My wife and I were looking for places to have our wedding for a long time, and after some thought, we decided to have it at these gardens. It was the best decision. The place itself is absolutely beautiful and was perfect for the day, with beautiful trees and sunlight and a big enough space to hold both our ceremony and reception. All of our guests who came couldn't stop complimenting the area, and some of them even talked about wanting to come back. It should be said that the workers at the park were also incredibly nice and accommodating to us and all of our questions and requests. If you're thinking about booking this area for an event, or even just curious about dropping by, I couldn't recommend anything else higher. read more

Dunsmuir Botanical Gardens - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Dunsmuir, California

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What a gem! We were very surprised when we drove back into these gardens at just how lovely and natural they were. Only a few feet back from the busy roadway you are transported into a natural oasis. You are greeted by a pretty fountain and then the creek and nature trails. There is a playground and the gardens themselves, which are on the small side, but have a large green space in the center for you to enjoy. We walked down to the water first and just sat relaxing and enjoying the sounds. The gardens were nice, if small, and I loved the Japanese Maples everywhere. This is a very family friendly and dog friendly spot. The bathrooms were oddly dark and I had to use the flashlight on my phone but they were reasonably clean and this location is totally free and open to any and everyone. It is definitely worth checking out. read more

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Small but scenic garden tucked away in Dunsmuir city park. It's not got a lot of flowers or sections but does have a peaceful woodland setting with the river running by. There's plenty of parking and picnic tables to relax and enjoy the area. It's a modest garden but nicely kept and a great way to stretch your legs and enjoy the peace of the river flowing by. read more

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It is a little garden in the middle of the natural beauty of Dunsmuir. So, not sure what's the point.

A very peaceful garden in the setting of a forest alongside the Sacramento River. The sounds of the river are very relaxing. Somehow the speed of it or all the bends and turns makes for a very noticeable rushing water sound. In contrast the river near Sundial Bridge is nearly silent - maybe because it is so wide and straight. The garden here is best to enjoy a picnic. It is part of a larger park that has a field and swimming pool and views of the Volcano. There is a steam train on display up front and I think a caboose too. Tons of parking both up front and toward the back. A quick loop - if you don't feel like walking much you can take the loop and see where you like it best. If you strictly want the best views of the Volcano this isn't it as the trees block the view when your deep into the forest. This is probably more of a locals park and probably not for somebody driving through the interstate. read more

Beautiful little garden area nestled among the forest. A nice drive to see a local treasure.

This place is magical! My 7 year old daughter swore that we were in the enchanted forest where the Smurfs live. I think she was right. So green, beautiful flowers and the sound of the flowing river. Peaceful, breathtaking, a must visit! read more

Dunsmuir Botanical Gardens - Magical! This garden is breathtaking. - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Dunsmuir, California

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We came near dusk... had a weird vibe in the area just getting out of the car. It felt like children in the playground but there weren't any. Then, to only find this whole place is a memorial from the river to the gardens. For those that are "sensitive" or empathic, not sure if this is a place you want to come especially near dusk or after... unless you are into these...or have loved ones here you miss. We bolted out of there pretty quickly. read more

The garden is located inside Dunsmuir City Park. Enter at the steam locomotive, pass the baseball field and tennis court, and park between the playground and Upper Sacramento River. The botanical garden rings the grass field and features local favorites like rhododendrons, hydrangeas, and ferns. The short 15-minute garden stroll can be enhanced by enjoying the features of the city park like sitting at the picnic benches along the Upper Sacramento River. Rail fans can look but not touch the fenced off 4-6-0 Baldwin steam locomotive built in 1901. A caboose is located further south past the community swimming pool. read more

A beautiful place to have a picnic to go walking by the river. Very well-maintained beautiful just beautiful have went to concerts there. The bathrooms are clean just a peaceful area. Love it. read more

