. The Bellingrath Garden is home to the Bellingrath Rose Garden, Conservatory, Great Lawn, Live Oak Plaza, South Terrace, and North Terrace. The Rose Garden is a tribute to the Rotary Club of Mobile, while the Conservatory was restored in 1996.
The Great Lawn hosts many Bellingrath events, while the Live Oak Plaza features fountains and runnels. The South Terrace is used for weddings and Christmas concerts, while the East Terrace offers river views. The Delchamps Gallery of Boehm Porcelain was created in 1967 to house a collection of Boehm porcelain given to the Gardens by the Delchamps family.
The Chapel was designed for religious services for the Bellingraths and their guests, but after Mr. Bellingrath died in 1955, it was closed and used as a makeshift warehouse. The Gardens offer a variety of activities for guests, including the River Front Pavilion, Dwight Harrigan ExxonMobil Bayou Boardwalk, Mirror Lake Dam, Summer House, Lion Overlook, Rustic Bridge, Mirror Lake Overlooks, Rockery, Asian-American Garden.
Hours, Tickets, and Info
Bellingrath Gardens, located in Theodore, Alabama, is a 65-acre botanical garden with stunning horticultural displays, historic architecture, and serene water features. It is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
Guided tours are available for an additional fee. Bellingrath Gardens is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the Gulf Coast region of Alabama, with its beautiful gardens, historic architecture, and tranquil water features. Group tours are available for groups of 20 or more and must be reserved in advance. Accessibility is entirely wheelchair accessible, with paved walkways and ramps throughout the property. Photography and pets are allowed for personal use only, but professional photographers must obtain a permit and pay a fee.
Events include a Christmas light display and a spring flower festival. Bellingrath Gardens is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the Gulf Coast region of Alabama, with its beautiful gardens, historic architecture, and tranquil water features.
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