This was such a darling well sized botanical to visit. It is small but great if you also want to sit to read or have a picnic. A play ground is nearby for the kids and there's fishing as the river was there. I'd love to return just to sit. And it's great to do a picnic too. read more

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The park was clean, with a small play structure, lots of swings, some paths with planted flowers, a grassy glen, and access to the river. I wouldn't really call this a botanical garden--it isn't a collection of interesting plants, but rather well-tended flower beds. There are statues that are memorials to children who have passed away. The river is fun to throw rocks in, but it isn't calm, and--particularly after seeing the statues--I was nervous about the kids getting swept away. The stop was fine since we were on vacation and the kids really need a playground at least every couple of days, but I wouldn't go out of my way. There were people living in the park, a dead animal in the wishing fountain, out-of-service bathrooms, and an event going on that took up all the grassy area and immediate parking spaces and made us feel like we needed to be uncomfortably quiet. I know it was probably an off day, but not a five-star park. read more

This place is sooooo beautiful! My husband and I took our 2 year old (almost 3) and we all had the best time ever! Definitely the best place to spend our family time read more

Dunsmuir Botanical Gardens - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Dunsmuir, California

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Perhaps the best place to visit in Dunsmuir beautiful park along the upper Sacramento River, also connected to Tauhindali city park along the river just south of the botanical Gardens, One of the very few Native Americans who weren't murdered by gold miners. read more

This is an ideal place to get off the road with the kiddos. I came across this park by accident and we ended up staying over an hour. We got our feet wet in the river, explored the short trails through the garden and played on the swings. Well taken care of grounds, clean bathrooms and other families enjoying a break too. I agree with other reviewer that this isn't a botanical garden like youd find in bigger towns, but you won't be disappointed if you stop here. Unless you hate nature. Then you're just a miserable soul and I feel sorry for you. read more

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Beautifully put together garden near the river...a great place to relax with the sound of water nearby.

Not quite "botanical gardens" in the sense one might expect in a larger community, this is a quite-small collection. The site has a "rock-crevice garden," a very short pathway lined with various labeled plants, and some cute statues dedicated to loved ones. A nice touch was a bench "in celebration of" the givers' (still-living) parents -- glad they gave this tribute while the parents were alive to experience it, unlike most such dedicated fixtures, which are erected after the honoree has died. The site has a sizable playground, decent restrooms, plus a gazebo and several picnic tables that overlook a rushing stream. Pleasant enough if you're already in town; not sure it's worth the trek otherwise. read more

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As other have said, this is not a botanical garden as most people conceive of them. That said, the rock crevice garden is pretty nice. But forget that, this park is amazing for a town of Dunsmuir's size. Dozens of picnic tables and grills, a playground, lots of folks fly fishing in the river, and a trail along the river that connects to other parks. It is lovely, cool in the heat, and extremely well appointed. Seriously as good as it gets for smaller town parks. read more

The gardens are used by both interstatre 5 travelers passing through Dunsmuir and the local population as their local open space. Many out of town visitors stop here every year to stretch the legs, use the restrooms, have their children use the swings/slide, have a picnic lunch or dinner. There is a gas station and several restaurants close by where you can pick up food and then enjoy a meal in the park which is right on the Sacramento River. During fishing season this river access is used daily. I'm in charge of the botanic garden and we are adding interesting plants to our small botanic garden collections every year. Our peak blooms are rhododendrons and dogwoods in the spring. We are not a big urban park but rather a small town, green jewel on the river. read more

Beautiful gardens next to the Sacramento river with a kids playground and clean bathrooms. Small but very nice to stroll around and take a look at all the clearly labeled plants, flowers, and trees. I saw a few people go down the river with fishing poles. read more

Five stars for a nice, clean park. River access and a playground for the kids. Small parking lot but it should accommodate visitors. Also, there is a deck off of the park; might be able to rent for events, such as weddings. Thanks! read more

Nice spot to relax with access to water- clean restrooms and a nice place to let the children have a break and stretch their legs.